The marine autonomous vehicles industry in the US is thriving, marked by a mix of innovative startups and established firms. Key players develop technologies ranging from underwater drones to unmanned vessels, catering to sectors like environmental monitoring, ocean exploration, and maritime logistics. Environmental concerns are spurring the demand for sustainable and autonomous solutions, with many companies focusing on reducing marine traffic emissions and improving safety. With growing investments, improvements in AI and robotics, and increasing collaborations with government entities, the industry is poised for significant advancements that could reshape future maritime operations and enhance ocean sustainability.


This list features a selection of prominent investors focused on the marine autonomous vehicles sector. The investment landscape includes venture capital firms, corporate entities, and government organizations headquartered in diverse locales like San Francisco, Arlington, and Washington, D.C. These investors range from small firms with only a few employees to massive entities employing thousands. In 2024 alone, they collectively engaged in numerous funding rounds, backing up-and-coming companies aiming to innovate within the marine technology field—indicating a strong growth trajectory for both the investors and the industry itself.


Top 16 Marine Autonomous Vehicles Investors in the US


1. U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)

  • Website: energy.gov
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1977
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 597
  • LinkedIn: u-s--department-of-energy

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is a public entity established in 1977, responsible for overseeing national energy policy, energy production, and nuclear power research. It serves various stakeholders, including government entities and the public, by providing guidance on energy efficiency, funding opportunities, and conducting research to address energy challenges. In recent years, the DOE has been actively involved in funding marine energy technologies through grants. Notable transactions include a $1,100,000 grant to Ocean Power Technologies on July 18, 2022, aimed at advancing ocean energy solutions, and a $29,000,000 grant to Hydronalix on August 30, 2021, which focuses on innovative marine technologies. Other relevant grants include funding for USMAT, Windlift, and Ocean Motion Technologies, all of which contribute to the development of technologies that could support marine autonomous vehicles. These investments highlight the DOE's role in fostering innovation in the marine sector, particularly in relation to energy efficiency and renewable energy applications.


2. Y Combinator

  • Website: ycombinator.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 802
  • LinkedIn: y-combinator

Y Combinator is a prominent startup accelerator and venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2005. It provides funding and mentorship to early-stage technology companies through a structured program that includes resources like the Startup School and co-founder matching services. With over 4,000 startups launched, Y Combinator has established itself as a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Among its notable investments, Y Combinator has backed companies in the marine autonomous vehicles sector, such as Impossible Metals, which is developing underwater robotic vehicles for environmentally friendly collection of battery metals from the ocean seabed. Other relevant investments include Boundary Layer Technologies, Regent, and Fleetzero, all of which contribute to advancements in marine technology and autonomous vehicles. This diverse portfolio showcases Y Combinator's commitment to fostering innovation in the marine sector alongside its broader technology focus.


3. Plug and Play Tech Center


Plug and Play Tech Center is an innovation hub and venture capital firm based in Sunnyvale, California, founded in 2006. They connect startups with corporations to foster growth and innovation, offering various programs including accelerator initiatives and investment opportunities. In 2020, they participated in a Series A funding round for ORCA-TECH, a company focused on marine technology, which highlights their engagement in the marine autonomous vehicles sector. They also invested in BlueSpace.ai, an autonomous driving startup, indicating their interest in autonomous technologies that could relate to marine applications. Their diverse portfolio and focus on technology make them a significant player in the venture capital landscape, with the potential to impact the marine autonomous vehicles industry.


4. Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)

  • Website: av.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2023
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 258
  • LinkedIn: deep-tech-fund-av-focused-fund

The Deep Tech Fund, part of Alumni Ventures, is a venture capital firm founded in 2023, based in Manchester, New Hampshire. It provides accredited investors and institutions access to diversified venture portfolios, leveraging a network of over 10,000 investors. The fund has been involved in various transactions, including a significant investment in Terradepth, a company focused on marine technology, which raised funds in a Series A round. Additionally, they have participated in funding rounds for other technology startups, such as HavocAI and Picogrid, indicating a broad interest in innovative technologies that may intersect with marine autonomous vehicles.


5. Sosv

  • Website: sosv.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1995
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 170
  • LinkedIn: sosv

SOSV is a venture capital firm founded in 1995, specializing in funding and supporting deep tech startups through its development programs. With a global reach, SOSV connects innovative companies with investors, providing venture capital investment and resources to help startups grow and succeed. Notably, SOSV has invested in marine-related startups such as Nept, which has raised funds through multiple rounds, and CargoKite, which focuses on innovative solutions in the marine sector. These investments highlight SOSV's engagement in the marine autonomous vehicles context, showcasing their interest in advancing technologies that could impact this industry.


6. Hax

  • Website: hax.co
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2012
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 55
  • LinkedIn: hax

Hax is a venture capital firm and startup incubator based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2012. They specialize in supporting hard tech startups by providing funding, engineering support, and access to manufacturing resources. Hax aims to accelerate the growth of early-stage companies developing innovative solutions in sustainability, climate, and health. Notably, Hax has invested in Nept, a company that has raised funds through multiple rounds, indicating a commitment to marine technology. Additionally, they have invested in CargoKite, a startup focused on innovative cargo transport solutions, which may have applications in the marine autonomous vehicles sector. These transactions highlight Hax's engagement with companies that could contribute to advancements in marine autonomy.


7. Liquid 2 Ventures

  • Website: liquid2.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 91
  • LinkedIn: liquid-2-ventures

Liquid 2 Ventures is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2015. The firm specializes in investing in technology startups at the pre-seed and seed stages, as well as growth-stage companies. They provide capital, mentorship, and access to a vast network of industry insiders to help founders navigate their entrepreneurial journeys. Notably, Liquid 2 Ventures has made significant investments in the marine autonomous vehicles sector, including funding for Impossible Metals, which is developing underwater robotic vehicles to collect battery metals from the deep ocean seabed while protecting the environment. They also participated in funding rounds for Navier, a startup focused on creating innovative electric boats, and Regent, which is involved in marine technology. These transactions highlight Liquid 2 Ventures' commitment to supporting exceptional founders in the marine technology space.


8. Lockheed Martin

  • Website: lockheedmartin.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Bethesda, Maryland, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1912
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 19
  • LinkedIn: lockheed-martin

Lockheed Martin Corporation is a leading defense contractor specializing in aerospace and military technologies. Founded in 1912 and based in Bethesda, Maryland, the company provides advanced solutions to government entities, including the U.S. Department of Defense and foreign governments. In recent years, Lockheed Martin has expanded its investment portfolio to include marine autonomous vehicles, participating in significant funding rounds for companies like Ocean Aero, which focuses on autonomous ocean vehicles, and Regent Craft, which is developing all-electric seagliders. In 2023, Lockheed Martin participated in a Series A funding round for Regent Craft, which aims to deliver innovative maritime solutions with a substantial commercial order book. Additionally, they invested in Vatn Systems, which raised $13 million in a seed round in 2024, further demonstrating their commitment to advancing marine technologies.


9. Qualcomm Ventures

  • Website: qualcommventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Diego, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2000
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 18
  • LinkedIn: qualcomm-ventures

Qualcomm Ventures is a venture capital firm based in San Diego, California, founded in 2000. The firm specializes in investing in early to growth stage technology companies, particularly within the wireless ecosystem. They provide capital and strategic support to startups across various sectors, including automotive, digital health, and IoT. Notably, Qualcomm Ventures has participated in funding rounds for Swift Navigation, a company that develops centimeter-accurate GPS technology, which is highly relevant for marine autonomous vehicles. Their investments in Swift Navigation include a $2.6 million seed round in 2014, a $11 million Series A in 2015, and a $34 million Series B in 2017. These transactions highlight Qualcomm Ventures' engagement with technologies that can enhance navigation and operational capabilities in marine autonomy, showcasing their potential relevance in this sector.


10. IQT (In-Q-Tel)

  • Website: iqt.org
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Arlington, Virginia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 24
  • LinkedIn: in-q-tel

In-Q-Tel (IQT) is a not-for-profit venture capital firm founded in 1999, based in Arlington, Virginia. It specializes in investing in technology startups that can enhance U.S. national security. IQT partners with various government agencies to identify and support innovative solutions in areas such as software and materials sciences. Notably, IQT has invested in companies like Advanced Navigation, which focuses on AI technologies that can be applied in marine autonomous vehicles, and Vatn Systems, which raised funds for developing solutions that could be relevant to marine applications. These investments reflect IQT's commitment to supporting advancements in technologies that align with national security needs, including those applicable to the marine sector.


11. Government of Canada

  • Website: canada.ca
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Canada, Kentucky, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 137
  • LinkedIn: government-of-canada

The Government of Canada is a public entity that provides a wide range of services and information to Canadian citizens and residents, addressing various needs including employment, immigration, health care, and taxation. It operates through multiple departments and agencies to ensure access to essential services and support for individuals and businesses across the country. In recent years, the Government of Canada has actively invested in the marine autonomous vehicles sector, exemplified by its funding of Open Ocean Robotics, which raised over $2 million in a venture round and additional funding through grants. Other notable transactions include grants to Copperstone Technologies and General Dynamics Mission Systems - Canada, which further demonstrate the government's commitment to fostering innovation in marine technology. These investments highlight the Government of Canada's role as a significant player in supporting the development of marine autonomous vehicles.


12. Gaingels

  • Website: gaingels.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Burlington, Vermont, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 60
  • LinkedIn: gaingels

Gaingels is a venture capital firm founded in 2015, based in Burlington, Vermont, dedicated to investing in companies with diverse leadership. The firm focuses on fostering diversity and inclusion in the innovation economy by providing capital and support to startups led by underrepresented groups. In addition to their investment activities, Gaingels offers scholarship programs and advisory services to enhance board diversity. Among their notable transactions, Gaingels has invested in Impossible Metals, which is pioneering underwater robotic vehicles aimed at collecting battery metals from the deep ocean while minimizing environmental impact. They also participated in funding rounds for Impossible Mining, which is developing technology for sustainable ocean mining, and Flyby Robotics, which focuses on drone technology. These investments highlight Gaingels' commitment to supporting innovative solutions in the marine autonomous vehicles space.


13. Founders Fund

  • Website: foundersfund.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 44
  • LinkedIn: the-founders-fund

Founders Fund is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2005. The firm specializes in investing in innovative technology companies across various sectors, including aerospace and software development. They provide funding and strategic support to startups, helping them grow and scale their operations. Notable companies in their portfolio include SpaceX and Palantir, showcasing their focus on high-impact investments. Recently, Founders Fund has been involved in significant funding rounds for Anduril Industries, a defense technology company, raising substantial amounts in Series B through Series F funding. This involvement highlights their interest in advanced technology sectors that may intersect with marine autonomous vehicles, particularly in defense applications.


14. Sand Hill Angels

  • Website: sandhillangels.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Mountain View, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2000
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: sand-hill-angels

Sand Hill Angels is an angel investment group based in Mountain View, California, founded in 2000. They focus on providing funding and mentorship to technology startups, leveraging the expertise of their members who are experienced investors and business leaders. Among their notable transactions, they participated in the Series C funding round for Saildrone, a company that develops autonomous vehicles for ocean data collection, which raised $100 million in 2021. This investment highlights their engagement in the marine autonomous vehicles sector. Additionally, they have invested in other technology startups like Aerolane and Spire Global, showcasing their broader interest in innovative technologies, although these are not directly related to marine autonomy.


15. Soma Capital

  • Website: somacap.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 41
  • LinkedIn: soma-capital

Soma Capital is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2015. The firm specializes in early-stage investments across various sectors, including technology and finance, and has a strong track record of supporting innovative startups. With a portfolio that includes over 20 unicorns, Soma Capital provides capital and resources to help startups scale and succeed. Notably, they have invested in marine autonomous vehicles-related companies such as Impossible Metals, which focuses on developing underwater robotic vehicles for sustainable battery metal collection, and Navier, which is building futuristic electric boats. These transactions highlight Soma Capital's commitment to supporting advancements in the marine autonomous vehicles industry.


16. Hexagon Asset Lifecycle Intelligence


Hexagon Asset Lifecycle Intelligence, a division of Hexagon AB, is a corporate investor based in Madison, Alabama, specializing in industrial technology and software solutions. Founded in 1992, Hexagon operates globally, focusing on transforming data into actionable insights across various sectors, including government and industrial firms. The company has made significant investments in enhancing its technology portfolio, particularly in areas relevant to autonomous vehicles. Notable transactions include the acquisition of AutonomouStuff, a key player in integrated autonomous vehicle solutions, and Veripos, which manufactures satellite navigation and positioning systems critical for marine operations. These acquisitions demonstrate Hexagon's commitment to advancing technologies that support autonomous vehicle applications, including those in the marine sector.



Marine Autonomous Vehicles Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)10001+1977597
Y CombinatorSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002005802
Plug and Play Tech CenterSunnyvale, California, United States (USA)501-10002006253
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)51-2002023258
SosvUnited States (USA)51-2001995170
HaxSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)11-50201255
Liquid 2 VenturesSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)1-10201591
Lockheed MartinBethesda, Maryland, United States (USA)10001+191219
Qualcomm VenturesSan Diego, California, United States (USA)10001+200018
IQT (In-Q-Tel)Arlington, Virginia, United States (USA)51-200199924
Government of CanadaCanada, Kentucky, United States (USA)10001+1999137
GaingelsBurlington, Vermont, United States (USA)11-50201560
Founders FundSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)11-50200544
Sand Hill AngelsMountain View, California, United States (USA)51-20020003
Soma CapitalSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)11-50201541
Hexagon Asset Lifecycle IntelligenceMadison, Alabama, United States (USA)10001+19929


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