Blue Water Autonomy Unveils Autonomous Naval Ships

Blue Water Autonomy Launches with $14 Million in Seed Funding

A novel venture, Blue Water Autonomy, has recently exited stealth mode, announcing its focus on the creation of naval vessels capable of operating without a human captain.

Headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, the company secured $14 million in seed funding through investments from Eclipse, Riot, and Impatient Ventures.

Founding and Background

Established in 2024, Blue Water Autonomy was initiated by individuals with prior experience in the U.S. Navy, as well as leadership roles at Amazon Robotics and iRobot.

This new company is entering a rapidly expanding field, benefiting from increased investment within the defense sector.

Defense Tech Funding Trends

Funding for defense technologies reached unprecedented levels in 2024. This surge was notably driven by Anduril’s $1.5 billion Series F funding round and Saronic, a fellow autonomous maritime startup, which secured $175 million in its Series B round.

Technological Advancements and Testing

According to company statements, a comprehensive autonomy suite and initial ship designs were developed within a single year.

Currently, a 100-ton autonomous test vessel is undergoing saltwater trials off the coast of Boston, as confirmed by a company spokesperson to TechCrunch.

Use of Funds

The recently acquired seed funding will be allocated towards expanding the engineering team and expediting the testing process.

Industry Perspective

Seth Winterroth, a partner at Eclipse, commented, “Blue Water distinguishes itself as the sole company addressing this challenge at the scale of a complete ship.”

He further emphasized the unique blend of expertise within the team – roboticists and Navy veterans – positioning them as a key collaborator for the Navy, the Department of Defense, and a significant force within the maritime industry.