Bedrock Robotics Secures $8M to Advance Ocean Floor Mapping

A New Frontier in Ocean Exploration

Anthony DiMare observed a striking disparity, stating to TechCrunch, “The absence of an ocean-based equivalent to SpaceX is rather remarkable.” He points out the lack of a prominent, technologically advanced company dedicated to comprehensive ocean exploration.

Last year, DiMare and Charles Chiau jointly established Bedrock Ocean Exploration. Chiau contributed significant expertise in robotics, complementing DiMare’s extensive background in marine environments. DiMare’s prior venture, Nautilus Labs, focused on logistical planning for ocean fleets and successfully secured an $11 million Series A funding round in 2019.

Following his departure from Nautilus Labs, DiMare recounts a meeting with Chiau at a San Francisco restaurant. Their discussion centered on the difficulties and possibilities inherent in mapping the ocean floor. Today, Bedrock announced the completion of an $8 million seed funding round, spearheaded by Eniac Ventures, Primary Venture Partners, Quiet Capital, and R7.

The Uncharted Ocean

The company emphasizes that over 80% of the world’s oceans remain unmapped. Furthermore, much of the mapped areas lack high-resolution detail. The CEO highlighted in a press release that, “A significantly larger portion of the lunar and Martian surfaces have been mapped and analyzed than our own ocean floor.”

These newly acquired funds will be allocated to fostering strategic partnerships and enhancing the company’s robotics and cloud-based platforms. The team, which includes participants from the recent Shell-sponsored XPrize ocean floor competition, is expected to grow in the near future.

Applications and Growth Potential

A key application for this technology lies in the deployment of undersea cables. DiMare explains, “Currently, cable laying is largely a case-by-case undertaking.” He elaborates, “If a cable needs to be laid between the United States and China, the process typically involves estimating the most efficient route, conducting a survey, and hoping the data obtained is sufficient. Any unexpected findings necessitate rerouting.”

The burgeoning offshore wind farm industry represents a substantial opportunity for growth. DiMare confirms, “We are presently not collaborating with any oil companies.” He adds, “We initially considered whether such partnerships would be necessary, but the rapid expansion of offshore wind energy has provided ample work, allowing us to concentrate solely on this sector.”

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