Maritime autonomous systems developer HavocAI has raised $85m in new capital, increasing its total funding to nearly $100m, since its founding 18 months ago.

The latest funding round saw participation from new investors including B Capital, In-Q-Tel, Hanwha, Lockheed Martin, Taiwania, Up Partners, Vanderbilt University, Island Green Capital, and Zero Infinity Partners.

B Capital general partner and chairman Howard Morgan said: “HavocAI represents exactly the kind of company we look for – one that combines cutting-edge technology with the proven ability to sell and execute.

“HavocAI is actually delivering working solutions that solve real operational challenges. Their ability to demonstrate functional autonomous systems at scale sets them apart as the clear market leader in this critical technology area.”

According to HavocAI, the funds will be deployed towards scaling its autonomous maritime technology.

The company intends to expand integration of its systems across new vessel types and sizes, beyond its existing range of 14', 38', 42', and 100' platforms.

The funding will also enable expanded operations in non-US markets and enhance direct support for international partners, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.

HavocAI said that it has adopted a software-first strategy, believing that existing shipbuilding capacity can meet military and commercial demands if advanced autonomy enables the formation of heterogeneous, self-organising fleets.

This would allow a single operator to manage hundreds or even thousands of vessels, according to the company.

HavocAI CEO and co-founder Paul Lwin said: “This funding represents far more than just capital – it has enabled us to cut through the noise about maritime autonomy and build a collaborative autonomy stack that actually works in a very short time.

“We've put two new boats in the water this year, and we're going to add two more before the year is over, including our 100' Atlas multi-mission vessel.”