Catchwise Casts a New Line in Sustainable Fishing with €1.25 Million Funding
March 22, 2025, 9:32 am
In the vast ocean of the fishing industry, a new wave is rising. Catchwise, an Oslo-based startup, has just reeled in €1.25 million in pre-seed funding. This cash infusion is not just a financial boost; it’s a lifeline for a sector grappling with sustainability challenges. With this funding, Catchwise aims to revolutionize the wild fishery industry through cutting-edge technology and artificial intelligence.
Founded in 2023, Catchwise emerged from a team of innovators with deep roots in both AI and commercial fishing. Their journey began after winning the FishAI: Sustainable Commercial Fishing competition in 2022. This victory was more than just a trophy; it was a signal that the industry was ready for change. The founders—Ludvig A. Løddesøl, Tomas Roaldsnes, Jonas Dammen, Kristian Andersen Hole, and Åsmund Brekke—have combined their expertise to create a platform that promises to transform fishing practices.
The fishing industry is often seen as a relic of the past, operating with outdated methods. Yet, it provides some of the greenest animal protein available. Fishing vessels navigate treacherous waters, often spending weeks at sea and burning thousands of liters of fuel daily. The challenge has always been to reduce fuel consumption without sacrificing efficiency. Traditionally, this meant investing in new gear or vessels, leading to incremental improvements. Catchwise aims to break this mold.
By integrating satellite ship tracking data (SAT-AIS), two decades of fishery records, and comprehensive ocean metrics—like temperature and salinity—Catchwise delivers actionable insights. This technology empowers fishing captains to optimize their operations. Imagine having a treasure map that not only shows where the fish are but also predicts their movements. That’s what Catchwise offers.
The platform is already operational, supporting over 50 vessels daily and serving 20 paying customers who manage more than 50 fishing vessels. This is just the beginning. The potential to cut search time and reduce fuel consumption by up to 50% is generating excitement across the industry. The promise of a more efficient and sustainable fishing operation is like a siren song, drawing in interest from investors and industry leaders alike.
The funding round was led by Dreamcraft Ventures, with participation from Sondo and Ocean Impact. Angel investors with strong startup backgrounds from companies like Oda, Enode, and Meltwater also joined the fray. This diverse backing underscores the belief that Catchwise is not just another tech startup; it’s a game-changer.
Catchwise’s mission aligns with global sustainability goals, particularly those set by the United Nations for life below water and climate action. The fishing industry is under pressure to reduce its carbon footprint while meeting the world’s protein demands. Catchwise’s technology is a beacon of hope in this struggle. By harnessing AI and data-driven technology, the company is poised to usher in a new era for the fishing industry—one that is more efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable.
The founders are not just looking to make incremental changes; they aim to overhaul the industry entirely. Their vision is clear: to create a data-driven fishing sector that thrives on innovation. The potential impact is enormous. With the right tools, fishing operations can become more efficient, leading to reduced operational costs and a lower carbon footprint.
The excitement surrounding Catchwise is palpable. Industry leaders recognize the transformative potential of the platform. The ability to consolidate real-time visualizations, predictive analytics, and operational automations into one seamless solution is revolutionary. It’s like having a Swiss Army knife for fishing operations—everything you need in one compact tool.
As the platform continues to evolve, the team at Catchwise is focused on ensuring product-market fit across various fisheries. This means adapting their technology to meet the unique challenges faced by different fishing operations. The ocean is vast and varied, and so are the needs of those who navigate it.
Catchwise is not just about technology; it’s about people. The team understands the challenges faced by fishing crews. They’ve walked the decks and felt the salt spray. This empathy drives their commitment to creating solutions that truly meet the needs of the industry.
The future looks bright for Catchwise. With fresh funding in hand, the company is ready to scale its operations and refine its offerings. The fishing industry is on the brink of a technological revolution, and Catchwise is leading the charge. As they cast their nets into the waters of innovation, the potential for a more sustainable and efficient fishing industry is within reach.
In conclusion, Catchwise is not just another startup; it’s a harbinger of change. With its innovative approach to merging AI with fishing practices, it stands poised to redefine the industry. The ocean is a vast frontier, and with Catchwise at the helm, the future of fishing looks promising. The tides are turning, and the fishing industry is ready to set sail into a new era of sustainability and efficiency.
Founded in 2023, Catchwise emerged from a team of innovators with deep roots in both AI and commercial fishing. Their journey began after winning the FishAI: Sustainable Commercial Fishing competition in 2022. This victory was more than just a trophy; it was a signal that the industry was ready for change. The founders—Ludvig A. Løddesøl, Tomas Roaldsnes, Jonas Dammen, Kristian Andersen Hole, and Åsmund Brekke—have combined their expertise to create a platform that promises to transform fishing practices.
The fishing industry is often seen as a relic of the past, operating with outdated methods. Yet, it provides some of the greenest animal protein available. Fishing vessels navigate treacherous waters, often spending weeks at sea and burning thousands of liters of fuel daily. The challenge has always been to reduce fuel consumption without sacrificing efficiency. Traditionally, this meant investing in new gear or vessels, leading to incremental improvements. Catchwise aims to break this mold.
By integrating satellite ship tracking data (SAT-AIS), two decades of fishery records, and comprehensive ocean metrics—like temperature and salinity—Catchwise delivers actionable insights. This technology empowers fishing captains to optimize their operations. Imagine having a treasure map that not only shows where the fish are but also predicts their movements. That’s what Catchwise offers.
The platform is already operational, supporting over 50 vessels daily and serving 20 paying customers who manage more than 50 fishing vessels. This is just the beginning. The potential to cut search time and reduce fuel consumption by up to 50% is generating excitement across the industry. The promise of a more efficient and sustainable fishing operation is like a siren song, drawing in interest from investors and industry leaders alike.
The funding round was led by Dreamcraft Ventures, with participation from Sondo and Ocean Impact. Angel investors with strong startup backgrounds from companies like Oda, Enode, and Meltwater also joined the fray. This diverse backing underscores the belief that Catchwise is not just another tech startup; it’s a game-changer.
Catchwise’s mission aligns with global sustainability goals, particularly those set by the United Nations for life below water and climate action. The fishing industry is under pressure to reduce its carbon footprint while meeting the world’s protein demands. Catchwise’s technology is a beacon of hope in this struggle. By harnessing AI and data-driven technology, the company is poised to usher in a new era for the fishing industry—one that is more efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable.
The founders are not just looking to make incremental changes; they aim to overhaul the industry entirely. Their vision is clear: to create a data-driven fishing sector that thrives on innovation. The potential impact is enormous. With the right tools, fishing operations can become more efficient, leading to reduced operational costs and a lower carbon footprint.
The excitement surrounding Catchwise is palpable. Industry leaders recognize the transformative potential of the platform. The ability to consolidate real-time visualizations, predictive analytics, and operational automations into one seamless solution is revolutionary. It’s like having a Swiss Army knife for fishing operations—everything you need in one compact tool.
As the platform continues to evolve, the team at Catchwise is focused on ensuring product-market fit across various fisheries. This means adapting their technology to meet the unique challenges faced by different fishing operations. The ocean is vast and varied, and so are the needs of those who navigate it.
Catchwise is not just about technology; it’s about people. The team understands the challenges faced by fishing crews. They’ve walked the decks and felt the salt spray. This empathy drives their commitment to creating solutions that truly meet the needs of the industry.
The future looks bright for Catchwise. With fresh funding in hand, the company is ready to scale its operations and refine its offerings. The fishing industry is on the brink of a technological revolution, and Catchwise is leading the charge. As they cast their nets into the waters of innovation, the potential for a more sustainable and efficient fishing industry is within reach.
In conclusion, Catchwise is not just another startup; it’s a harbinger of change. With its innovative approach to merging AI with fishing practices, it stands poised to redefine the industry. The ocean is a vast frontier, and with Catchwise at the helm, the future of fishing looks promising. The tides are turning, and the fishing industry is ready to set sail into a new era of sustainability and efficiency.