Sea-Flux secures NZD $3 million to drive global maritime push
Sea-Flux, a New Zealand maritime technology company, has raised close to NZD $3 million to support its global expansion plans for its cloud-based vessel management software.
The funding round was led by Punakaiki Fund and included contributions from existing shareholders. The investment is intended to aid Sea-Flux's further expansion in New Zealand, Australia, the UK, and the Middle East, as well as to fund improvements in customer onboarding, international sales, and ongoing product development.
Global ambitions
Sea-Flux offers a mobile-first, cloud-based app that consolidates compliance, safety, maintenance, and crew management for vessels into one system. The software provides offline capabilities and enables full-crew engagement using smartphones and tablets, aiming to reduce costs, risks, and administrative burdens previously associated with traditional server-based solutions.
Founder Tai Ellis, formerly a superyacht skipper, developed the concept in response to frustrations he encountered with manual and fragmented onboard systems. As Ellis explained,
"Our vision has always been to make vessel operations safer, smarter, and more connected. This funding accelerates our ability to expand the global reach of New Zealand-built technology."
Phil Martin, Managing Director of Sea-Flux, described the investment as an essential step for the business. He stated,
"From a family-driven idea to an international growth story, we now have the resources to scale our onboarding and global reach with a customer-centric service and optimised experience."
Growth rooted in family
Sea-Flux's early growth was supported by the founders' family members, Vaughan Ellis and Sharon Brechelt, who travelled the country in a caravan to showcase the software to prospective customers. This early tenacity has contributed to the company's expansion, with over 1,300 vessels comprising more than 9,000 users now utilising the platform. Client segments include Coastguards, Harbour authorities, tug and barge operators, fishing and aquaculture fleets, ferry operators, tourism ventures, superyachts, and domestic commercial operators worldwide.
Recognition for Sea-Flux's technology came last year when it was awarded the Innovation Award for Electronic and Electrical Systems at the European Commercial Marine Awards, held at Seawork Expo in Southampton, England.
Investor perspectives
Cormac McCullough, Investment Manager at Punakaiki Fund, noted their longstanding interest in Sea-Flux, stating,
"Tai and the Sea-Flux team have built a business we've admired for a while. We're delighted to welcome them into the 2040 Ventures fold. The global commercial maritime sector is an enormous market with scope for innovation. Tai and his team bring years of experience with a deep understanding of their customers and what they value. The resulting product is absolutely best in class, and it brings genuine benefits to vessel owners and operators globally."
Tom Culley, Head of Investor Relations at 2040 Ventures, the fund's manager, commented on the broader investment context, saying the Active Investor Plus Visa programme enabled the raise. Culley added that investor migrants had contributed more than NZD $10 million across the company's managed funds, providing capital for high-growth companies like Sea-Flux.
Market presence
Sea-Flux aims to further strengthen its market presence by investing in additional product developments and streamlining customer onboarding processes. With users spanning several continents and receiving industry recognition, the company continues to focus on simplifying compliance, safety, and operational tasks for vessel owners and operators through digital solutions.
