Hamburg, December 4, 2018. The shipping industry is one of the last global multi-billion dollar industries in which digitization has progressed so far. TecPier GmbH & Co. KG (TecPier) sees high development potential for digital business models in the maritime sector and will invest in selected startups. In addition, the young companies will be supported with operational resources and networked with established industry partners via TecPier. In addition, TecPier supports established companies as an external innovation partner and problem solver for digital transformation processes.
TecPier will primarily invest in pre-seed and seed phase startups, helping them focus their business development efforts at this important early stage. By doing so, founders can focus their creative power on product development and market placement. TecPier puts a clear focus on business models that have the potential to transform the shipping industry. Founding Partner Johannes Winkler describes: “We have already identified more than 150 maritime startups and held initial discussions with various founders. We see great potential for the shipping industry in the coming years, especially in the areas of energy efficiency, online marketplaces and digital process optimization. “
With the Zeaborn Group, BitStone Capital, and Inno Real, TecPier has experienced partners in the shipping industry, venture capital, and company building sectors and can access these skills and resources. This unique combination allows early detection and development of business models with potential. Jan-Hendrik Többe, Managing Partner of the Zeaborn Group, explains: “We are firmly convinced that in the next few years a number of digital business models will emerge that will change our industry sustainably. Together with our partners BitStone Capital and Inno Real, we are looking forward to investing and supporting our experience with the best entrepreneurs who will launch these business models. “
TecPier’s three-person management team is provided by the shareholders and has extensive knowledge and complementary skills: Shipping expert Johannes Winkler started his career more than 10 years ago and worked for traditional companies such as Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and Rickmers Reederei. Mehdi Afridi and Konstantin Loebner have many years of experience in the development of digital business models. Together they have u.a. the successful legal-tech-company “WirkaufendeinenFlug.de” founded.

The offer for startups

TecPier offers its portfolio companies Smart Money in the form of early stage funding, global industry access, technology and company building expertise, and industry mentors. In addition, TecPier has a coworking space in the heart of Hamburg. Here, maritime founders can work on their ideas, exchange ideas and network events.

More information can be found at: www.tecpier.com