UK-based startup Ceto has secured $4.8 million in fresh funding to reimagine how global shipping fleets are insured and managed. The round was led by Dynamo Ventures, with support from Howden Ventures, Signal Ventures, and Motion Ventures.
With this capital, Ceto plans to expand fast. The team is growing across engineering, operations, and sales. The platform itself is evolving too—with sharper data tools, improved AI, and a wider reach across international fleets.
Why Ceto Exists
The idea behind Ceto began in 2020. Founder Tony Hildrew noticed a huge blind spot in the shipping world. Commercial vessels generate tons of data—but most of it is wasted or locked away in silos. That’s where Ceto steps in.
By turning ship data into real-time insights, Ceto helps prevent breakdowns, reduce emissions, and cut costs. It’s not just about smarter ships. It’s about using AI to change how maritime insurance works—making it more accurate, flexible, and fair.
How Ceto Works
Ceto collects high-frequency data from ships and translates it into insights that are easy to act on. Everything shows up on a clean dashboard—fuel usage, engine health, route efficiency, and emissions.
What makes it truly powerful? This performance data connects directly to insurance policies. Better-performing ships can qualify for lower premiums and better terms. It’s a system that rewards safety, reliability, and efficiency.
Right now, Ceto is used by fleets big and small. That includes a major Japanese operator, a Singapore-based firm, and a UK company managing eight vessels. Whether a business has five ships or 400, Ceto scales to fit.
Products That Drive Smarter Shipping
Ceto’s platform is built around three core tools:
- Watchkeeper: This AI-powered system monitors ship activity in real time. It flags performance drops and mechanical issues early—helping avoid costly delays.
- CarbonID: Focused on sustainability, this tool tracks fuel usage and emissions. It helps fleets meet global regulations and reduce pollution.
- Connected Insurance: This is Ceto’s breakthrough product. Insurance terms adjust automatically based on how well a ship performs. The better the ship, the better the coverage.
Fast Setup, Real Results
Getting started with Ceto is quick. For companies with no existing systems, onboarding takes just one to two days. If a fleet already collects data, integration can be done in as little as two to four hours.
That speed matters. Ship owners can start seeing results fast—like fewer breakdowns, more efficient routes, and real-time performance tracking. No long delays, no complex installs.
Leading the Future of Maritime Risk
Ceto sits at the crossroads of shipping, AI, and insurance. It’s not just helping ships run better—it’s reshaping how risk is measured at sea.
In a world moving toward greener and more digital solutions, Ceto offers a platform that makes it easier to adapt. Operators gain insight. Insurers gain clarity. Everyone wins.
Founder Tony Hildrew says it best: shipping may be one of the oldest industries, but too much of it still runs on outdated systems. Ceto brings AI and human expertise together—to create a smarter, safer maritime future.
A Vote of Confidence from Investors
For Dynamo Ventures, the decision to invest was clear. Managing Partner Santosh Sankar highlighted the urgency of change. With 80% of global trade happening by sea, the world depends on shipping. Yet many insurance systems in the sector haven’t changed in 100 years.
Supporting Ceto, he said, isn’t just about backing a tech startup. It’s about ensuring the global supply chain is ready for the future.
