WSense Secures €10 Million to Advance Underwater Connectivity Technology
In a significant stride for marine technology innovation, Italian company WSense has successfully secured €10 million in a pre-Series B funding round. This infusion of capital will expedite the development of its cutting-edge subsea Wi-Fi systems and facilitate the global expansion of its Internet of Underwater Things (IoUT) platform.
The latest funding round featured participation from prominent new investors such as Indico Capital Partners and SIMEST, alongside the continued support from existing backers, including CDP Venture Capital SGR, Blue Ocean by SWEN, RunwayFBU, Axon Partners Group, Fincantieri, and Rypples. With the latest financial boost, WSense’s cumulative funding now exceeds €25 million, underscoring the confidence investors have in the company’s pioneering approach to underwater communication technology.
Founded in 2017 and helmed by Chiara Petrioli—who is also a Professor of Computer Engineering at Sapienza University of Rome—WSense has emerged as a key player in the realm of underwater wireless communication. Petrioli, who has been steering the company as CEO since 2022, has helped guide the development of patented technology allowing for real-time and secure transmission of oceanic data. This transformative technology enables various sensors and autonomous vehicles from multiple manufacturers to communicate efficiently.
The implications of WSense’s innovations are substantial, as they enable extensive data collection critical for monitoring marine ecosystems, assessing infrastructure integrity, and evaluating environmental conditions. The ability to seamlessly integrate different devices into its network positions WSense at the forefront of the burgeoning IoUT sector—a field that promises to redefine our understanding and management of underwater activities.
In her remarks regarding the recent funding milestone, Chiara Petrioli expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “The entry of new investors such as Indico Capital Partners and SIMEST represents a strong recognition of the value of our technology and our international growth strategy. We will accelerate the development of cutting-edge IoUT solutions for the energy transition, infrastructure security, and the protection of the oceans.” Her words reflect not only the ambition of WSense but also a broader mission to contribute positively to both technological advancement and environmental stewardship.
Stephan de Moraes, Managing General Partner at Indico Capital Partners, also shared his insights on the investment, remarking, “WSense is a great example of Italy’s deep tech capabilities and the opportunities emerging in ocean-related technologies.” His endorsement highlights the increasing recognition of the critical importance of ocean technologies, particularly in an era where climate change and environmental challenges demand innovative solutions.
WSense’s technology has already begun to find practical applications across various sectors, including underwater infrastructure monitoring—vital for maintaining the structural integrity of underwater structures—and real-time environmental tracking, which plays a crucial role in the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem health. Furthermore, the company is heavily involved in the deployment of autonomous robotic networks aimed at supporting the global energy transition, an area of paramount importance as the world shifts towards sustainable energy practices.
Currently, WSense boasts a talented workforce of over 80 engineers and researchers. Its international presence is felt through offices strategically located in Italy, Norway, and the United Kingdom, as well as personnel based in France and the United Arab Emirates. This diverse geographical footprint not only enhances its technological outreach but also underscores the company’s commitment to fostering an international collaboration in ocean technology.
As WSense gears up for its next phase of growth, the integration of advanced marine communication technologies could reshape our approach to understanding oceanic systems. This investment not only represents financial backing but also a collective acknowledgment of the urgency for innovation in safeguarding ocean environments while advancing human technological capabilities.
In conclusion, the recent funding acquired by WSense marks a pivotal moment for the company and the broader field of underwater technology, positioning it as a leader in addressing some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.
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