Maritime Ventures — nine digital companies for Italy's maritime industry

The challenge

Italy's maritime industry moves 12 billion tonnes of cargo a year and accounts for €216bn in economic output. The digital infrastructure behind it is fragmented, outdated and underinvested. Shipyards, terminal operators and logistics groups run on systems that can't keep pace with decarbonisation and rising supply chain demands. What was missing wasn't a consulting project, but the structured build-up of focused digital companies right next to the incumbents.

The solution

Together with Cariplo Factory, Bridgemaker founded the Maritime Ventures venture studio through the B-C Ventures joint venture. Digital companies emerge in four phases: blueprinting, concept, MVP, launch. Three ventures already operate as standalone companies with seed valuations between €4m and €10m. The Founders Program complements the studio, backing early-stage founders from the industry with up to €3.4m in equity and hands-on support.