Online Oceans, a Dorset-based company building autonomous surface vessels and fleet software for defence and maritime security, has raised £4 million in funding.

The round was led by Seraphim Space and includes participation from investors including Peter Rive, co-founder of SolarCity, Frank Thieser and Florian Seibel, founders of Quantum Systems, and Koro Capital.

Online Oceans is building a new model for persistent maritime coverage. Its autonomous surface vessel, Scout, and fleet command platform, Tether, enable operators to deploy dense, always-connected fleets for missions including anti-submarine warfare, protection of subsea infrastructure, border security and counter-drug smuggling.

The firm was founded in early 2025 by George Morton and Alistair Douglas. Together, they have moved from first builds to production ramp in little over a year.