“We’re going to have to find some other way for ships to move because they can’t run on fuel. There will be a huge revolution, and ships will be autonomous.”
Roberto Coustas and Konstantinos Kyriakopoulos grew up as childhood friends, but their paths would eventually converge to transform an industry that had long remained unchanged. In 2017, the two founded DeepSea, a company bringing AI to the shipping industry with the goal of optimizing ship operations. For Coustas, this journey began with his deep concern for the environment, particularly the role that shipping played in climate change. He envisioned AI as the tool that could make the industry more efficient and environmentally friendly. Kyriakopoulos, with a natural affinity for math, physics, and coding from a young age, was equally fascinated by the power of AI. Together, they set out to make their mark.
Their AI-driven technology helps ships optimize routes, speeds, and fuel consumption, addressing both economic and environmental concerns. It wasn’t easy in the beginning, though. Convincing investors to believe in their vision, especially with little experience behind them, was a daunting task. Building the company from scratch and finding the right talent were equally challenging. Yet, they persisted, and partnerships with industry giants like Cargill and Wallenius Wilhelmsen followed, validating their hard work.
By 2021, their efforts culminated in the acquisition by Nabtesco, a Japanese motion control systems company. The acquisition marked a turning point—DeepSea’s revenue doubled within a year, their team grew, and their technology expanded into international markets. But Coustas and Kyriakopoulos’ ambitions didn’t stop there. They now have their sights set on developing autonomous ships and continuing to innovate in maritime technology.
The founders are confident that Greece, with its robust shipping industry and wealth of technical talent, can become the Silicon Valley of maritime tech—and they are well on their way to making that vision a reality.
Listen to the episode here and learn more at outliers.gr