MOL PLUS  announced its decision to invest in Motion Ventures Fund II  operated by Motion Ventures Management , the leading venture capital firm focused exclusively on shipping and maritime innovation. This follows the investment in Motion Ventures Fund I made in 2021  and further strengthens the partnership between the two companies

Motion Ventures is the leading venture capital firm focused exclusively on shipping and maritime industry (including supply chain management for ports, freight forwarding, and logistics). Following its investment in Fund I, MOL PLUS has collaborated with Motion Ventures to pursue co-investments and promote collaboration with companies in which Motion Ventures invests.

　Fund II is planned to total USD 100 million (more than five times that of Fund I), and the scope of investment has expanded beyond the conventional focus on software to encompass deep tech and hardware. This will enable a broad range of investments in start-ups working to overcome challenges in the maritime industry, including efficiency and automation technologies that address crew shortages and reduce labor burdens, as well as technologies that contribute to reducing environmental impact (decarbonization) through next-generation energy and propulsion systems. MOL PLUS, as the corporate venture capital arm of the Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Group, will contribute to the social implementation of maritime start-ups by providing demonstration fields, exploring the potential of collaboration with operating companies, and forming capital and business partnerships with start-ups in Motion Ventures’ investment portfolio and ecosystem.

Comment from Shaun Hon, Founder and General Partner of Motion Ventures

“Five years ago, MOL PLUS made a bet on what maritime innovation could become. What we’ve built together since — the portfolio, the ecosystem, the conversations that didn’t exist before — is the answer to that bet. But the most consequential chapter is still ahead. Autonomous systems, next-generation propulsion, AI-driven logistics — the maritime industry is transforming in ways that reward those who moved early. Fund II is built for that moment. With partners like MOL PLUS, we’re continuing to back the next generation of companies that will define this industry.”

Comment from Takuya Sakamoto, CEO of MOL PLUS

“Motion Ventures’ greatest contribution has been taking direct action to create a start-up ecosystem within the maritime industry, generating tangible impact. Participants at investor briefings and ecosystem networking events organized by Motion Ventures discuss specific challenges facing the maritime industry, and these discussions have led to investments in start-ups by VCs and CVCs, as well as business collaboration between operating companies and start-ups. Their strength lies in demonstrating initiative－continually providing a venue for government agencies, operating companies, investors, and start-ups to come together. As an ocean shipping company, MOL PLUS will actively participate in the maritime ecosystem led by Motion Ventures and work to address industry challenges through capital and business partnerships with start-ups.”

　MOL PLUS continually works to generate synergetic effects based on startup companies’ innovative ideas and technologies and MOL Group’s resources, aiming to create new businesses PLUS new value to the ocean shipping industry and society.