The people behind The Captain’s Table, one of shipping’s top pitch competitions, have formed a start-up consultancy.
Ship Shape Strategies specialises in streamlining operations, developing robust commercial strategies, implementing innovative technologies, navigating regulatory and compliance challenges as well as training and upskilling with Su Yin Anand, Michael Wojcieszek, and Nelly Akhmedzhanova as co-founders of the new business.
“It’s become clear over the past few years, and particularly brought to fore by the unfortunate demise of Nautilus Labs, that it is challenging being a start-up in the maritime industry,” Anand told Splash, adding: “At the same time, technological innovation in the industry is necessary as the industry cannot avoid the impact of the fast-moving – and changing – macro technological developments.”
Anand is well known in global shipping circles for her time with Australian miner South32 as well as co-founding The Captain’s Table.
“In start-up speak, we need zebras and not unicorns,” Anand said of shipping’s tech requirements. A zebra refers to a type of company that is both profitable and works to improve society. Unlike the popular unicorn model, which focuses solely on disruptive growth and high valuations, zebra companies have a double bottom line – they prioritise both financial success and social impact.
“We want to transpose this to maritime and help start-ups become both profitable and have an impact on shipping,” Anand said.
The Captain’s Table, founded in 2019, is set to return this year with Splash working as a media partner for the competition.
