Mare Liberum Launches New Fund to Shift Maritime Industry into the Future

Mare Liberum, a specialized investment firm dedicated to transforming the maritime domain with critical technologies, has officially announced the establishment of its second fund, aiming to redefine the future of maritime operations. This initiative has garnered preliminary approval for low-cost leverage amounting to $150 million from both the Pentagon's Office of Strategic Capital and the Small Business Administration (SBA). This funding opportunity is part of the newly instituted Small Business Investment Company Critical Technologies (SBICCT) program.

The maritime sector plays a vital role in global trade, with over 80% of the world’s goods transported by sea as reported by UNCTAD in 2025. Despite its significance, maritime innovation has often been underfunded considering its strategic importance. Mare Liberum is poised to change that landscape by investing in key technologies shaping the future of the industry, including artificial intelligence (AI), autonomy, hypersonics, and low-cost satellite connectivity.

Admiral Lorin Selby (Ret.), General Partner at Mare Liberum, underscored the urgency of modernizing maritime infrastructure. He draws parallels between historical shifts in transportation sectors: "What railroads were to the 19th century and aviation to the 20th, ocean infrastructure will be to the 21st—rebuilt around AI, autonomous platforms, digital engineering, and intelligent networks."

The firm uniquely positions itself at the nexus of critical technology and maritime operations, supporting innovators who are developing infrastructures, intelligent systems, and autonomous platforms that will provide operational advantages at sea. Their investment strategies include a focus on autonomous maritime platforms, maritime domain awareness software, resilient logistics, supply chain technologies, and other advanced manufacturing solutions.

Marc Baliotti, another General Partner at Mare Liberum, emphasizes the transformative nature of the maritime industry. He stated, "Commercial maritime is one of the great economic engines of civilization, and it's being remade in real time. The convergence of AI, autonomy, and advanced manufacturing is already reshaping maritime operations—those who recognize this shift early will help define the next era of global trade."

The Office of Strategic Capital's goal is to channel private investment into essential sectors where commercial growth and national resilience intersect. Mare Liberum emerged as one of the select funds chosen to be part of this initiative after a thorough review process. The capital from both private investors and low-cost leverage from the SBA will back technologies critical for mission success across various fields such as AI, robotics, advanced manufacturing, and autonomous systems.

In an effort to share insights around these pivotal shifts, Mare Liberum will participate in the upcoming SuperReturn North America conference. Admiral Selby and Marc Baliotti will be featured speakers at a panel discussing next-generation defense technologies on March 16, 2026.

Those interested in learning more about Mare Liberum's investment philosophy and strategic objectives are encouraged to visit their official website at mareliberum.com

About Mare Liberum

Mare Liberum is an investment firm committed to strengthening stability and securing strategic advantages at sea. By investing at the intersection of critical technologies and the maritime domain, Mare Liberum aims to support resilient economic and geopolitical landscapes, partnering with visionaries who are building the next generation of maritime capabilities.

Important Notice: This communication is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or solicit offers for securities. Such an offer will only be available to qualified investors through confidential materials, following applicable securities laws.