WINDWARD: The incredible NIS 1 billion tech exit that's got us excited

London-listed Windward, an Israeli AI maritime analytics company, has been acquired by Octopus, a subsidiary of U.S. private equity firm FTV Capital, in a deal worth £216 million ($272 million). The all-cash transaction represents a substantial 47% premium over the company's previous day closing price.

Strategic Growth Move

Windward has seen impressive growth since its 2021 IPO on London's AIM market. The company has more than tripled its customer base and reported 37% growth in the first half of 2024, establishing itself as a key player in maritime risk analytics.

"This acquisition marks a strategic next step in Windward's evolution," said Ami Daniel, CEO and co-founder of Windward. "With FTV Capital's backing through Octopus, we're particularly excited about accelerating our expansion into the U.S. market and advancing our generative AI capabilities."

Company Background

Founded in 2010 by Ami Daniel and Matan Peled, Windward has developed sophisticated AI-powered maritime analytics solutions used by major energy companies, financial institutions, and government agencies worldwide. The company's technology provides real-time risk assessment and decision-making tools for maritime operations, a crucial component in global supply chain management.

Lord John Browne, former BP CEO and Windward's chairman, has helped guide the company's growth in the energy and maritime sectors.

Future Plans

FTV Capital sees significant potential to expand Windward's technology beyond maritime applications into broader supply chain solutions. While this expansion may require substantial investment and impact short-term profitability, the private equity backing will allow the company to execute its growth strategy away from public market pressures.

Market Impact

The deal highlights the growing interest in AI-powered supply chain solutions and represents one of the larger recent tech acquisitions in the maritime sector.

The transaction is expected to close in Q1 2025, subject to standard regulatory approvals and shareholder vote.

Channel 12 contributed to this article.