# Eight Knot

Startup profile on Capital Atlas: https://capitalatlas.ai/startups/eight-knot

- Industry: Software
- Headquarters: Japan
- Website: www.8kt.jp
- Total disclosed funding: $3.8M
- Latest round: Series A (Sep 17, 2026)
- Investors on record: 7

## About

Based in Osaka, Japan, and founded in 2021 by CEO Hiroto Kimura, and CTO Tomoaki Yokoyama, Eight knots Inc. designs and develops an autonomous navigation system for water mobility using robotics and artificial intelligence technology. In September 2026, Eight Knot Inc. raised JPY 450 million in?series A funding led by Nissay Capital and ITOCHU Technology Ventures, with participation from QB Capital and Senshu Ikeda Capital.

Eight Knot provides autonomous navigation technology called "Eight Knot AI Captain" which uses advanced technologies such as robotics and AI for water mobility. The technology offers Autopilot assist function, sensor-based detection for obstacles, and automated cautious maneuvering for small vessels. Eight Knot Inc. generates revenue through the provision of autonomous vessel navigation systems, software and module licensing arrangements, marine technology commercialization partnerships, and associated implementation and support services.

The company will use the funding for product development, international expansion, and team growth for the company's AI-based autonomous navigation solutions.

## Funding rounds

- Series A, Sep 17, 2026, $2.9M — ITOCHU Technology Ventures, Nissay Capital, Senshu Ikeda Capital, QB Capital
- Seed, Feb 15, 2022, $0.9M — UntroD Capital, Drone Fund, 15th Rock

## Investors

- UntroD Capital — Seed
- Drone Fund (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/drone-fund) — Seed
- 15th Rock (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/15th-rock) — Seed
- ITOCHU Technology Ventures (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/itochu-technology-ventures) — Series A
- Nissay Capital (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/nissay-capital) — Series A
- Senshu Ikeda Capital (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/senshu-ikeda-capital) — Series A
- QB Capital (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/qb-capital) — Series A