Vessev is a pioneering marine technology company based in Auckland, New Zealand, focused on revolutionizing water transport with sustainable, high-performance solutions. Founded in 2018 by Max Olson as Seachange, and later rebranded to Vessev, the company is driven by a mission to "propel a more liveable world" through innovative electric hydrofoiling vessels. These boats lift above the waves using advanced hydrofoil technology—adapted from New Zealand’s America’s Cup legacy—reducing energy consumption by up to 95% compared to traditional boats. This efficiency translates to lower operational costs, cleaner air and water, and a smoother, quieter ride for passengers.
   Led by CEO Eric Laakmann, a former Apple Watch engineering lead, and CTO Max Olson, Vessev combines expertise in marine engineering, vehicle electrification, and robotics. Their flagship product, the VS-9, is a 9-meter (29.3-foot) electric hydrofoiling ferry that seats 10 passengers and cruises at 25 knots with a 50-nautical-mile range. In a world-first milestone, the VS-9, named Kermadec, entered commercial service on January 29, 2025, with Fullers360, New Zealand’s largest ferry operator, offering tourism trips across Auckland’s Waitematā Harbour. Certified by Maritime New Zealand, it’s the first commercially operated electric hydrofoiling tourism vessel globally, marking a leap in sustainable marine transport.
    Vessev’s ethos—“engineered for safety, built to last, and impact through performance”—shines through in the VS-9’s design. Its carbon-fiber build, panoramic windows, and ergonomic interior prioritize comfort and durability, while its ability to “fly” over waves ensures stability in rough conditions. Priced at around US$620,000, it’s a premium investment, but the long-term savings and environmental benefits appeal to operators like Fullers360, which aims to be fully electric or hydrogen-powered by 2040.
    The company isn’t stopping at the VS-9. They’re developing the VS-18, a 100-passenger version, signaling ambitions to scale their tech for broader commuter and commercial use. Backed by investors like Icehouse Ventures and Blackbird Ventures, Vessev has raised NZ$3.6 million to date, with plans for further funding to fuel expansion. Rooted in New Zealand’s rich maritime innovation history, Vessev is positioning itself as a global leader—think the “Tesla of boats”—aiming to transform how we move on water, one hydrofoil at a time.