Windward
Windward is a maritime AI company that fuses AIS, satellite imagery, RF, and behavioral analytics into a single intelligence platform for defense agencies, customs, banks, shippers, and insurers to detect sanctions evasion and maritime threats.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2010
- HeadquartersTel Aviv, Israel
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingSoftware
What Windward does
Windward is a maritime intelligence company founded in 2010 and headquartered in London, with operational roots in Tel Aviv. The company builds a Maritime AI™ platform that fuses AIS broadcasts, dark vessel signals, electro-optical and synthetic aperture radar satellite imagery, radio frequency detections, and behavioral analytics into a single operational picture for maritime domain awareness. Core proprietary capabilities include 15+ AI models for behavioral anomaly detection, patented AIS spoofing identification (75% fewer false positives than industry standard), ship-to-ship transfer monitoring (94% accuracy), and a generative AI analyst assistant (MAI Expert) available in five languages. The platform is delivered through solution modules covering Advanced Intelligence, Border & Asset Security, Risk & Compliance, Container Tracking, Business Intelligence, and Remote Sensing Intelligence, with a Maritime Intelligence Operations Center providing managed services.
Windward sells primarily through enterprise field sales to government agencies (defense, intelligence, law enforcement, customs) and commercial organizations (shipping, commodity trading, oil and energy, marine insurance, and financial institutions). The business model combines SaaS subscription with tiered solution modules on an annual billing cadence, plus professional services and managed intelligence offerings; pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed. Named customers include the United Nations Panel of Experts, MAOC(N) for counter-narcotics, Generali, Societe Generale, Mauritius Commercial Bank, Peninsula, Scan Global Logistics, Metro Shipping, and others. Distribution also extends through AWS ISV Accelerate Program, the Vantor satellite partnership, and a Singapore DSTA collaboration. In March 2025, FTV Capital acquired Windward for approximately $280M, and in April 2026 the company acquired Prominent Edge to expand US defense market access.
Windward firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Windward
- Legal name
- Windward Ltd.
- Website
- https://windward.ai
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2010
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Windward is a maritime AI company that fuses AIS, satellite imagery, RF, and behavioral analytics into a single intelligence platform for defense agencies, customs, banks, shippers, and insurers to detect sanctions evasion and maritime threats.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Windward industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Maritime Intelligence Software
- NAICS
- Support Activities for Water Transportation (4883), Navigational Services to Shipping (48833)
- SIC
- Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Maritime Security Technology & Systems (CCTV, Radar, AIS, Perimeter Sensors) (BPAKALAI)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Maritime EDI / API Connectivity & Messaging Networks (TLAHAOAE), Marine Navigation Systems (ECDIS, Radar, GNSS, AIS) (IMAJAJAE)
Keywords
Where Windward is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Tel Aviv
- HQ country
- Israel
- HQ region
- Middle East
Offices2 records
Markets served
Windward business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Operations
Revenue model
- SaaS Subscription Platform: Windward operates primarily as a SaaS maritime intelligence platform delivered via subscription, providing ongoing access to Maritime AI capabilities, multi-source data fusion, and continuous monitoring services. Subscriptions include real-time monitoring, AI-driven analytics, and access to MAI Expert and Remote Sensing Intelligence capabilities.
- Professional Services: Windward offers professional services including targeted high-impact support for specific mission needs, managed intelligence coverage for routine operations and crises, retained analysts embedded in client operations, and forward-deployed engineers for mission-tailored engineering.
- Maritime Intelligence Operations Center (MIOC): Mission-critical intelligence services available via subscription for real-time monitoring or on an ad-hoc basis, combining proprietary Maritime AI engine with human analysts and multi-source data feeds.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Enterprise subscription with mission-critical maritime intelligence capabilities |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels9 records
Windward product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Windward sells a Maritime AI platform that fuses AIS, satellite imagery (EO/SAR), radio frequency data, sanctions lists, and behavioral analytics into a single operational picture for maritime domain awareness. The platform is sold via enterprise subscriptions to defense, intelligence, customs, law enforcement, shipping, energy, insurance, banking, and legal organizations globally. Complementary offerings include a managed Maritime Intelligence Operations Center (MIOC), Remote Sensing Intelligence, the MAI Expert Gen AI analyst, and a public API for platform integrations.
Product overview
Windward is a Maritime AI company offering a unified operational platform that delivers mission-grade intelligence through multi-source data fusion. The core Maritime AI™ Platform serves as the central intelligence engine, supported by specialized solution modules including Advanced Intelligence (defense/intelligence), Border & Asset Security/MDA, Risk & Compliance, Container Tracking, and Business Intelligence. Key technology layers include Remote Sensing Intelligence (RSI) for satellite-based monitoring, MAI Expert™ for Gen AI-powered analysis, and Maritime Intelligence Operations Center (MIOC) for managed services. The platform processes vessel tracking, behavioral analytics, sanctions screening, and compliance workflows through proprietary AI models including anomaly detection, predictive analytics, and computer vision. Windward's solutions serve government agencies, commercial enterprises, and insurance/legal sectors across global maritime operations.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Maritime AI Platform Core AI-powered maritime intelligence platform that unifies multi-source data (AIS, satellite imagery, RF signals, behavioral analytics) into a single operational picture for decision-grade maritime intelligence. Sold to government agencies and commercial enterprises via enterprise subscription.
- Advanced Intelligence AI-driven early detection and automated lead and target generation solution for defense and intelligence agencies, identifying threats through behavioral anomaly analysis.
- Border & Asset Security (Maritime Domain Awareness) Predictive risk intelligence solution for maritime domain awareness, enabling enforcement teams to detect, investigate, and act on threats near sovereign waters, ports, and critical assets.
- Risk & Compliance Maritime compliance solution for sanctions screening, deceptive shipping detection, counterparty due diligence, and regulatory alignment using behavioral AI.
- Container Tracking Real-time container visibility solution providing unified shipment tracking, AI-based predictive ETAs, enhanced milestone coverage, and automated exception detection across carriers and trade lanes.
- Business Intelligence Commercial intelligence solution turning maritime activity into actionable business insights for lead generation, trading pattern analysis, and strategic market planning.
- Remote Sensing Intelligence (RSI) Multi-sensor satellite intelligence solution fusing electro-optical (EO), synthetic aperture radar (SAR), and radio frequency (RF) data with AI-powered vessel detection and behavioral analytics.
- MAI Expert Gen AI virtual maritime analyst providing instant risk summaries, analyst-grade explanations, automated screening and reporting, and decision support across detection and investigation workflows. Available in five languages.
- Maritime Intelligence Operations Center (MIOC) Managed mission-critical intelligence service combining Windward's Maritime AI platform with human analysts and multi-source data feeds for real-time monitoring, investigations, and operational support.
- GPS Jamming Resilience Standalone product capability for detecting active GPS/GNSS interference in contested waters, suppressing false vessel signals, and alerting users when jamming activates in monitored areas.
- AI-Automated Document Validation Standalone AI product that cross-verifies Bills of Lading and Certificates of Origin against real-world vessel behavior and shipment data to detect document manipulation.
- API Insights Lab Public API and developer resources for integrating Windward's maritime intelligence capabilities into external applications via GraphQL-based access.
Quantifiable outcome
- 99% of vessels later sanctioned identified before official designation in 2024
- +7 more outcomes
Companies that use Windward
Customer profileNamed customers14 records
Segments10 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Windward technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- Yes
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration3 records
AI capability11 records
Feature11 records
Windward partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Four partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- VantorcoreWindward and Vantor announced strategic partnership integrating Vantor's space-based Sentry persistent monitoring system (featuring WorldView Legion constellation with 10 satellites at 30cm resolution) into Windward's Maritime AI platform. The combined solution provides automated, continuous detection and tracking of maritime activity including vessels intentionally disabling AIS. The integration creates an intelligence loop connecting vessel detection, identity verification through AI-powered fingerprinting, and behavioral analysis.
- VantorcoreStrategic partnership creating unified spatial intelligence combining Vantor's satellite-based sensors with Windward's behavioral analytics and vessel tracking. Partnership strengthens Windward's multi-source intelligence architecture enabling defense agencies, law enforcement, and commercial operators to maintain custody of vessels even when they intentionally disable AIS.
- Prominent EdgecoreWindward acquired Prominent Edge, a U.S. defense technology company specializing in geospatial, maritime, and mission software solutions for the U.S. Government. The acquisition brings over a decade of experience, ISO 27001 and ISO 9001 certifications, and CMMI Dev Level 3 certification along with mission specialists experienced in deploying technology within high-security government environments. Positions Windward to compete more directly with established defense contractors.
- Singapore Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA)minorPartnership with Singapore's DSTA to localize Windward's AI solutions for regional governance and maritime infrastructure. Represents Windward's strategy to expand government partnerships in Asia-Pacific.
Scale indicators12 records
Recent moves9 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Windward competitors and assessment
Company assessmentEmerging players
- ICEYE: ICEYE operates a constellation of SAR satellites and provides persistent monitoring and analytics for government and commercial customers including maritime surveillance applications. SAR partner/adjacent competitor in maritime remote sensing intelligence where Windward's RSI capabilities compete.
- HawkEye 360: HawkEye 360 operates a constellation of satellites for RF signal geolocation and provides geospatial analytics for defense, intelligence, and commercial customers including maritime applications. Adjacent competitor in the multi-source maritime intelligence space Windward occupies.
- Starboard Maritime Intelligence: Starboard Maritime Intelligence is a New Zealand-based provider of AI-powered maritime domain awareness and vessel analytics for defense, border security, and government customers. Emerging niche competitor focused on Pacific and allied markets with comparable AI analytics approach.
- Geollect: Geollect is a UK-based maritime intelligence company providing geospatial analytics, dark vessel detection, and maritime domain awareness solutions primarily for defense and government customers in the UK and Europe. Niche competitor in maritime intelligence with similar defense customer base.
Broad incumbents
- Lloyd's List Intelligence: Lloyd's List Intelligence is an established incumbent providing comprehensive maritime data, sanctions compliance, and ship-tracking intelligence to shipping, finance, and government customers worldwide. Overlaps with Windward's commercial maritime intelligence offerings as part of a broader maritime information portfolio.
Direct peers
- Kpler: Kpler is a leading maritime and commodities intelligence platform providing vessel tracking, trade flows, and sanctions-related analytics for energy and commodity trading firms. Closest direct competitor to Windward's Business Intelligence and Risk & Compliance solutions.
- Spire Global: Spire Global operates a proprietary satellite constellation collecting AIS data and provides maritime weather, vessel tracking, and domain awareness analytics. Directly competes with Windward in maritime data and analytics serving both government and commercial customers.
- Vortexa: Vortexa provides real-time global energy and freight intelligence through vessel tracking, cargo analytics, and behavioral analysis for oil, gas, and commodity markets. Competes directly with Windward in maritime energy intelligence and sanctions-related dark fleet identification.
- Pole Star Global: Pole Star Global provides maritime sanctions compliance, vessel tracking, and counterparty due diligence primarily for financial institutions and shipping companies. Direct competitor in the maritime compliance and sanctions screening segment Windward serves.
- SRT Marine Systems: SRT Marine Systems provides vessel tracking, maritime surveillance, and domain awareness systems for coast guards, navies, and port authorities. Competes with Windward in maritime security and surveillance markets, particularly for government and defense customers.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Windward social profiles
Digital presenceWindward compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance3 records
Windward financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Windward leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles5 records
Windward subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
Windward funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds3 records
Investors6 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Windward M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A1 record
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Windward
What does Windward do?
Windward sells a Maritime AI platform that fuses AIS, satellite imagery (EO/SAR), radio frequency data, sanctions lists, and behavioral analytics into a single operational picture for maritime domain awareness. The platform is sold via enterprise subscriptions to defense, intelligence, customs, law enforcement, shipping, energy, insurance, banking, and legal organizations globally. Complementary offerings include a managed Maritime Intelligence Operations Center (MIOC), Remote Sensing Intelligence, the MAI Expert Gen AI analyst, and a public API for platform integrations.
Is Windward a public or private company?
Windward is a private company. It is classified as private equity controlled and is currently operating.
When was Windward founded?
Windward was founded in 2010. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Windward based?
Windward is headquartered in Tel Aviv, Israel, in the Middle East region.
How does Windward make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. SaaS Subscription Platform is the primary driver. The others are professional Services and maritime Intelligence Operations Center (MIOC).
Who are Windward's main competitors?
Emerging players on record are ICEYE, HawkEye 360, Starboard Maritime Intelligence and Geollect. Lloyd's List Intelligence is listed as a broad incumbent. Direct peers are Kpler, Spire Global, Vortexa, Pole Star Global and SRT Marine Systems.
Does Windward have an API?
Yes. Windward offers a public API through its API Insights Lab (https://windward.ai/api/) and technical documentation via developer.windward.ai. The API provides GraphQL-based access to Windward's maritime intelligence platform, enabling vessel screening, tracking, behavioral analytics, and risk assessment capabilities. Developer documentation is at developer.windward.ai/reference/what-is-graphql.
What industry is Windward in?
Windward's product category is Maritime Intelligence Software. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAKALAI, Maritime Security Technology & Systems (CCTV, Radar, AIS, Perimeter Sensors), with a secondary code of TLAHAOAE, Maritime EDI / API Connectivity & Messaging Networks. Its NAICS code is 4883 and its SIC code is 7373.