TrueOcean and north.io merge as cloud geodata specialists

The merger of three Kiel-based software companies, north.io GmbH, TrueOcean GmbH and NatureConnect GmbH, marks a significant step forward in the use of digital technology for a sustainable future. These companies, which specialize in the management of geospatial data on land and at sea, have joined forces to form north.io. The aim of this integration is to provide a stronger foundation for software development, geodata management and cloud analytics while offering comprehensive support to customers in both onshore and offshore contexts.

The incorporation, which was finalized with the signing of contracts on 3 August, officially took effect on 6 September. Jann Wendt, CEO of north.io, and Frithjof Hennemann, former CEO of TrueOcean, will jointly manage the new company. As part of this transition, the three companies will work to streamline their operations and capitalize on synergies to better serve their customers and stakeholders. 

Innovation through fusion

“One of the key outcomes of this merger is the significant improvement in cloud capabilities, speed and analytics of geospatial data through the companies’ software-as-a-service solutions,” Wendt explained. “These solutions play a critical role in helping government and business customers to make informed decisions based on reliable digital tools and a comprehensive knowledge base. The combined efforts of the three companies have laid the foundation for this progress.”

“The consolidation of expertise and resources under one roof will benefit the overall performance of the company and its investors,” said Hennemann, emphasizing the seamless fit between the focus and thematic expertise of the three companies. Hennemann highlights the challenge of bringing together different stakeholders, while at the same time harnessing the potential benefits of collaboration. The resulting structure is designed to drive the crucial digital transformation and will enable a more sustainable future.

Geospatial services

The merger also consolidates a range of geospatial services under the north.io umbrella. It will especially benefit customers, particularly through the specialized offerings of TrueOcean and TrueEarth. While TrueOcean focuses on underwater geodata management, TrueEarth concentrates on land-based geodata management.

Overall, this step reflects a strategic alignment of the merging companies’ goals and capabilities, setting the stage for continued advances in geospatial management and analytical capabilities in the cloud.

Background

North.io GmbH is an impact-driven company specializing in cloud technology that helps its customers achieve sustainable change with the help of software. The winner of the Schleswig-Holstein Digitalization Award 2021 is based in Kiel. With a team of now 70 highly specialized experts, north.io focuses on developing cloud-native solutions specifically designed to unlock the full potential of geospatial data for the private and public sectors. With its software-as-a-service products TrueOcean and TrueEarth, north.io creates a new dimension of shared geodata management, analysis and visualization in the public and private offshore and nature conservation sectors. Other services include:

• Marispace-X, the largest industry-driven maritime digitalization project and a driver of digital transformation in the maritime sector. In the project, co-funded by the federal ministry of the economy, north.io is developing a Europe-wide dataspace that enables efficient use of maritime data in the areas of offshore wind, critical infrastructure, Internet of Underwater Things, biological climate protection and marine munitions.
• Org and KIS, part of a group of software applications that address the global issue of war legacies on land and in the oceans.