Sofar Ocean

We operate an ocean intelligence platform and a real-time ocean network, converting raw measurements into actionable insights. We founded the company in 2016, working in the technology, information, and internet sectors.

Our platform helps make the ocean more predictable and sustainable, aiming to help customers reduce costs, cut emissions, and gain valuable data.

Our main offerings are:

• Wayfinder: A voyage optimization platform that uses highly accurate ocean weather forecasts to reduce fuel and emissions for maritime shipping. Wayfinder combines a network of ocean sensors with data-driven Vessel Performance Models.
• Spotter Platform: An adaptable ocean sensing platform for marine research and commercial applications. Our global Spotter network makes over 1.5 million real-time observations daily, collecting data on waves and other ocean variables. The Spotter buoy is affordable, small, lightweight, and easy to deploy and maintain. It measures wave conditions, sea surface temperature, and local wind, providing real-time data through dashboards and an API.

Our customers include scientists, governments, and shipping fleets like MOL Group, ABS, Seaven, Berge Bulk, Lloyd’s Register, Dorian LPG, Star Bulk, and Eagle Bulk. We also serve organizations such as Lyttelton Port Company, the Brazilian Navy, the National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology, and the Great Lakes Observing System, along with various US Government civil, research, academic, and coastal industry clients.

Our mission is to connect the world’s oceans to power a more sustainable future.

Our core values are:

• Oceans First: We prioritize the ocean over profit.
• Team Wins: We believe accomplishments are achieved together through respect and mutual help.
• Ship for Impact: We focus on building for our mission, being pragmatic, and moving fast because ocean health is urgent.

Sofar Ocean has 51-200 employees. The work environment is collaborative, diverse, and inclusive, valuing continuous learning. The company fosters a strong internal community of ocean enthusiasts through team celebrations, events, and activities. Employees are given autonomy, ownership, and equity. An annual onsite week brings all remote team members together.

The founding team includes Tim Janssen, PhD (Co-Founder and CEO) and Evan Shapiro (Co-Founder and CTO). Peter Rive is Chairman. The leadership team consists of Brandon Korbey (Head of Sales), Henry Trevelyan Thomas (VP of Customer Success), Michele Morelli (Head of Marketing), Lanthe Stronger (Head of Software Engineering), Dennis Rong (Head of Product), Cameron Dunning (Head of Finance and Legal), and Shireen Khan (Head of People).

We offer a comprehensive range of employee benefits:

• Work Environment: We have a dog-friendly waterfront office. Remote team members receive a one-time home office stipend. We offer relocation bonuses for those moving to the Bay Area and Green Card & Visa sponsorship for eligible team members. Most roles operate on a hybrid work schedule.
• Life & Family: We provide flexible PTO, 10 office closure days, and the entire last week of December off. We offer 12 weeks of parental leave (with an additional 4 weeks for birthing parents) and comprehensive healthcare covering medical, dental, and vision.
• Culture & Development: Our culture is collaborative, valuing autonomy, ownership, and equity. We hold regular team celebrations and events, and an annual onsite week brings all remote team members together. You’ll also join a strong internal community of ocean enthusiasts, contributing to a mission-driven goal.