Tony Hildrew (Ceto)
Overview
Tony Hildrew is the founder and CEO of Ceto, a company specializing in predictive analytics for the maritime industry. Ceto offers innovative solutions aimed at optimizing machinery performance and improving sustainability within the shipping sector. Leveraging his extensive experience in marine engineering and management, Hildrew's work at Ceto emphasizes the integration of AI technology and human expertise to enhance insurance risk assessments and operational efficiency in maritime operations.
Recent Developments
- May 2025: Ceto raised $4.8 million in a funding round led by Dynamo Ventures, with participation from Howden Ventures, Signal Ventures, and Motion Ventures. The funds are earmarked for expanding operations and product development, particularly focusing on strengthening the company’s engineering, operations, and sales teams.
- April 2025: As part of its strategic growth plans, Ceto is in talks to raise $16 million in Series A funding. This initiative aims to support the company’s ambitions to branch into other logistics sectors and expand its risk assessment capabilities in maritime insurance.
- March 2024: Ceto launched CarbonID, a platform to help shipowners monitor and manage carbon emissions. This tool was introduced at a time when maritime industries are grappling with new EU Emissions Trading Scheme regulations.
- October 2023: Secured a £1.5 million pre-seed funding round to develop a framework that turns complex vessel data into actionable insights, marking a significant step in the company's mission to integrate sustainability with maritime insurance.
- 2023: Over the past two years, Ceto has fostered significant international client partnerships, notably with major Japanese operators and midsize Singapore-based firms, offering services across more than 50 vessels worldwide.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Tony Hildrew |
| Born | Newcastle upon Tyne, UK |
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | Founder & CEO of Ceto |
| Known For | Maritime innovation and analytics |
| Education | Marine Engineering at South Tyneside College |
Early Life and Education
Tony Hildrew was born in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK, a region renowned for its rich maritime history. Hildrew’s early interest in marine disciplines led him to pursue studies in Marine Engineering at South Tyneside College. During his academic years, Hildrew's exposure to marine systems and operations fostered a deep understanding of the maritime landscape and the evolving technological needs of the industry. His academic journey was quickly coupled with real-world experience, beginning a career that bridged engineering, technological innovation, and management.
Career and Notable Achievements
- Hildrew began his career at the entry level in commercial shipping, working his way up from junior engineer roles to Chief Engineer on both commercial vessels and superyachts.
- Project Management: Managed vessel operations and led new build and refit projects across Europe, notably at West Nautical and Nautical Management Services.
- Ceto: Founded in 2020, Ceto is his brainchild aimed at revolutionizing maritime insurance through data-driven solutions. Under his leadership, Ceto introduced key products like Watchkeeper, which monitors ship health in real-time, and CarbonID, a tool for managing ship emissions.
- Industry Influence: Hildrew has driven forward innovations that significantly reduce machinery breakdowns and carbon emissions in maritime operations.
Current Work and Impact
Ceto is positioned at the forefront of integrating AI in maritime insurance assessments. Hildrew’s leadership has been crucial in establishing partnerships with significant insurers and fleet operators globally, driving a shift towards more transparent, data-driven insurance risk management. The operational insights provided by Ceto's platforms are helping fleets reduce their carbon footprints and operational inefficiencies, thereby advancing sustainability in the shipping industry. Under Hildrew's guidance, Ceto continues to grow its client base and product offerings, aiming to redefine the intersection of technology, insurance, and maritime operations.
Conclusion
Tony Hildrew's contribution to maritime innovation—particularly through his company Ceto—marks a pivotal shift in the industry’s approach to sustainability and risk management. With Ceto's continued expansion and product development efforts, Hildrew is set to influence future practices in maritime operations further, setting new industry standards for integrating AI in shipping insurance and management. His engendering of a more dynamic and sustainable shipping industry will likely have lasting impacts not only on maritime sectors but across global trade dynamics as well.