A better world,
in motion
Together, we’re shaping how
the world moves on the water.
The future is ours to build
We’re driven by a simple idea: that by working together, we can make the world more liveable for generations to come. For us, that means cleaner oceans, fewer cars on the road, and closer connections with nature.
We're here to help build a future where marine transport is radically better. Better for people, better for business, and better for the planet.
Better starts now
The opportunity is huge. Every vessel we build is a step toward a more sustainable future, and proof that solutions are here.
33M
vessels worldwide2.9B
people live on coasts93%
of people want to travel more sustainablyThe greatest impact starts with
empowering people
Our journey
Max Olson and Eric Laakmann lead the team at Vessev. Hailing from opposite sides of the Pacific (Auckland and Seattle), both grew up on the water and found their calling in technology.
Max has always been drawn to an engineering challenge. He co-founded Halter – the breakthrough virtual fencing technology for cattle – before starting Vessev a few years later.
Eric built his career at Apple, leading engineering programmes and launching three generations of the Apple Watch. He sailed 30,000 nautical miles to New Zealand, where he's taking Vessev to the world.
For years, our team worked hard behind the scenes, designing and building the most durable and efficient electric hydrofoiling technology in the world. In 2024 we launched the VS–9 – the beginning of what’s to come.
Leading with purpose
Our team brings together expertise from yacht racing, aerospace, hydrodynamics, and electric mobility to reimagine how we move on the water.
Eric Laakmann – CEO & Co-founder
Eric started out at Apple, where he launched the first Apple Watch. His love of the ocean took him 30,000 nautical miles across the Pacific before arriving in New Zealand. As Vessev’s CEO, he leads with passion and collaboration.
Max Olson – CTO & Co-founder
Max grew up on and around the water, and has always loved solving big problems. While studying, he co-founded Halter, now a billion-dollar agri-tech company. He founded Vessev in 2017, leading innovation and technology.
Garry Jolliffe – COO
Garry is a lifelong sailor who has spent two decades as a technical leader in vessel design, composites, and product development. At Vessev, he wears many hats, shaping everything from operations and vessels to production.
Sam Harding – Head of Foil Systems
Sam is a hydrodynamics expert with over a decade in marine engineering and hydrofoil design. Here, he leads the design, simulation, and optimisation of our foil systems. Sam loves water sports and, true to the cause, he even wing foils on the side.
James Morfee – Head of Electrical
James grew up sailing and went on to build a career in marine electrification. After 15 years delivering electric and hybrid projects, he now leads the development and integration of our electrical, energy storage, and thermal systems.
Mike Clancy – Head of Vessel Controls
Mike loves a good engineering challenge. He’s spent 20 years in marine and aerospace, from building systems at Navico to leading flight software at Rocket Lab. At Vessev, he shapes the intelligence that makes our vessels fly smoothly.
Josh Trout – Global Sales Director
Josh has spent 20 years launching global marine innovations, including X-Shore and Candela. A keen sailor, he’s even picked up a few world titles along the way. At Vessev, he helps customers unlock the benefits of electric hydrofoiling.
Gemma-Leigh Parry – Head of Marketing
Gemma has spent 15 years building brands – from tech startups to global giants like Heineken. She leads the full marketing mix, shaping and sharing our story with the world. Originally from Raglan, she’s happiest in the ocean.
Will McCabe – Head of Production Engineering
Will led the equipment and process engineering at Tesla during the Model X and Model 3 launches, before spearheading manufacturing engineering at KittyHawk. Now at Vessev, he’s completing his trifecta – electrifying land, air, and sea.
Paul Flett – Head of Vessels
Paul sailed competitively as a child, which sparked a lifelong passion. He’s designed and built world-class vessels for Team Alinghi, Emirates Team New Zealand, and Stabicraft Marine. He now leads the innovative design of our vessels.
Inspired by New Zealand
Aotearoa was discovered by some of the world’s most advanced wayfinders. The ocean surrounds us and connects us all. It lies at the core of our national identity, pushing us to create record-breaking marine designs. This is, after all, the country that introduced modern hydrofoiling to the world in the 2013 America’s Cup.
Vessev stands with those who came before us. We’re driven by the same restless spirit to do things better and deliver world-class results.
Born on the water
We live and breathe the ocean, so we’re building the boats we’ve always wanted to see on it.
