Insights

Part 1: Uncovering the Real Problems in Maritime Tech

How we uncover the real challenges during the ideation phase of our venture building process of Flagship Founders

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At Flagship Founders, we believe that great solutions stem from deeply understanding the right problems. Our venture-building process begins with a structured, iterative ideation phase that lays the foundation for user-centric solutions. This is not random brainstorming but a disciplined approach combining creativity, strategic insights, and active engagement with industry stakeholders. From analysing the industry to launching validated ventures, our process ensures every step is grounded in purpose.

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To achieve this, we use a mix of stakeholder insights and structured frameworks, striking a balance between systematic problem analysis and the flexibility to adapt as new information emerges. Our primary framework, the Double Diamond, guides us through two key phases: identifying core problems and refining scalable, impactful solutions.

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In this two-part series, we explore our methodology in detail. Part 1 focuses on identifying and refining problem statements, while Part 2 will delve into how these evolve into validated solutions ready for market launch.

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Starting Point: Breaking Down the Industry

Our ideation team begins by breaking down the maritime industry into distinct operational domains, such as crewing, insurance, and port operations. Within each domain, we map specific workflows and stakeholder roles to pinpoint inefficiencies. These domains become our starting point for exploration. 

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We then prioritise domains by identifying emerging trends—such as regulatory shifts, economic pressures and technological advancements—while also identifying underexplored areas with significant potential. This targeted approach ensures our focus is on high-impact opportunities. This phase, known as “Initial Reachout,” sharpens our direction and prepares us for the discovery workshops that follow in the next stage of the process.

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Engaging Industry Experts: The Discovery Workshop

The next step is where we validate our initial observations through direct engagement with industry stakeholders. This is where our ideation process gains depth and clarity. Leveraging our network, we conduct discovery workshops, interviews, and surveys with shipowners, port operators and other industry experts. These conversations are guided by targeted questions that uncover operational challenges, regulatory concerns, and stakeholder pain points. This granular approach ensures we focus on real problems, avoiding superficial solutions. 

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Data-Driven Problem Validation: Deep Dive Research Phase

Stakeholder insights are enriched with data-driven validation. We not only conduct a comprehensive analysis of the workshop outcomes, but also analyse industry reports, academic research, webinars, and consulting insights to verify that a problem is widespread and substantial. 

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During this stage, the focus remains on answering crucial questions:

• Is this a widespread problem or confined to a niche segment?
• Are potential customers willing to pay for a solution?
• How urgent is the need to solve this problem, and will it persist in the coming years?

Through this process, we refine our understanding of the problem, often returning to stakeholders for additional input and feedback.

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Crafting Problem Statements

The culmination of this section of the ideation phase is the creation of problem statements. These statements go beyond a summary—they articulate the problem's significance, its impact on various stakeholders, and the value of solving it. A robust problem statement transitions seamlessly into the solution sprint phase, forming the bridge between identifying challenges and conceptualising solutions.

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From Problem to Innovation

By focusing on uncovering and deeply understanding the right problems, we set the stage for meaningful innovation in the maritime industry. This problem-centric approach ensures that every solution we develop is rooted in real-world needs, offering tangible value to stakeholders. In Part 2 of this series, we’ll explore how these well-defined problem statements serve as the springboard for crafting impactful, scalable solutions, driving the transformation of challenges into opportunities.

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