THE ECOPRENEUR NETWORK

The Ecopreneur Network is a program of lifetime support that is advancing the world's most ambitious ocean startups for life, and amplifies their efforts to achieve transformative planetary impact.

Applications to join the Ecopreneur Network Class of 2024 are now open!

ADVANCING THE WORLD'S MOST AMBITIOUS OCEAN STARTUPS—FOR LIFE

The Ecopreneur Network is a program of lifetime support that is advancing the world's most ambitious ocean for-profit startups for life and amplifies their efforts to achieve transformative planetary impact.

Members of the Ecopreneur Network benefit from tailored services that expand and grow alongside their ventures, with exclusive access to mentorship, strategic guidance, networking events, workshops, SOA's digital platform the Alliance, and more.

Eligible startups will also have the opportunity to receive up to $100,000 USD investment from Sustainable Ocean Alliance while accessing our exclusive network of founders, mentors, investors, and partners—each lending their expertise at every step of the startup journey.

Applications for the Ecopreneur Network Class of 2024 are now OPEN!

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with the first wave of applications gaining priority access to the Ecopreneur Network.

First Wave Deadline: June 3, 2024 11:59 pm Pacific Time
Second Wave Deadline: August 5, 2024 11:59 pm Pacific Time

Applications submitted after August 5, 2024 will be considered case by case.

APPLY NOW

Meet the Ecopreneur Network

 

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In September 2023, SOA officially welcomed the inaugural Ecopreneur Network Class of 2023, bringing us to 56 startups in our network.

To date, Ecopreneur Network members have raised an astounding $460 million USD in total estimated investment capital, empowering them to employ 700+ individuals. These visionary ecopreneurs and their startups work tirelessly towards healing, restoring, and sustaining the health of our ocean and planet. 

Discover the Ecopreneur Network Class of 2023 here and explore all our members here.

 

 

 

Ecopreneur Network Benefits

From mentorship and funding opportunities to lifetime membership in a paramount community of high-impact peers, mentors, and experts.

  • Lifetime SOA Support

    Support includes one-on-one meetings and office hours with SOA's team of industry experts

  • Expert Mentorship

    Connect with 330+ mentors through matching events and skills-based mentor working groups

  • Funding Opportunities from Investors

    Access to SOA's network of ocean-committed investors through personal events, 1-1 connections, and more

  • Thought Leadership & Media Exposure

    Build thought leadership skills through unique opportunities to contribute your perspective

  • Eligibility for an SOA Investment

    Members are eligible to receive an investment from SOA of up to $100,000 USD

  • Access to Partner Offerings

    Privileged access and membership within SOA-verified global ocean partners

Partners and Sponsors

A selection of the partners dedicated to supporting the Ecopreneur Network.

 

Evolution to the Ecopreneur Network

 

In 2018, Sustainable Ocean Alliance launched the first-ever Ocean Solutions Accelerator—a groundbreaking program to identify, accelerate, and scale the most promising ocean innovation startups in the world.

After 4 years, 5 cohorts, and 45 startups accelerated, we realized that achieving our commitment to restoring the ocean’s health transcends the confines of finite cohort cycles within an Accelerator Program.

Our mission demands an enduring dedication that spans a lifetime as we strive to foster systemic change on a global scale.

And thus, the Ecopreneur Network was created.

  • 2014: SOA is founded by Daniela Fernandez in her first year at Georgetown University

  • 2018: SOA launches the Ocean Solution Accelerator, the world's first accelerator program dedicated to funding ocean solutions

    • 1st Wave Cohort—5 startups accelerated

  • 2019: SOA hosts the first 'Accelerator at Sea' aboard the Sea Bird with Lindblad Expeditions

    • 2nd Wave Cohort—15 startups accelerated

  • 2020: 3rd Wave Cohort—9 startups accelerated

  • 2021: 4th Wave Cohort—7 startups accelerated; 5th Wave Cohort: 9 startups accelerated

  • 2022: SOA announces $15 million USD in funding for ocean solutions

  • 2023: SOA launches the Ecopreneur Network, welcoming 11 startups to the Class of 2023

  • 2024: Ecopreneur Network Class of 2024 coming soon!

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

 

Watch our livestream about the Ecopreneur Network here.

 

What is an 'ecopreneur'?
We define an ecopreneur as an entrepreneur whose business models include a focus on creating a positive impact on the environment. 

 

What is the 2024 application timeline?
Applications for the Class of 2024 are now open! Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with the first wave of applications gaining priority access to the Ecopreneur Network.

First Wave Deadline: June 3, 2024 11:59 pm Pacific Time
Second Wave Deadline: August 5, 2024 11:59 pm Pacific Time

Applications submitted after August 5, 2024 will be considered case by case. Offers will be made on a rolling basis with each wave of applications and no later than the end of October 2024. SOA will announce the full Class of 2024 at the end of the year.  

 

Do I have to be from the United States to apply?
SOA is a globally recognized organization and ecopreneurs from around the world are welcome.

 

What kind of startups does SOA accept for the Ecopreneur Network?

SOA invites startups to join our Ecopreneur Network who are incorporated and building a for-profit company with at least a pre-seed or seed stage financing round completed that aligns with one or more of the following ocean impact areas:

  1. Greenhouse Gas Reduction: Blue Carbon & CO2E Removal or Avoidance

  2. Pollution Reduction: Circular Use, Waste Removal or Avoidance

  3. Ecosystem and Species: Preservation and Restoration

  4. Blue Foods: Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Seafood Alternatives

  5. Ocean Data, Literacy, and Research

 

Do you accept ecopreneurs of all ages?

Yes! There is no restriction on age.

 

What is the time commitment for being a part of the Ecopreneur Network?

The value you receive from the Ecopreneur Network is correlated to how much time you choose to invest in it. We strongly encourage active participation to gain the full suite of Network benefits.

 

Does SOA provide funding to Ecopreneur Network members?

Yes, SOA makes investments in a select number of Ecopreneur Network members each year.

While admittance into the Ecopreneur Network does not guarantee funding, it does make a startup eligible for an investment from SOA of up to $100,000 USD.

What documents will be required to complete the application?

Please have your startup’s deck, incorporation documents, relevant one-pagers, and case studies ready to share.

 

Still need help?

Please contact us at ecopreneurs@soalliance.org.