Meet the Ecopreneur Network

Sustainable Ocean Alliance has proudly supported a portfolio of 64 of the world's most ambitious ocean startups, from companies creating packaging alternatives from seaweed and crustaceans to those revolutionizing the electrification of the maritime industry. 

To date, Ecopreneur Network members have raised an astounding $460 million USD in total estimated investment capital, empowering them to employ 800+ individuals. These visionary ecopreneurs and their startups work tirelessly towards healing, restoring, and sustaining the health of our ocean and planet. 

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 — 11 startups joined
  

• 2024: Ecopreneur Network Class of 2024 — 8 startups joined

• 2025: Ecopreneur Network Class of 2025 — 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. 

How does the Ecopreneur Network differ from an accelerator program?

SOA's Ecopreneur Network goes beyond the bounds of a standard startup accelerator. Accelerators offer support to startups for a fixed, short period of time with intensive and rapid programming to accelerate the life cycle of early-stage companies. The Ecopreneur Network breaks apart from this time-bound system to offer lifetime support to startups to benefit from custom-tailored services that expand and grow alongside their ventures—no matter where they are in their startup journey. 

What is the 2025 application timeline?
Applications for the Class of 2025 will open in the new year, with the full Class of 2025 to be announced by 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.