THE ECOPRENEUR NETWORK

The Ecopreneur Network is SOA’s platform for investing in and supporting bold ocean startups for the long term. It is designed for Pre-Seed to Series A companies with market-driven innovations that restore ocean health.

Apply for investment and membership today!

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

The Ecopreneur Network is SOA’s platform for investing in and supporting bold ocean startups for the long term. We empower visionary founders and amplify their efforts to achieve transformative planetary impact.

Startups are selected through SOA’s investment process, and those that receive funding become members of the Ecopreneur Network, gaining lifelong access to tailored support that grows alongside their ventures.

As members, founders, and their teams benefit from curated mentorship, strategic guidance, exclusive events, workshops, and access to SOA’s global community of entrepreneurs, investors, and ocean champions.

Members receive an investment of $100,000 USD or more from SOA and/or our venture arm, Seabird Ventures, and join a vibrant network of changemakers committed to scaling solutions that protect and restore ocean health.

Explore our offerings and frequently asked questions below.

Ecopreneur Network Benefits

Startups that receive investment from SOA are welcomed into the Ecopreneur Network, a lifelong community offering tailored mentorship, funding support, and connections to a global network of high-impact peers, mentors, and experts.

  • Investment from SOA

    Members will receive an investment from SOA of up to $100,000 USD or more

  • Lifetime Support

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

  • Expert Mentorship

    Connect with 360+ 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

  • Access to Partner Offerings

    Privileged access and membership within SOA-verified global ocean partners

Meet the Ecopreneur Network

Sustainable Ocean Alliance has proudly supported a portfolio of 66 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 $550 million USD in total estimated investment capital, empowering them to employ 950+ individuals. These visionary ecopreneurs and their startups work tirelessly towards healing, restoring, and sustaining the health of our ocean and planet. 

Meet our Network Members

Sustainable Ocean Alliance welcomed 8 new members to the Ecopreneur Network in 2024. 

MEET THE 2024 ECOPRENEURS

EXPLORE OUR PORTFOLIO

 

 

Partners and Sponsors

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

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

 

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?
We evaluate applications on a rolling basis and prioritize time-sensitive deals. This form is the first step in our evaluation process for investment.

 

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 and currently raising a pre-seed, seed, or Series A stage financing round that aligns with one or more of the following ocean impact areas:

  1. Climate: Decarbonizing Maritime Industries & Ocean-Climate Adaptation

  2. Pollution Reduction: Circular Economy & Alternative Materials

  3. Conservation Technology: Restoration & Preservation of Marine Ecosystems

  4. Blue Foods: Sustainable Fisheries & Aquaculture

  5. Ocean Data: Ocean Monitoring & Software

 

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?

SOA makes investments of up to $100,000 USD or more in a select number of ocean startups each year. The startups that receive this investment are welcomed into the Ecopreneur Network and gain lifetime access to tailored support, mentorship, and community.

 

What documents will be required to complete the application?

Please have your startup’s deck, and other relevant materials ready to share.

 

Still need help?

Please contact us at ecopreneurs@soalliance.org.