(Noun) Definition: An entrepreneur whose business models include a focus on creating a positive impact on the environment.
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 receive an investment from SOA of up to $100,000 USD
Lifetime SOA Support
Stage-relevant support adapts as your company grows, includes workshops, mentorship, check-ins, and warm introductions to help you hit key inflection points faster.
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
Want to Apply?
The Ecopreneur Network is Sustainable Ocean Alliance's community of high-impact ocean startups. We evaluate applications on a rolling basis and prioritize time-sensitive deals. Startups selected for investment will gain lifetime access to tailored support, mentorship, and a global network.
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 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, building a for-profit company, and aligned with one or more of the following ocean impact areas. While we typically support companies raising a pre-seed, seed, or Series A round, it is not a requirement to be actively fundraising at the time of application. We review applications on a rolling basis and encourage startups who are planning to raise capital in the coming months to apply. Our impact areas focus on:
Pollution Reduction: Circular Economy & Alternative Material
Conservation Tech: Restoration & Preservation of Marine Ecosystems
Blue Foods: Sustainable Fisheries & Aquaculture
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 gain from the Ecopreneur Network is directly tied to the time you choose to invest in it. We strongly encourage active participation in stage-aligned technical programming to access the full range of benefits the Network offers.
Does SOA provide funding to Ecopreneur Network members?
SOA makes investments of up to $100,000 USD 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 make sure your startup's pitch deck is ready to share, that's the main thing we'll need. If you have any additional materials that help provide more context (like an impact analysis), feel free to include them. They're not required, but always nice to see!
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