SOA’s Ecopreneur Network is open for new startup members to receive investment, mentorship, lifetime support

At Sustainable Ocean Alliance, we are committed to restoring the health of our ocean in our lifetime. This requires not just innovation, but sustained, long-term support for the entrepreneurs building impact-first, scalable, science-based ocean solutions.

That’s why we created the Ecopreneur Network, a lifelong community for early-stage startups working to protect and regenerate our ocean. 

SOA is thrilled to share that we are now accepting applications for investment with the goal to support new companies in 2025 with up to, or more than, $100,000 USD. Companies receiving investment will join 66 other members in the Ecopreneur Network, accessing 300+ mentors and a database of 700+ global investors. 

If you’re building a venture aligned with ocean impact, this is your opportunity to join a global ecosystem of founders, mentors, and mission-driven investors.

Investment first, support for the long term

The pathway into the Ecopreneur Network now begins with our investment process. 

Startups apply directly for funding, and those selected receive capital and membership in the Ecopreneur Network, with access to tailored mentorship, strategic guidance, and a lifetime of support.

This approach helps us go deeper with each company, aligning around impact and growth from day one. Our goal is not just to invest in great ideas, but to stay engaged as those ideas become viable, scalable solutions for ocean health.

What we’re looking for

We invest in startups addressing the most pressing challenges—and opportunities—in the sustainable blue economy. Our five impact areas for investment are:

1. Climate: Decarbonizing maritime industries and advancing ocean-climate adaptation 

2. Pollution Reduction: Circular economy, alternatives to plastic, and reducing other ocean pollutants

3. Conservation Technology: Tools for restoring and preserving marine biodiversity and ecosystems

4. Blue Foods: Sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, and alternatives to overexploited seafood

5. Ocean Data: Monitoring, sensors, and software for better ocean and coastal decision-making

We invest globally across diverse technologies and business models, from ocean-derived products and alternative packaging to marine data platforms and next-gen aquaculture systems. 

Ecopreneur Network Benefits

Startups that receive investment from SOA become members of the Ecopreneur Network—a lifelong system of support that includes:

• Strategic mentorship from 360+ global experts across science, business, policy, and technology.

• Technical deep dives and founder-focused workshops on topics like storytelling, valuation, fundraising, and beyond.

• Curated investor introductions and hands-on support through your next raise.

• Media exposure and thought leadership opportunities to amplify your mission.

• Ongoing access to our team, events, partners, and resources, without graduation dates or fixed cohorts.

With over 66 startups supported to date, and $550+ million USD in venture capital raised by our portfolio, we’ve seen how impactful this model can be. And we’re just getting started.

RELATED | EXPLORE OUR PORTFOLIO OF STARTUPS

Why SOA invests — and why it matters

As both a nonprofit and an investor through our affiliate VC fund, Seabird Ventures, SOA brings a unique perspective to the ocean innovation ecosystem—making early-stage investments in ocean health companies.

We’re not here to chase trends. We’re here to catalyze long-term, systems-level change.

Here’s what makes our investment approach different:

• We lead with ocean impact: Every startup we invest in must drive measurable, scalable impact for ocean health via their core product or service. 

• We deploy early capital: We typically invest up to $100,000 USD in pre-seed to Series A startups, when catalytic funding is hardest to find.

• We think globally: Our portfolio’s activities span 80+ countries, with a commitment to equity in ocean innovation.

• We recycle capital: Returns are reinvested to support the next generation of ecopreneurs in an evergreen format.

• We connect worlds: We bridge philanthropy, venture capital, and expert mentors—helping startups access the right mix of resources for their stage of growth.

We’re proud to have backed founders reimagining food systems, cleaning up marine waste, restoring coral reefs, electrifying maritime vessels, and building the tools to observe and protect our ocean more effectively and sustainably. 

Apply now

If you’re an ocean founder building in any of the above areas and looking for aligned capital, mentorship, and a lifelong support network, we’d love to hear from you.

What to expect after you apply

Our investment process is designed to be founder-friendly, transparent, and mission-aligned. 

Here’s what happens after you submit your application:

1. Application Form: Startups fill out our investment application form with key information about the team, solution, business model, and impact. This helps us understand your vision and assess alignment with SOA’s investment focus.

2. Initial Review: Our investment team reviews your application on a rolling basis. If there’s a potential fit, we’ll reach out to schedule a meeting and learn more about your startup.

3. Diligence & Decision: Selected startups then enter our diligence process, which includes a deeper dive into your traction, impact, financials, and market. We aim to move efficiently and collaboratively throughout this stage. 

4. Investment & Network Onboarding: When approved, companies receive investment from SOA and are formally welcomed into the Ecopreneur Network—unlocking access to our global mentorship, investor connections, programming, and community.

The ocean needs bold solutions—and founders need capital, mentorship, and a community that is truly aligned with creating ocean impact. At SOA, we’re committed to being that partner for the long haul. 

If you're building a startup that’s restoring ocean health, we invite you to apply. 

Let’s build a thriving, regenerative ocean economy—together.