Sea Forward Fund

 It’s always a joy to connect with fellow ocean-climate advocates in person! 💙 Our partnership with Heading for Change reinforces the incredible power of co-investing to benefit both fund managers and the ocean impact industry. By merging our complimentary approaches — Sea Forward's deep expertise in ocean health, combined with Heading for Change's sharp focus on climate and gender — we look forward to generating a more robust, holistic outcome. We’ll share details about this collaborative joint investment in the new year. Stay tuned for more to come!

Last week, Sea Forward Fund Director Laura Francis spoke at the 1000 Ocean Startups Annual Gathering in Amsterdam. The event convened under the theme of The Ocean Nexus and brought together more than 50 entrepreneurs. Organizations and changemakers had the opportunity to connect and reflect on the state of ocean impact innovation and unlock the potential of a regenerative blue economy. The gathering introduced this innovative ecosystem to new stakeholders and investors and demonstrated the real-world impact and returns that a rising tide of inspiring ocean entrepreneurs are generating. Laura spoke at a session designed to challenge the perception that the ocean is a “niche” topic. She explored communication approaches to mainstream its role in global finance and innovation. Laura also shared her story of how a career in marine biology transformed into a pathway to ocean impact investing and the creation of Sea Forward. Thank you to the 1000OS team for putting together this inspiring experience! 

We are excited by the news that one of our Sea Forward Investments, Hatch Blue Revolution Fund (BRF) is making waves for ocean health! 🌊 ✨ This sustainable aquaculture impact investment fund just successfully closed with €93 million in commitments that will empower the fund to invest in over a dozen early-stage aquaculture ventures. The effort marks a significant win for ocean conservation that will help address the impacts of climate change while supporting coastal communities. One unique aspect of the fund is BRF’s partnership with The Nature Conservancy as a conservation manager to ensure that the fund delivers meaningful environmental outcomes alongside financial returns. At Sea Forward, we believe that impact investing can catalyze the scale and innovation needed to address our ocean’s complex challenges and the BRF is a prime example of this power in action. 👏🏼

🌟 Portfolio Spotlight 🌟 The Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR) is a blended finance instrument designed to mobilize action and resources to protect and restore coral reef ecosystems. 🪸🐠 Sea Forward proudly collaborates with GFCR which includes a large-scale coalition of partners, including the United Nations and multiple governments, to aggregate tax-deductible contributions for the fund. These contributions are then invested alongside private capital for the benefit of coastal ecosystems and communities in developing tropics. As the leading global coral finance instrument, the GFCR aims to increase the protection and resilience of at least 3 million hectares of coral reefs and support 400+ reef-positive businesses by 2030. There is still time to contribute tax deductible dollars to Sea Forward Ocean Health Fund at ImpactAssets to amplify our GFCR investment before November 30, 2024. Contact us at hello@seaforwardfund.org to find out more or make a donation today: https://bit.ly/3MJyFzU Learn more about the GFCR mission: https://bit.ly/3XohlFI

So… what actually happens when you contribute to the Sea Forward Ocean Health (SFOH) Fund? 🔍 💧 When you donate, your contribution goes into the multi-donor advised fund, which makes strategic investments in private funds, companies, and nonprofits focused on ocean health and sustainability. Administered by impact investing trailblazer ImpactAssets, the SFOH Fund provides a regenerative "everblue" charitable structure for individuals and organizations to contribute tax-deductible dollars towards impact investments, grants, and field-building work in the ocean space. Investments and grants are recommended by thought leaders with deep expertise in ocean policy, research, philanthropy, investing, and entrepreneurship, including our Fund Director, Laura Francis. We offer various levels of participation ranging from Community Member to Ocean Angel to Donor Advised Fund Partner. Find out more about the power of impact investing and explore ways to support our efforts. https://bit.ly/3Xuz5Ps

Sea Forward Fund Director Laura Francis is gearing up for the 1000 Ocean Startups Annual Gathering 2024 in Amsterdam next week! As part of this global coalition dedicated to accelerating ocean innovation, Sea Forward will be joining over 30 other members to discuss the ocean’s crucial role in addressing challenges like climate change, food security, the energy transition and more. Convening under the theme, The Ocean Nexus, the gathering will spotlight the transformative power of #OceanInnovation and impact investment. Closing out the gathering will be a special reception where 50+ leading entrepreneur-supporting organizations, innovators and changemakers will celebrate ocean innovation — an inspiring opportunity to connect with fellow ocean advocates, share insights and reflect on advancing the regenerative blue economy. Request a ticket today to join Laura and other coalition members at the closing reception: https://lnkd.in/d2vh4Ap8 #1000OceanStartups

Last week, Sea Forward Fund Director Laura Francis had the honor of participating in the “Blue Economy Financing: What is the Future of Ocean Investing?” panel at the 2024 Sustainable Ocean Alliance Ecopreneur Activation Summit (SEAS) in San Francisco. Joined by Founder and Managing Director at Boost VC Adam Draper ⏻ and Evok Innovations Partner Mike Biddle, the panelists explored how the blue economy is emerging as a promising frontier for both environmental sustainability and economic growth. The discussion, moderated by SOA’s Director of Investments Matthew Mulrennan, highlighted why understanding the investment landscape is key for entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders alike. The Summit offered an incredible opportunity to learn more about the future of ocean technology, connect with groundbreaking startups, and witness cutting-edge demos. It’s always inspiring to engage with fellow ocean advocates dedicated to funding transformative innovations. Here’s to paving the way for a more sustainable future! 🌱

At Sea Forward, we’re cultivating a community of dedicated changemakers. While each of us is driven by unique motivations, we’re united by a shared commitment to tackling the critical challenges our ocean faces.

🌟 Portfolio Spotlight 🌟 Superorganism is the first venture firm dedicated to biodiversity, with a mission of finding and supercharging founders taking on the planet’s most important work. They support startups with breakthrough ideas to:   🐢 Slow and reverse drivers of extinction 🌱 Invest in tech-driven solutions that foster biodiversity and protect our planet 🕹️ Enable conservationist technology from remote sensing to drones Learn more about their goals and the startups they’re backing. https://bit.ly/47trJjR

Are you a detail-oriented, data-driven impact consultant looking to make a meaningful difference in the health of our ocean? This is your opportunity. 🌟 1000 Ocean Startups is on the lookout for a Manager for the Ocean Impact Navigator — a KPI framework designed to simplify and strengthen impact measurement and reporting for our vibrant ocean innovation ecosystem and 1000OS’ 48 members, including Sea Forward. Your expertise could help amplify our collective impact. 💙 The deadline to submit your RFP application is just ONE WEEK away—be sure to apply by Friday, 10/4. Dive into the details below. 🌊👇