Welcome to our June newsletter!
June was an action-packed month for the ocean community, with major events including World Oceans Week, the Blue Economy Finance Forum (BEFF), the One Ocean Science Conference, and
the 3rd UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3). We’re energized by the momentum these gatherings generated – and are excited to carry that energy into the second half of 2025.
World Oceans Week & International Seaweed Day:
Earlier this month, several of our team members participated in the 9th annual World Oceans Week at The Explorers Club in New York City. The week featured a series of engaging
panels, receptions, and workshops, with topics ranging from Mission Blue Hope Spots with Dr. Sylvia Earle to deep sea exploration with Victor Vescovo.
One highlight in particular was celebrating International Seaweed Day on June 4th in partnership with our friends at Potato Impact Partners and Lonely Whale. The full-day program
highlighted seaweed’s growing role in a sustainable future and featured dynamic conversations, including an investor-focused session graciously hosted by DLA Piper. The session
opened with keynote remarks from Paul Dobbins of WWF, and brought together innovative companies such as Ocean Rainforest, Sea6 Energy, and Keel Labs, and active investors including
Builders Vision, CI Ventures, Norfolk Green Ventures, and Third Nature Investments for engaging panel discussions. You can read more about the day in our recent
LinkedIn post.
Blue Economy Finance Forum & the 3rd UN Ocean Conference:
Following World Oceans Week, the IO team headed to Monaco and Nice for the much anticipated and vital BEFF and UNOC3 – two pivotal gatherings that showcased meaningful progress
throughout the ocean community. From policy advancements and new financial commitments to groundbreaking initiatives and cross-sector partnerships, BEFF and UNOC3 highlighted the
growing global momentum for sustainable ocean solutions.
So Did UNOC3 Accomplish Its Objectives?
With so many major developments and announcements unfolding across both the BEFF and UNOC3, we’ve been asked this question a lot over the past couple of weeks. To help frame our
own reflections, we’ve been using a simple set of questions to assess the initiatives that emerged:
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(1) Is there analysis and/or commentary available from relevant experts? These initiatives are often quite complex and announced as a work in progress, so to dig beneath the
headlines we seek out people who really know the subject in depth.
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(2) If successfully implemented, does the initiative have the potential to deliver meaningful, measurable impact? This is the same question we, along with the blue fund
community, are continuously asking of emerging blue economy companies who are seeking advice and/or funding.
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(3) Are the resources, partners, and commitment in place to maximize the chances of success? Many of these (admirable!) initiatives have long horizons and myriad details to be
worked out in the future, so a strong foundation at the outset combined with a long term view is a must in many cases.
We believe many of the initiatives announced at BEFF and UNOC3 meet these challenges, which is why we’re optimistic about what was accomplished, while acknowledging the reality
that the rate at which we’re progressing still needs significant acceleration.
To Start, Two Good Scene Setters for BEFF and UNOC3
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BEFF Summary – Gives a good feel for
the atmosphere and highlights of the conference, including a well-deserved shout out to Prince Albert II and Monaco for their continued leadership in ocean stewardship.
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UNOC3 Summary – Thoughtful and thorough
review of UNOC3 announcements from our friends Nick and Tim at the Ocean Impact Organisation.
A Few Announcements of Note
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SWEN Launches Second Fund
– Deserves special mention since it’s a second fund, which signals important growth in ocean-themed funds with respect to both larger Assets Under Management (AUM) and broader
investor reach – an important market signal people have been waiting for, with more announcements from others to come.
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Ocean Returns Platform Unveiled – Katapult, Builders Visions, and Dealroom roll out exciting first of its kind ocean investment data and
analysis initiative.
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Historic Progress Made Towards 30x30 – This was a continuous conversation
over the course of both conferences, with significant progress towards the 60 signatories needed for BBNJ ratification.
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Global Plastics Treaty Endorsed
– 90+ member states support “The Nice wake up call for an ambitious plastics treaty” in advance of final negotiations.
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EarthShot and Builders Form Partnership –
An exciting partnership between two pillars in the ocean community, with an eye towards filling in gaps that will strengthen the foundation of the blue economy ecosystem.
Some of Our Favorite Posts – Hard to Choose, Lots of Good Ones!
As always, thank you for your support and being part of this incredible journey towards a sustainable blue economy!
The Investable Oceans Team
