The blue economy, valued at $3 trillion by 2030, is a growing sector that Ocean 14 Capital Fund I aims to support with its successful €201 million raise. The fund invests in entrepreneurs and businesses with innovative ideas in areas such as aquaculture, alternative proteins, plastic waste reduction, ecosystem protection, and ending overfishing.
As a guiding principle, the fund uses the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14. By supporting these initiatives, Ocean 14 Capital Fund I aims to contribute to a sustainable future for the planet. Chris Gorell Barnes, co-founder of Ocean 14 Capital Limited, emphasizes the importance of oceans as a crucial life-support system for Earth. He highlights the essential functions of oceans and stresses the urgency of revamping the capital market to address climate change effectively.
The fund has garnered the support of notable investors such as Nestlé and Green Earth Impact Fund managed by Schroders and BlueOrchard. Natalie Wong, investment director at Schroders Capital, expressed excitement about Ocean 14 Fund I’s significance as it is their first major investment in the Blue Economy. Wong emphasized that the fund has potential to achieve impactful environmental goals while delivering attractive financial returns.
Gorell Barnes sees this investment as an opportunity to support innovative and transformative businesses that leverage technology to create lasting positive change in environmental preservation. As businesses shift towards sustainability, he believes that those focused on environmental preservation will hold the most value.
In conclusion, Ocean 14 Capital Fund I successfully raised €201 million to support businesses within the growing blue economy sector using sustainable development principles. With its investments in innovative ideas in areas such as aquaculture and plastic waste reduction, it aims to propel this sector’s growth while contributing positively to environmental goals.
