Why Oceans? 70% of the Planet You Could Be Investing In

What is the event about?

Oceans regulate the climate, absorb over 90% of excess heat, and support billions of livelihoods, yet they remain one of the most overlooked areas in climate investment. Co-hosted by Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA), Seabird Ventures, and 1000 Ocean Startups (1000OS) is a public-facing convening designed to introduce climate investors and the broader ecosystem to the critical role oceans play in addressing climate risk and opportunity.

This event will explore why the ocean represents a vital and underleveraged frontier for climate solutions. Through conversations with ocean-focused entrepreneurs, investors, and ecosystem leaders, attendees will gain insight into the science behind the ocean–climate nexus, the emerging investment landscape, and the innovative startups building scalable solutions across ocean data, restoration, food systems, carbon, and coastal resilience. Together, SOA, Seabird Ventures, and 1000OS represent a global community that has supported over 375 ocean startups and mobilized close to $2 billion in assets under management, and this convening brings that ecosystem directly to SF Climate Week.

The event aims to broaden awareness of investable ocean impact opportunities, elevate the ocean as a foundational component of climate solutions, and connect investors with the entrepreneurs and partners shaping this rapidly growing field.

The program will feature a founder panel with:Virj Kan, PrimitivesBruno Grandstaad, DisperseBioBrian Glazer, HohonuThomas Boerner, CalWaveHirsh Shah, Dispatch Goods

We will also host an intimate fireside chat followed by networking.

Who should come?

This event is open to climate investors, venture capital and impact investors, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and philanthropic funders who are curious about the role of oceans in climate solutions.

Whether you are already investing in climate technologies or exploring new frontiers for impact and opportunity, this event offers an accessible entry point into the ocean climate ecosystem, highlighting investable solutions and the founders building them.

About Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA)

Sustainable Ocean Alliance mobilizes young leaders, accelerates ocean innovation, and invests in startups developing solutions to restore ocean health. Through global programs and partnerships, SOA works to build a sustainable blue economy and protect the future of our planet.

About Seabird Ventures

Seabird Ventures is SOA's affiliate venture capital fund, investing in early stage startups building solutions for ocean health and the blue economy. Seabird backs founders at the intersection of ocean science and scalable impact, accelerating the transition to a regenerative ocean economy.

About 1000 Ocean Startups (1000OS)

1000 Ocean Startups is a global coalition of nearly 50 venture capital funds, incubators, accelerators, and innovation platforms united around one mission: accelerating innovation for ocean health. Founded in 2021, 1000OS works to mainstream ocean entrepreneurship and bring the ocean innovation ecosystem to full maturity, with a goal of scaling at least 1,000 transformative startups by 2030 in support of SDG14.