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Bold Ocean Ventures is a venture capital firm established as a partnership between experienced investors and the Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI). Founded in 2021, the firm is based in the Gulf of Maine, a region critical for studying climate change impacts on marine ecosystems. The firm focuses on connecting capital with scientific expertise to foster the Blue Economy and address climate change challenges.
The firm manages a fund size of $15 million, targeting seed and early-stage companies. Bold Ocean Ventures aims to support 8 to 12 companies, emphasizing investments that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in ocean health and sustainable seafood production. The partnership with GMRI enhances the firm's ability to conduct rigorous due diligence and provides access to a network of researchers and businesses in the Gulf of Maine.
Bold Ocean Ventures invests in seed and early-stage companies across several sectors, including climate, healthcare, biotech, energy, and food-agtech. The firm specifically targets technologies and services that promote sustainability in the ocean economy. Key focus areas include:
Bold Ocean Ventures emphasizes investments that align with UN Sustainability Goals 13 (Climate Action) and 14 (Life Below Water), aiming to generate attractive returns while making a measurable impact on environmental sustainability.
Bold Ocean Ventures has invested in a diverse range of companies focused on sustainable solutions for the ocean economy. Notable portfolio companies include:
These companies exemplify the fund's commitment to fostering innovative solutions that contribute to a sustainable ocean ecosystem. The portfolio reflects the firm's focus on addressing climate change impacts and promoting sustainable seafood production.
Brady Bohrmann: Managing General Partner. Brady has over 20 years of experience in venture capital, previously working at Masthead Venture Partners. He brings expertise in institutional-grade VC and a strong focus on the blue economy.
Tim Agnew: General Partner. Tim has a similar background to Brady, with extensive experience in venture capital and a focus on sustainable investments. Together, they have a proven track record of successful investments in specialized sectors.
Blaine Grimes: Chief Ventures Officer & President, Gulf of Maine Ventures. Blaine plays a key role in connecting the firm with the Gulf of Maine Research Institute, enhancing the scientific advisory capabilities of Bold Ocean Ventures.
To pitch Bold Ocean Ventures, founders should utilize the preferred channel outlined on their contact page. The pitch deck should include a clear overview of the business model, market opportunity, and alignment with sustainability goals. Founders should expect a response time of several weeks, and warm introductions are encouraged to facilitate engagement.
In 2023, Bold Ocean Ventures launched an AI-powered blue tech accelerator in Portland, in partnership with GMRI, aimed at supporting startups leveraging AI in ocean applications. This initiative reflects the firm's commitment to fostering innovation in the blue economy.
Annual impact reports published by GMRI in 2021, 2022, and 2023 confirm the active operations of Bold Ocean Ventures, highlighting the firm's ongoing investments in sustainable solutions for the ocean ecosystem.
What are Bold Ocean Ventures' investment criteria?
Bold Ocean Ventures invests in seed and early-stage companies that develop technologies and services in sectors such as climate, healthcare, biotech, energy, and food-agtech. The firm looks for innovative solutions that align with the UN Sustainability Goals, particularly in sustainable seafood production and ocean health.
How can founders apply or pitch to Bold Ocean Ventures?
Founders interested in pitching to Bold Ocean Ventures can visit their contact page for application inquiries. The firm encourages detailed proposals that outline the innovative aspects of the business and its alignment with sustainability goals.
What makes Bold Ocean Ventures different from other investors?
The partnership with the Gulf of Maine Research Institute provides Bold Ocean Ventures with unique scientific advisory input and domain expertise, enhancing the value they add to portfolio companies. This collaboration ensures rigorous due diligence and access to a network of researchers and businesses in the Gulf of Maine.
What is the geographic scope of Bold Ocean Ventures?
Bold Ocean Ventures primarily targets investments in North America, particularly the Gulf of Maine region, as well as broader markets in New England, Canada, and Europe.
What is the fund size and check size range?
The fund size for Bold Ocean Ventures is $15 million, which limits check sizes and follow-on investment capacity. The firm typically invests in seed and early-stage companies, focusing on innovative solutions in the blue economy.
What kind of post-investment involvement can portfolio companies expect?
Bold Ocean Ventures provides portfolio companies with access to scientific expertise, community connections, and ongoing support through its partnership with GMRI. This involvement includes advisory input and assistance in navigating challenges related to sustainability and market entry.
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