Investing in Blue Ocean Gear: Protecting Ecological Integrity

May 18, 2023

We’re thrilled to announce our recent investment in Blue Ocean Gear, a startup producing sensor-rich tracking buoys that prevent gear loss and collect actionable ocean data. 
 
Our investment will enable the company to accelerate growth and continue its mission to promote ocean stewardship by pushing the limits of technology.  
 
Why we invested in Blue Ocean Gear: 
 
Leadership Team: CEO Kortney Opshaug brings a depth of technical, academic, and engineering experience in combination with an ability to manage multiple stakeholders and sell. CBO Peter Macy has a long history in blue tech and background in investment banking, entrepreneurship, and venture capital. 
 
Proven Market Fit & Value Proposition: Blue Ocean Gear has built strong relationships within the ocean data and fisheries industry as well as strong brand equity in the commercial fishing market. The company’s market penetration is a testament to the trust it has built in its customer base and its thoughtful design of the smart buoy. 
 
Social Impact: Gear loss is a major contributor to ocean plastic and the root cause of ghost fishing. If Blue Ocean Gear’s buoys were to be widely adopted by fishers across markets and catches, the resulting reduction in gear loss and ocean plastic pollution would have a notable impact on the health of the ocean. 
 
Join us in supporting Blue Ocean Gear to protect our oceans.