Over the past decade, the Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA) has transformed from a small dorm-room initiative into a global force in ocean conservation with leaders in 186 countries. Founded by Daniela Fernandez in 2014, the SOA helps emerging startups to land serious investment to drive innovation in tackling the challenges facing the world's oceans.
Fernandez's approach is grounded in the belief that economic viability is key to driving societal change toward environmental conservation. Environmental solutions must not only be sustainable but also “investable” to foster widespread adoption. Over time, the SOA’s accelerator program has evolved from a basic startup incubator to a professional network that provides these young companies with long-term support and industry connections. This shift included redefining its focus to key areas that represent their best chance to break through to the mainstream, such as Greenhouse Gas Reduction, Pollution Reduction, and Ocean Data and Literacy. This pivot reflects a maturation of the organization's mission as it seeks to make a more systemic impact.
As the market for ocean-related investments grows, SOA is refining its strategies to ensure that the impact is measurable. SOA has partnered with the Solar Impulse Foundation to launch the Ocean Solution Label, a rigorous certification that assesses the environmental impact of companies. This certification primarily targets investors, steering capital toward ventures that demonstrate substantial ecological benefits, and setting a bar in an industry vulnerable to superficial claims of sustainability.
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