Andi Cross is the Founder of impact consultancy WILDPALM, lead of the Edges of Earth expedition, writer, growth strategist & SSI divemaster.
I’ve embarked on a quest to identify solutions with the potential to radically disrupt traditional systems contributing to our planet’s rapid decline. My primary focus has been on uncovering nature-based solutions that are not only effective but are also gaining traction toward making a significant impact. Simultaneously, I’ve also been assessing the presence of women leaders at the helms of mission-driven for-profit startups.
Historically, women have been significantly underrepresented in venture capital circles. According to the World Economic Forum, “companies founded solely by women received only 2% of all VC investment in 2022.” Despite some progress in narrowing the professional gender gap, this figure is low and highlights the ongoing challenges women face in securing venture funding.
The women who have come before us have laid a formidable foundation for equality in the workplace, significantly advancing our journey toward gender parity. However, the responsibility now falls on today’s generation of women to support one another. It is crucial to amplify successes, drawing attention to the numerous game-changing initiatives that women are front-running. By spotlighting these efforts, we not only acknowledge their contributions but also inspire a new wave of female leaders to drive further progress. One area where women are seeing success is in ocean tech, specifically with seaweed.
Why does seaweed have potential?
First, it’s essential to understand the remarkable versatility of seaweed. Seaweed is not only a sustainable organic food source and a key ingredient in numerous cosmetic and health products, but it also serves as a manufacturing material and a method for reducing methane emissions in agriculture. Its inherent resilience allows it to withstand harsh ocean conditions, which makes seaweed an exceptionally adaptable and versatile material. This multifaceted utility is why seaweed is often hailed as a “miracle plant.”
Even with the growing recognition of seaweed’s potential, there remains a vast frontier of knowledge yet to be explored. This burgeoning interest has placed seaweed squarely on many founders’ radars, prompting them to delve deep into R&D, including extensive testing, iterating and sampling. These dedicated seaweed enthusiasts are beginning to see their efforts bear fruit. The venture capital space and corporations like Amazon are showing interest in seaweed-focused businesses and the flow of funding into these startups underscores the recognized potential of seaweed, marking it as a promising area for innovation and investment.
Who’s behind the movement?
There are several leading women in ocean tech who are harnessing the potential of seaweed to radically transform their respective industries, including:
Loliware
Founded by Sea Briganti, Loliware is an AI-driven materials innovation company transforming the plastics industry by replacing single-use plastics with seaweed-based materials designed to disappear. Their SEA Technology Resins offer sustainable solutions that can be used with existing plastics equipment to create home-compostable, circular products. In 2024, Loliware was recognized by Time magazine as one of America’s Top GreenTech Companies. (Disclosure: I’ve previously advised Loliware, a portfolio company of H/L Ventures, where I’ve been a long-standing strategist in residence.)
Sway
Sway is led by Julia Marsh and specializes in creating 100% renewable seaweed-based resin and versatile films suitable for various packaging needs, including the clear windows on packaging boxes, polybags, mailers, retail bags, wrappers and more. Sway has collaborated with leading brands such as Burton, J.Crew and Florence Marine X. They won first place in the Tom Ford Plastic Innovation Prize powered by Lonely Whale in 2023, which helped secure additional funding to ramp up production.
Symbrosia
Recognized in 2022 as a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree in Social Impact, Alexia Akbay founded Symbrosia with a clear mission: to reduce methane emissions. Based in Hawaiʻi, her team is dedicated to converting algae into an organic product named “SeaGraze,” intended for livestock consumption. This innovative solution can drastically reduce methane emissions from livestock—adding just a sprinkle of SeaGraze to their feed can reportedly cut emissions by over 90%.
What does this mean for other entrepreneurs?
For those considering starting a business today, it’s imperative to confront a critical question: “Am I contributing to the problem, or am I part of the solution?” There are many entrepreneurs, including myself, currently facing this dilemma and have chosen to pursue paths that aim to resolve these systemic issues.
For those starting your entrepreneurial journey, I encourage you to look to the seaweed industry for inspiration:
Defining The Problem
As you lay the foundation for your business, start by defining the problem you aim to solve. Dive into research to understand the nuances of these issues. Then, connect with industry leaders who have navigated similar paths to gain insights into their journeys and learn from their mistakes.
You can then begin drafting your business plan with a solid understanding of your market and assemble a team of experts in your field to strengthen your credibility and approach.
Building A Network
Finding the right people to back your entrepreneurial journey is no easy task, and it often requires a long-term strategy. Networking is critical here—platforms like Dealroom, AngelList, and Crunchbase can help you cast a wide net and identify potential investors. As you explore these platforms and start outreach, narrow your focus once you find the strongest alignment.
Don’t forget to leverage your existing network as well. These connections are the “low-hanging fruit” of your relationship web and can be a great starting point to share your idea. However, building a successful venture takes time.
The challenges you face—whether financial, resource-related, or time management—will vary. But remember, you’re not alone. Building a strong network from the start is the key. By doing so, you position your business for both commercial success and meaningful global impact.
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