Sink or Swim? Predictions for the Blue Investment Landscape in 2025
Entering the new year, the blue economy is drawing heightened interest from investors and innovators with its untapped potential to drive sustainable growth, bolster food security, and combat climate change. Investment is growing, with a predicted $24 trillion (USD) set to enter the market over the next decade.
We asked investors from across the Blue Food Innovation Summit network to share their predictions for the next financial year. Read on for insights into the challenges and opportunities within the expanding blue food ecosystem as these experts provide a roadmap for a sector on the brink of unlocking its full potential.
Opportunities on the Horizon: Technological Advancements Shaping 2025
According to Markus Boehm of the Planet Ocean Fund, the future of blue investments lies at the intersection of innovation and impact. “We see several exciting opportunities ahead for 2025,” Boehm shares. Technologies like bioreactors and advancements in biotechnology could revolutionise industries by leveraging microorganisms for applications such as sustainable aquaculture feed. Solutions combining greenhouse gas (GHG) removal with revenue-generating activities—like coastal erosion protection or macroalgae harvesting—also stand out as areas ripe for growth.
Ohad Maiman of Aquafounders Capital underscores the promising outlook for land-based aquaculture. With a new wave of projects nearing profitability and innovations reducing costs and construction timelines, this sector is well-positioned to become a third pillar of global seafood supply. “Investor sentiment is warming up,” Maiman observes, noting how technical advancements are driving reliability and scalability.
Meanwhile, Isabelle Laurencin, Investment Director: Blue Economy at ECBF, highlights the growing potential in precision aquaculture, low-carbon biobased products, and biodiversity monitoring technologies. She sees regions like the Nordics and Asia leading the charge, “leveraging their expertise in aquaculture and algae applications to become global hubs for innovation. Meanwhile, increasing venture capital presence and broader recognition of the sector’s importance create a more supportive ecosystem for startups. This momentum should significantly boost the sector’s visibility and impact in the coming years.”
Supporting this trend, the $18 million raised by Ocean Fresco in 2024 underscores the appetite for scalable, operator-driven solutions within the sector.
Shifting Sentiments: Climate Awareness and Investment Trends
Climate issues have become a central concern for both investors and consumers, shaping the direction of capital flows. Boehm points to the increasing tangibility of climate impacts, citing recent floods in Europe and tropical storms in North America.
These events have galvanised interest from high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and family offices, though institutional investors remain hesitant. He notes, “There are still too many externalised costs of GHG emissions not accounted for, leading to attractive returns on fossil fuel investments.” To shift this narrative, showcasing the substantial return potential of climate-friendly solutions is crucial.
Maiman echoes these sentiments, emphasising the convergence of consumer preference and investor interest in sustainable food systems. With wild catch and traditional aquaculture nearing capacity limits, advanced land-based aquaculture offers a scalable and environmentally friendly solution. “Fish is already one of the most resource-efficient sources of protein,” he notes, making it a key player in addressing global food security.
Europe, boasting the largest venture capital (VC) market, continues to focus on areas such as recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), offshore farming, precision feeding, and genetics for disease resistance. However, the broader VC market slowdown raises warnings about the potential alignment of aquaculture’s growth with improving economic conditions. The capital-intensive nature of startups in this space, coupled with their extended paths to profitability, will require sustained investor confidence.
Addressing Overlooked Potential: The Path Forward
Despite its vast importance, the blue economy has historically been under-represented in investment portfolios. Laurencin highlights how the sector’s perceived risks, substantial upfront costs, and long-term payoffs have deterred investors.
As the tide is turning, venture capital interest is growing, and broader recognition of the sector’s critical role is driving greater inclusion of global stakeholders. “The blue economy’s immense potential as a pillar for global food security and climate health has been surprisingly overlooked compared to other climate-tech sectors. This reluctance stems from high perceived risks, substantial upfront costs, and long-term payoffs.
However, the past few years have seen a positive shift, with growing venture capital interest and broader recognition of the sector’s importance. Moving forward, increasing awareness and inclusion of global stakeholders will be critical for fostering broader engagement and impactful growth.” she remarks.
The Momentum Builds: Why Now?
The blue investment landscape is poised for a breakthrough. With advancements in technology, growing consumer demand for sustainability, and a heightened awareness of climate challenges, the stage is set for rapid expansion. Regions leading in aquaculture and algae innovation, coupled with increased venture capital activity, are creating an ecosystem that supports startups and accelerates growth.
The challenge now lies in scaling these solutions to achieve meaningful impact. Success stories, as Boehm notes, will be critical in showcasing the viability and profitability of these ventures. By aligning technological innovation with market demand, the blue economy can chart a course toward a sustainable and prosperous future.
Conclusion: Anchoring Investments in the Blue Economy
The blue economy offers a compelling investment opportunity at the nexus of profitability and sustainability. From precision aquaculture to biotechnological breakthroughs, the innovations emerging within this sector are not just solving pressing challenges but are also reshaping industries. As we look to 2025 and beyond, the question is no longer whether the blue economy will grow but how quickly it can scale to meet its immense potential.
With innovators pioneering sustainable solutions, and regenerative aquaculture capturing investor attention, the momentum is undeniable. For investors, now is the time to act. By supporting solutions that harness the power of the ocean sustainably, we can unlock tremendous value—for both the planet and portfolios.
Meet over 300 leaders in blue food, ocean systems and aquaculture in London at the Blue Food Innovation Summit on April 8-9, 2025, as producers, feed suppliers, health and technology providers, retailers, investors and innovators work together to forge the collaborations that will take sustainable aquaculture to the next level. Register now.
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