Maritime accelerator Katapult Ocean is set to run its first Blue Economy Start-up Day at the Nor-Shipping 2022 exhibition in Oslo, bringing start-ups focused on solving climate and business challenges together with a range of investors to support the transition to a sustainable ocean economy.
Katapult Ocean says it has gathered a range of venture capitalists, angel investors, debt providers, corporate backers and other industry stakeholders for the event, which will follow a ‘reverse pitching’ concept, whereby institutions and investors pitch their businesses to start-ups, rather than the other way around.
These pitches will be followed by ‘open table’ conversations, where ideas and partnerships can be discussed in detail.
Investors confirmed so far include Nysnø, Saga Pure, Norselab, ArcTern Ventures, Hafslund Eco, Startup Norway, The Factory, Startuplab, DNV Ventures, Gründergarasjen, and Fire A.
“There’s opportunity in challenge, and the potential for bold new businesses to deliver solutions to drive sustainable ocean activity is huge. However, they need to access the right networks and expertise, and that can be problematic,” said Ingrid Maurstad, Commercial Manager, Katapult Ocean.
“On the other side of the coin we have investors actively looking to make good investments in firms that impact positively on our oceans and environment. The Blue Economy Start-up Day is about bridging that gap; bringing these two sides together to enable progress.”
“Nor-Shipping, which is such a hub for the international maritime and ocean industry communities, is the perfect platform to make this happen. And, after the disruption of the pandemic, which has made it difficult to make new connections, I think the energy and enthusiasm here is going to be amazing.”
