Key Impact Points:
- SWEN Blue Ocean 2 secures €160M in first close, on track to become the world’s largest ocean impact venture fund.
- Targets startups combatting over-fishing, pollution, and climate change; classified as Article 9 under EU SFDR.
- Strong investor demand globally, with 53% of fund already raised from institutional LPs like EIF and France 2030.
SWEN Capital Partners Scales Ocean Impact Strategy with Second Blue Ocean Fund
SWEN Capital Partners has raised €160 million in the first close of SWEN Blue Ocean 2, the world’s largest ocean-focused impact venture fund. With a €300 million target, the fund will back startups advancing technologies that regenerate marine biodiversity and address over-fishing, pollution, and climate change.
The new fund builds on the success of the inaugural €170 million Blue Ocean fund and has already reached 53% of its target—an indicator of growing global interest in ocean sustainability investing.
Global Backing for Ocean Biodiversity Solutions
SWEN Blue Ocean 2 has attracted a diverse pool of investors including pension funds, banks, insurance firms, and family offices. Among the notable limited partners are EIF (European Investment Fund), France 2030, Bpifrance, Macif, Abeille Assurances, Matmut, Suravenir, Mutuelle de Poitiers, and CPSTI.
“Our fund strategy remains more relevant than ever,” said Christian Lim, Co-Managing Director of SWEN Blue Ocean. “Ocean action is growing in importance on the global stage, with the international community, governments and companies working together to prioritise ocean protection.”
Investing in Innovation and Scaling Impact
The fund will focus on Series A investments, primarily in Europe, with up to 30% of its capital deployable globally. SWEN plans to take lead roles in funding rounds and issue initial tickets of up to €12 million.
“This ambitious and innovative strategy could not have come to life without the expertise of our Blue Ocean team, nor without the trust of the investors who share our convictions,” said Jérôme Delmas, CEO of SWEN Capital Partners. “Their commitment is essential to accelerating the deployment of concrete solutions in response to a challenge that is both systemic and urgent.”
Proven Strategy, Growing Ecosystem
The original Blue Ocean fund is fully allocated and has already returned significant capital to investors, exiting two investments and supporting 18 portfolio companies. SWEN has also grown its investment team to nine professionals, with more hires planned.
“Our strategy demonstrates the link between impact and highly competitive returns, which is an attractive proposition for investors,” said Olivier Raybaud, Co-Managing Director of SWEN Blue Ocean. “With this latest fund, we will bring scale to a proven strategy.”
Beyond investing, SWEN co-founded the ‘1000 Ocean Startups’ coalition to foster a global ecosystem for ocean innovation. Launched in 2021, the initiative aims to support 1,000 transformative ocean startups by 2031, in collaboration with platforms like Ifremer, BlueInvest, and ChangeNow.
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