The Fish 2.0 2017 business competition for sustainable seafood enterprises has officially launched. This year’s format introduces an improved track structure, designed to strengthen global connections and foster innovation in coastal regions.
Moreover, the competition serves as a valuable gateway for entrepreneurs who are eager to connect with investors, industry experts, and advisors. In addition to fostering strategic partnerships, it also provides essential networking opportunities that can significantly accelerate business growth. Furthermore, both well-established businesses and early-stage enterprises are strongly encouraged to apply through the official Fish 2.0 website, thereby ensuring a diverse and dynamic range of participants.
The competition provides unmatched access to investors, advisors, and partners, all of whom play a crucial role in helping businesses scale effectively. In fact, more than 60% of the 2015 Fish 2.0 finalists successfully secured funding, established strategic partnerships, or gained new customers as a direct result of participating in the program. Moreover, these connections have continued to benefit many businesses long after the competition ended, reinforcing the long-term value of Fish 2.0.
Furthermore, entrepreneurs often experience increased industry visibility. Jacqueline Claudia, CEO of Love the Wild, shared:
“Fish 2.0 made us a company to watch, which opened doors to press opportunities, investors, retailers, and partners.”
Beyond financial support, networking remains a key advantage of Fish 2.0. Entrepreneurs not only gain long-term connections but also develop relationships that continue to grow even after the competition ends.
As a result, the Fish 2.0 network remains one of its strongest assets. Claudia further emphasized the value of these connections:
“The best aspect of Fish 2.0 is the network. It’s a real community, and the connections keep getting stronger.”
Many past participants credit Fish 2.0 for accelerating their business growth. Emmanuelle Bourgois, Director of FairAgora Asia and Verifik8, explained:
“Fish 2.0 helped shape my concept into a robust business model, boosted my entrepreneurial confidence, and was the starting point for this amazing, innovative journey.”
The competition actively connects businesses with a diverse group of stakeholders, including investors, seafood industry leaders, NGOs, and economic development agencies. As a result, participating companies not only gain valuable exposure but also establish meaningful relationships with key decision-makers in the seafood sector. Additionally, these connections open doors to potential funding, strategic partnerships, and long-term business opportunities.
Amy Novogratz, Managing Partner at Aqua-Spark, highlighted:
“Fish 2.0 successfully gathers various stakeholders to support real solutions for a more sustainable, open, and transparent seafood sector.”
Following previous competitions, numerous businesses have successfully secured significant investment deals. For example, Aqua-Spark, a Netherlands-based fund, invested in Love the Wild after the 2015 event. Moreover, the fund remains actively engaged in monitoring promising companies introduced through Fish 2.0. Additionally, this ongoing interest highlights the competition’s ability to foster long-term investment relationships and industry growth.
For 2017, Fish 2.0 introduces a new competition format. Participants will first compete within regional tracks or global-themed categories before advancing to the global finals.
According to Monica Jain, Fish 2.0 Founder and Executive Director:
“This structure promotes diversity among finalists and gives investors a global perspective on emerging seafood innovations. It also fosters regional and global networks that support businesses tackling the seafood industry’s biggest challenges.”
The competition runs online over several months. Throughout this period, participants collaborate with investors and advisors to refine their business strategies and prepare for investment.
Finalists will pitch their businesses at the November 7-8 final event at Stanford University, Palo Alto, California.
The competition offers:
The Fish 2.0 2017 competition receives support from leading organizations committed to sustainability and innovation, including:
Additionally, supporting sponsors like Aqua-Spark and the Center for Ocean Solutions contribute to fostering sustainable seafood solutions.
Link to the original article can be found here.
At FairAgora Asia, we drive sustainability through innovative agricultural practices, social impact training, and environmental risk assessments. Partnering with global organizations, we empower stakeholders to embrace sustainability for a greener future.
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