The Potato Impact Fund
We drive innovation for a sustainable future by investing in visionary, early-stage seaweed and aquaculture startups who are revolutionizing the food industry.
Why seaweed?
The global seaweed industry is valued at more than USD11 billion and plays a vital role in transitioning towards a more sustainable and resilient global economy.
Sustainable and low impact
Requires no pesticides, fertilizers, or freshwater resources and minimal land and nutrient inputs. Lower carbon and water footprint than land-based agriculture.
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Versatile and diverse applications
Wide range of applications beyond food, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, biofuels, and bioplastics. Potential to develop sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels and single-use plastics.
Resource efficiency and scalability
Rapid growth rates and can be cultivated in large quantities, providing high yield per unit area. Potential to scale through vertical and offshore farming without straining terrestrial resources.
We are investing in seaweed and aquaculture to address the global food crisis.
What is the global food crisis?
The Global Food Crisis
Empty oceans
The world's oceans are expected to be empty of fish and ocean life by 2048.
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Rapidly increasing population
The world's population is expected to reach nearly 10 billion by 2050.​
Decreasing crops
According to the IPCC, major staple crop yields have been decreasing by -3% per decade due to climate change.
The aquaculture market is growing
The aquaculture market is poised to grow at 5.9% CAGR, 2023 - 2032
Immense potential
The global aquaculture market is projected to reach $526.03 billion by 2032.
Rapid growth market
The aquaculture market is growing rapidly, offering stability and high potential returns.
Fast growing business
Today, aquaculture is the fastest-growing food production business globally.
Investment thesis and methodology
We employ the following framework to invest in early-stage round companies.
Minimum viable product
We seek to support companies that have made significant progress in product development and have the potential to attract customers and generate revenue.
DEI lens
We employ a gender lens to evaluate startups and seek businesses that support and benefit female users and recognize that diverse perspectives foster better performance.
Triple bottom line
We back sustainable and socially responsible businesses, offering the potential for both financial returns, and positive environmental and social impacts.
Investment methodology
We apply the following methodology to how we invest.
from ecosystem partners, co-investors, accelerators, and incubators.
with potential for market-based scalability, economic returns, strengthening value chains, and sustainable change.
through thorough due diligence with support from co-investors and board of advisors.
by leveraging our networks and affiliations in SEA, experience, and unique gender lens approach.
Source founders
Identify ideas
Select startups
Add value
Our differentiators
What sets us apart?
Network access
We have robust networks across SEA with deep connections to local companies and contacts, in-house experts on storytelling, technology, and other technical areas. We regularly engage with university communities across the U.S. and Asia.
Experience
Our team has a varied background: across project management, partnerships, and programming. Our affiliations with Potato Group promise our founders access to expertise across sectors in technology, education, arts and design.
Gender & DEI lens
We are an all-female team striving to promote gender equality and diversity within the startup ecosystem. We are committed to supporting founders from minority backgrounds and recognize the value-add perspectives that women bring to entrepreneurship.
Our approach
Building a company is already a difficult task and founders can only thrive when they are mentally well.
We value mental wellness as a critical component to success, keep a stigma-free environment, and provide access to wellness resources.