Post #57: Accelerators and the Blue Economy: Guidance for Founders
- henry belfiori
- Mar 28
- 7 min read
Hello all!
Working in the startup and funding world, I often speak with founders who are trying to figure out their next move. Once you’ve got traction—maybe an early prototype, proof of concept, or even a few partnerships—the question often becomes: how do I take this to the next level?
Accelerators are a good path for early-stage startups looking for that next move. But the options can be overwhelming—some focus on investment, others on mentorship, some are industry-specific, and many vary in quality and value. For founders working on ocean tech, aquaculture, or marine sustainability, the added complexity of operating in a niche sector like the blue economy makes this decision even trickier.
This post is a practical guide for startups in the blue economy considering an accelerator or just if it's something you are curious about. It breaks down what to look for, the potential upsides and trade-offs, and how to assess whether it’s the right step for your venture.
Enjoy:)
Remember to check out my UK data base on blue economy linked accelerators:
What Is a Startup Accelerator (and What Makes One Relevant to the Blue Economy)?
A startup accelerator is a fixed-term, cohort-based programme designed to help early-stage companies grow rapidly by providing access to resources, networks, and guidance. These programmes usually run over 3–6 months and often end with a demo day, where startups pitch their venture to a room of potential investors and partners.
A typical accelerator will offer:
Mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts
Business support in areas like product development, go-to-market, legal, and fundraising
Access to funding – often includes a small seed investment/grant fund or helps connect to VCs
Workshops and bootcamps on pitching, operations, and growth strategy
Investor exposure via demo days or direct introductions
Peer learning from a cohort of startups at a similar stage
For startups in the blue economy, accelerators can offer something more tailored. These programmes aren’t just about growth—they’re about navigating a highly specialised space that involves science, policy, sustainability, and global systems like fisheries, marine energy, or ocean data.
For example, Katapult Ocean is one of the few accelerators focused entirely on scalable ocean-impact ventures. Based in Norway but open globally, they invest in early-stage startups tackling everything from marine pollution to sustainable shipping and offer an intensive three-month programme. What sets it apart is its strong emphasis on impact measurement, technical validation, and commercial readiness for ocean-related markets.
If you're building a solution in this space, joining an accelerator that understands the regulatory, environmental, and commercial challenges of marine innovation can offer far more value than a generalist tech programme. It's about finding the right alignment—not just any fast-track opportunity.
What to Look for in an Accelerator
Accelerators vary widely in focus, quality, and value—especially in a specialised sector like the blue economy. Choosing the right one could shape the future of your startup, while the wrong fit could burn time, energy, and even equity.
Here are the key factors to consider when evaluating a programme:
1. Sector Alignment
Not all accelerators understand the unique challenges of ocean-focused ventures. Look for programmes that have experience in your space—whether that’s marine technology, aquaculture, ocean data, maritime logistics, or environmental monitoring.A sector-aligned accelerator is more likely to offer:
Mentors who understand regulatory complexity in marine spaces
Pilot opportunities with relevant industry partners
Better investor matches (those actively investing in climate/ocean startups)
2. Funding Model
Some accelerators offer capital in exchange for equity—typically in the range of 5–10% for £15K–£30K. Others are funded by governments, universities, or foundations and are non-dilutive.Ask:
Is there a standard deal?
What are the terms and expectations for the investment (if any)?
Does the capital come with investor connections or follow-on funding potential?
Also be wary of programmes charging high “fees” without clear, demonstrable value.
3. Mentor Quality & Programme Content
The quality of the mentorship can make or break the experience. Ideally, mentors should:
Have direct experience in building or backing ventures in the blue economy or deep tech sectors
Be active and available—not just names on a slide deck
Offer more than basic business advice (think: scientific validation, IP strategy, regulatory insight)
If you can, ask to sit in on a session or speak to someone who’s been through it.
4. Access to the Right Network
Connections matter—especially in the ocean space, where public-private collaboration, international partnerships, and scientific stakeholders often play a key role. A strong accelerator will help you connect with:
Corporate partners for pilots or procurement
Research institutions and technical advisors
Potential co-founders, funders, and collaborators in your niche
5. Track Record & Alumni Outcomes
A good accelerator should have a visible track record of helping founders grow. Look at:
How many startups have gone on to raise funding
Case studies or alumni you recognise
Whether they’re still engaged with the companies they helpedDon’t hesitate to message past founders and ask: “Would you do it again?”
6. Format, Time Commitment & Fit
Accelerators range from intensive full-time programmes to flexible virtual sprints. Think about:
Your capacity to engage fully (especially if you’re a small team)
Travel and time zones (especially for international programmes)
Whether the structure supports your current business stage (e.g., pre-revenue vs scaling)
Choosing an accelerator shouldn’t be based on hype or FOMO—it should be based on whether the programme truly helps you move closer to your goals. In the next section, we’ll break down the tangible pros and cons to help make that decision clearer.
Pros and Cons of Joining an Accelerator
Accelerators can offer a huge boost to early-stage startups, especially in the complex and underfunded landscape of the blue economy. They provide structure, exposure, and strategic support—but they're not the right move for every founder or business model.
Here’s a more detailed look at the main advantages and potential drawbacks of joining an accelerator as a startup working in marine innovation, conservation, or ocean technology.
Pros
1. Structured Support at a Critical Stage Accelerators offer a framework for early-stage growth—with dedicated time to focus on product development, business strategy, and market entry. This can be especially useful in technical sectors where timelines are longer and traction takes time.
2. Sector-Specific Guidance Blue economy-focused programmes can help you:
Navigate environmental regulation, marine permits, and compliance
Access labs, data sets, or coastal trial sites
Tap into scientific advisors and research partnerships relevant to your niche
3. Visibility and Credibility
Being selected by a recognised accelerator can serve as a stamp of approval—opening doors to investors, corporate partners, and media coverage you may not reach on your own.
4. Investor Access & Fundraising Prep
Most accelerators help you refine your pitch, improve your deck, and get warm introductions to angel investors, climate VCs, or even public funds. If you’re a first-time founder or building in a niche space, this access can be invaluable.
5. Non-Dilutive Grant Opportunities Some accelerators—especially those backed by governments or NGOs—offer grants or stipends instead of equity investment. This can be a huge win for mission-driven startups who want to retain control while still getting support.
6. Peer Learning & Long-Term Community
Sharing the journey with a cohort of likeminded founders offers more than morale—it often leads to future collaboration, co-pilots, or introductions in the ecosystem. This kind of network effect can be especially powerful in emerging sectors like blue tech.
Cons
1. Equity Trade-Offs (Sometimes Costly) Many accelerators take 5–10% equity in exchange for relatively small investment amounts (e.g., £20K–£30K). For early-stage startups, this can be steep—especially if the programme’s value doesn’t significantly increase your valuation or growth.
2. Time Commitment & Distraction Risk Accelerators are time-intensive. Sessions, mentor meetings, workshops, and deliverables can quickly take over your calendar. For lean teams, this can pull focus away from essential activities like product development, customer validation, or operations.
3. Generic or Misaligned Content If you're in a general tech accelerator, content may lean heavily on SaaS metrics, growth hacking, or digital user acquisition, which may not be useful for marine sensors, hardware, or data-driven conservation tech.
4. Misaligned Growth Expectations Some accelerators push startups toward VC-style growth and fast exits, which may not suit ocean startups with longer development cycles or scientific dependencies. Founders should be clear on their desired pace and funding philosophy.
5. Potential IP and Ownership Issues Read the fine print. Some accelerators include restrictive IP clauses or commercialisation rights, which could become problematic—especially if you’re working on a highly novel or patentable technology. Always seek legal review before signing anything.
Final Thoughts & Making the Right Call
Accelerators can be transformative, but they aren’t essential for every startup—especially in the nuanced and often long-horizon world of ocean innovation. The right programme can open doors, provide structure, and connect you to funders and collaborators that align with your mission. But the wrong one can burn time, equity, or focus at a critical point in your journey.
Here are a few final points to help you decide:
Start with clarity. What do you actually need right now—funding, mentorship, visibility, partnerships, or time to think?
Speak to alumni. Ask founders who’ve been through the accelerator if they’d do it again and what they gained.
Do your due diligence. Look into the accelerator’s track record, investor network, and who’s actually behind it.
Trust your gut. If something feels off—whether it’s the terms, the values, or the people—it’s probably not a fit.
And if you're not quite ready, that’s fine too. There are other ways to grow: partnerships, angel investors, VC, grants, bootstrapping, or simply building in public until the right opportunity comes along.
In the end, the blue economy needs more founders, not just fast ones. Whatever path you take—accelerated or otherwise—make sure it moves you closer to building something meaningful and resilient. Joining an accelerator is a big step, and like much in the startup world, there's no one-size-fits-all answer—especially in a space as complex and mission-driven as the blue economy. The key is to find support that genuinely moves your startup forward, not just fast.
If you're building something ocean-related and thinking about joining an accelerator, I hope this post helped bring some clarity. As always, feel free to reach out if you're navigating this decision—I'm happy to share thoughts or hear what you're working on.
Warm wishes
H
Sources:
Katapult Ocean Accelerator https://katapult.vc/ocean
BlueInvest Initiative (European Commission)https://ec.europa.eu/ocean-blue-invest
Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA) Ocean Solutions Accelerator https://www.soalliance.org/osa
Nesta – What Are Startup Accelerators and How Do They Work? https://www.nesta.org.uk/blog/what-are-startup-accelerators-and-how-do-they-work
Startup Accelerators and Incubators in the UK – Tech Nation https://technation.io/news/a-guide-to-uk-tech-accelerators-and-incubators
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