What is The Ocean Cleanup?
The Ocean Cleanup is a pioneering organization dedicated to developing advanced technologies for the eradication of plastic from the world's oceans. Founded in 2013 by Boyan Slat, the company employs a dual strategy: intercepting plastic in rivers before it reaches the sea and cleaning up existing oceanic accumulation. Their large-scale systems are designed for efficient plastic concentration, with the collected material intended for circular product creation, thereby funding further cleanup efforts. The organization also operates the Interceptor, a river-based solution launched in 2013. Headquartered in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, The Ocean Cleanup is at the forefront of environmental innovation.
How much funding has The Ocean Cleanup raised?
The Ocean Cleanup has raised a total of $46.7M across 2 funding rounds:
Unspecified
$21.7M
Other Financing Round
$25M
Unspecified (2017): $21.7M with participation from Royal DSM and Julius Baer Group
Other Financing Round (2023): $25M led by Joe Gebbia
Key Investors in The Ocean Cleanup
Royal DSM
Royal DSM is a global science-based company active in Nutrition, Health, and Sustainable Living, likely bringing expertise in material science and sustainable solutions to The Ocean Cleanup's efforts.
Julius Baer Group
Julius Baer Group, a Swiss private banking and wealth management firm, may provide strategic financial guidance and investment backing for large-scale environmental projects.
Joe Gebbia
Joe Gebbia, a co-founder of Airbnb, is an individual investor whose participation in this funding round suggests a belief in innovative solutions for environmental impact.
What's next for The Ocean Cleanup?
With this latest major strategic investment, The Ocean Cleanup is poised to accelerate its ambitious mission. The substantial capital infusion, indicated by $46.7M and $25M, will likely fuel the expansion of its river interception technologies and the scaling of its ocean cleanup systems. This enterprise-level funding suggests a focus on operational growth and technological refinement, aiming to significantly increase the volume of plastic removed and processed. The company's commitment to a circular economy model, where collected plastic is transformed into durable products, is expected to become a more prominent aspect of its sustainability and funding strategy.
See full The Ocean Cleanup company page
