A'Pelago
Combine life and work in the unbeatable nature of the Finnish archipelago.
| Date | Investors | Amount | Round |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | N/A | - | |
| Total Funding | 000k | ||
A'Pelago operates as an impact-driven business catalyst focused on the blue economy, which encompasses sustainable economic activities related to oceans, seas, and coasts. Founded in 2022 by Patrik Anckar and Timo Ketonen in the Finnish Archipelago, the company aims to address the environmental challenges of the Baltic Sea by fostering science-based business solutions. The founders, both with deep roots in the archipelago, combined their expertise to launch the venture; Ketonen is an experienced entrepreneur and venture capitalist with a background in impact investing, while Anckar is a serial entrepreneur and brand expert. They were motivated by the contrast between Finland's high happiness ranking and the severe pollution of its surrounding sea.
The firm's business model is centered around building a transdisciplinary ecosystem that connects startups, researchers, investors, and corporations to drive the restoration and economic vitality of sea regions. A'Pelago's operations are structured into several key areas. The A'Pelago Accelerator program supports early-stage startups and spinoffs with scalable blue economy innovations, providing coaching, networking, and workshops on topics like productization and sustainable business models. The accelerator has a goal of launching 30 new startups in the Baltic Sea region within five years. Another core component is the A'Pelago Initiative, an annual international forum that brings together hundreds of stakeholders to collaborate, share knowledge, and accelerate the financing of regenerative solutions. This event series features keynote speeches, panel discussions, and a pitch challenge where ventures can compete for investment.
A'Pelago also develops the Blue Connect platform, an online hub designed to unite blue economy professionals and foster innovation. The company serves a range of clients, from entrepreneurs and researchers seeking to scale their ideas to corporations and investors looking for opportunities in the growing blue economy sector. Initially, the company tested its hypotheses by launching a booking platform for coworking facilities in the archipelago, leveraging the post-pandemic trend of hybrid work. Revenue is generated through its various programs and events, and the company is backed by venture capital, with Aboa Advest being a key shareholder. Through these integrated activities, A'Pelago facilitates the development of new technologies and business models in fields such as aquaculture, marine biotechnology, and renewable energy, aiming to create systemic change for marine ecosystems both locally and globally.
Keywords: blue economy, impact investing, business catalyst, marine restoration, sustainable development, startup accelerator, Finnish archipelago, Baltic Sea, environmental technology, ocean health, science-based business, ecosystem builder, corporate social responsibility, regenerative business, aquatech, maritime innovation, sustainable fisheries, coastal vitality, marine conservation, cleantech investment
