Blue economy and investment criteria
The ‘green thread’ in the Aboa Advest logo is our guiding principle. The company and our investment team are particularly interested in DeepTech (science-based companies), ecological products and services and sustainable business concepts.
From 2022 onwards, we have specifically focused on the Blue Economy - we are a founding partner of A'Pelago Experience Ab, whose Accelerator programme is unique in the Baltic Sea region, combining science expertise with new business initiatives. The programme has its focus particularly on startups and spin-offs engaged in regenerative business. A regenerative business is one that regenerates the natural, social and human resources it uses by drawing inspiration from living things.
Our goal is that over the next five years we will help create 30 new companies in the blue economy. In the next 10 years we hope that our investments in Blue VC Funds will generate the first Unicorn in the blue economy in the Baltic Sea region.
The Blue Economy refers to marine-related business activities that regenerate marine ecosystems with the aim of creating economic growth and jobs. UNCTAD estimates that the blue economy is currently worth between $3 and $6 trillion and employs around 3 billion people. It is worth recognising that the blue economy market in Europe alone is worth more than €620 billion". For more information please refer to the EU Blue Economy report 2024.
The most important asset of any startup is its core team. A good business idea is a good start, but developing the idea into a viable product and service, implementing the business plan and timing is crucial to success. Success requires an agile approach and resilience. Good board work and the creation and exploitation of an effective network will help a startup on its growth path.
In any startup
the core team is the most important asset.
A strong core team is a critical requirement for building a successful startup.
From bringing in investors to getting your product ready to creating websites to handling the finances, a business consists of many roles. This is where you need your core team. The core team are the first people you hire that essentially define the success of the startup.
A good idea is a start, but its implementation and timing are crucial to success. The key characteristics of a winning team are agility and resilience.
The ability to create a valuable network will speed up the process from concept toward profitable growth. Building a global network can be actively boosted by advisors, investors and Board members.
Our key investment criteria in a startup are:
1. Core Team
A dedicated and multi-talented team is the key to success. When going global it’s beneficial to have a cross-cultural team.
2. Idea
The idea does not have to be unique, but it must be implemented better than the competition.
3. Timing
Whether customers are ready for the product or service. Product-market-fit must be found and secured.
4. IPR
Intellectual Property Rights, a patented product.
5. Scalable Business Model
A scalable business model is of essence when the goal is to grow quickly and smoothly.
6. Go2Market Strategy
Sales & Marketing skills are of essence. Local partners are a valuable asset when entering a new market.
Our investment process includes the evaluation of these criteria and the ecological and social dimensions, as well as the valuation of the company. The principles for responsible investment also apply to our engagement in VC funds.
