Fish 2.0 Invites Australian Seafood Innovators to Enter New Competition Track
October workshop in Melbourne gives entrepreneurs a head start on applying for global business competition; participants build a local investor and partner network, make international connections.
Fish 2.0, the global network for sustainable seafood businesses, is adding a special track for Australian ventures to its 2018–19 business competition cycle. The track kicks off with a workshop and networking event in Melbourne that will help entrepreneurs improve their business strategies and presentations to investors. The two-day program, held Oct. 23–24, 2018, will give participants an opportunity to meet investors interested in the sustainable seafood sector as well as new business partners.
Fish 2.0, now in its fourth competition cycle, builds connections among entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders to spur growth and innovation in the sustainable seafood sector worldwide. Entrepreneurs who participate gain expert advice on improving their business and presenting their strategies, along with connections to partners and investors that can help them grow globally. Investors gain access to up-and-coming seafood innovators and an early look at trends in the sector.
Australia’s Fisheries Research and Development Corporation is sponsoring the new track, and the Impact Investment Group (IIG) and Melbourne Business School are hosting the workshop and networking event. The program is free but space is limited: entrepreneurs who want to attend must apply online by Sept. 16.
At least 75 percent of Fish 2.0 participants gain new investment, partners, or customers
At least 75 percent of the enterprises participating in Fish 2.0 2017 made connections during the program that resulted in investment, new partners, or new customers. The competition takes place online over several months. Throughout the process, participants get feedback from investors on their plans and presentations as well as opportunities to learn from a range of expert advisors and leaders in the field.
“Fish 2.0 provides a unique opportunity in the seafood sector, with direct access to investors who are genuinely interested in growing sustainable seafood,” says Thomas de Kock of Sydney-based TunaSolutions, a finalist in the 2017 competition. “It’s a robust process that really makes you think about critical points in your business, and from this, we were able to refine how we pitched to investors. We also connected with some great participants who have turned into valuable partners for our business.”
Participants in the 2018–19 competition cycle will have opportunities to meet with investors as they progress through the competition. The top ventures will be invited to pitch at the Fish 2.0 Global Innovation Forum, taking place in fall 2019 in California’s Silicon Valley.
“Australia has all the ingredients needed to grow sustainable seafood—technical excellence, a history of fishing and aquaculture innovation, and lots of water. We want to bring people together without boundaries to see what unbridled enthusiasm and potential can build,” says Peter Horvat of FRDC. “We’re hoping for innovation so audacious that it helps double the value and volume of sustainable seafood in Australia in the coming decade.”
Workshop provides a head start on success in the Fish 2.0 competition
The Melbourne workshop gives participants a head start in the Fish 2.0 competition. It prepares them to compete, with expert advice on communicating about their business in a way that attracts interest, practice pitching to investors and buyers, and guidance on integrating social and environmental sustainability into their business strategy. Workshop details and the one-page application are available at www.fish20.org/australia.
The track is open to all Australian seafood ventures, including those working on aquaculture production and technologies, supply chain improvements, new seafood products for consumers, sustainable packaging and logistics, waste reduction, traceability and transparency, wild capture fisheries, ocean climate resilience, and technologies supporting sustainability or fisher safety. Entrepreneurs do not have to attend the workshop in order to participate in the online competition.
“Australian investors are passionate about the environment, and living on an island, oceans and the state of them rank close to top of their priorities,” says Lillian Kline at IIG. “IIG members are well aware that we cannot leave overfishing and other problems for government alone to fix. It is only with the conscious shifting of capital that we will begin to see real improvements in our oceans and food systems.”
Entrepreneurs and investors with questions about the workshop or the competition can contact Fish 2.0 at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Apply to attend the workshop and networking event here.
About Fish 2.0
Fish 2.0 connects seafood businesses and investors to grow the sustainable seafood sector. Working through our unique global network, competition platform, and events, Fish 2.0 participants collaborate to drive innovation, business growth, and positive impact. Entrepreneurs meet potential investors, partners, and advisors that help them accelerate impact and growth. Investors and experts get early access to investment opportunities and learn about emerging technologies and trends. And industry leaders gain direct access to sustainable seafood suppliers and partners.
Media contacts
In Australia:
Cameron Wells, Watterson
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Office +61 2 9929 7533 | Mobile +61 414 867 057
In the U.S.:
Sandra Stewart, Thinkshift Communications
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Office +1 415 391 4449 | Mobile +1 415 948 8058
