Marseille capitale de la mer

What Marseille capitale de la mer does

Marseille capitale de la mer is a French non-profit association (association loi 1901), recognized as being of public utility and headquartered in Marseille, that federates economic, cultural, industrial, sporting, environmental, university, social, and institutional stakeholders around maritime valorization projects. Founded in July 2019 by six co-founders, the association's central thesis is that 'Marseille is a capital of the sea that does not know it' — it pursues reconnection of citizens with the sea, swimming education, maritime career orientation, and the creation of a 'European Capital of the Sea' label modeled on European Capitals of Culture. The organization's flagship programs include the Tiers-lieu de la mer (a maritime third-place in a historic 1719 building secured via convention with Grand Port Maritime Marseille-Fos), Un pas vers la mer (swimming education for 160+ youth from priority neighborhoods), 100 stages de seconde — Métiers de la mer (career discovery for ~100 high school students), La régate des possibles (job-dating regatta connecting 60 job seekers with 30 employers), and the Au bout la mer festival.

Core offerings are programmatic rather than technological: education and inclusion services, cultural festivals, networking events, and advocacy for the European Sea Capital label. The organization has no proprietary technology stack; it operates standard e-commerce (WooCommerce, Hello Asso) for membership and ticketing. The trademarked brand identity 'Marseille capitale de la mer' and logo are protected intellectual property. Governance has expanded from 6 co-founders to a 12-member board, and the association benefits from formal support of French Ministers of the Sea.

The business model is a hybrid non-profit revenue mix: annual individual memberships at €15 (suggested) and corporate memberships at €150 minimum (subscription, adjustable upward by members), one-time event tickets at €5 (e.g., Au bout la mer), tax apprenticeship contributions from companies, public subsidies from Métropole Aix-Marseille-Provence and the French state, corporate sponsorships (ENGIE, Fondation CMA CGM, RWE), donations eligible for tax deduction under agrément d'intérêt général, and mécénat de compétences (skills-based sponsorship). The go-to-market is community-led and event-driven, with manifesto signatures, membership campaigns, and direct e-commerce sales through marseillecapitaledelamer.fr.

Name

Marseille capitale de la mer

Legal name

Marseille capitale de la mer

Website

https://marseillecapitaledelamer.fr

Company type

Private

Founded year

2019

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Marseille capitale de la mer is a French non-profit association that federates Marseille's maritime stakeholders to deliver swimming education, maritime career discovery, cultural festivals, and the European Capital of the Sea label campaign, serving youth, job seekers, and the general public.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Maritime Community Association

NAICS

Convention and Trade Show Organizers (56192), Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation, Water (48721), Marinas (713930)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYBPADALAI

Oceans, Coastal & Marine Resource Management

Business & Public Services/International Organizations & Development/Climate, Environment & Sustainable Development Programs

Keywords

• Maritime community association
• Non-profit maritime federation
• Sea education programs
• Blue economy promotion
• Cultural maritime events

Headquarters

HQ city

Marseille

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership fees: Annual membership fees from individuals and corporations. Individual membership at 15 EUR, corporate membership at 150 EUR minimum.
2. Event ticketing: Sale of tickets for events and outings at sea, such as Au bout la mer festival.
3. Tax apprenticeship contributions: Receives tax apprenticeship contributions from companies to support maritime training and education.
4. Public and private subsidies: Receives governmental support and funding from partners like ENGIE, Mét poles Aix-Marseille-Provence, and others.
5. Donations and sponsorships: Mécénat de compétences (skills sponsorship) and donations from partners and supporters. Has obtained agréement d'intérêt général allowing donors to deduct taxes on contributions.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Marseille capitale de la mer is a French non-profit association (loi 1901) recognized as being of public utility that federates economic, cultural, industrial, sporting, environmental, university, social, and institutional stakeholders around maritime valorization projects. It sells annual memberships (individuals at EUR 15 and corporations at EUR 150 minimum), runs educational and inclusion programs (swimming lessons, maritime career discovery), organizes maritime cultural events and festivals (Au bout la mer, Rencontres en mer, La régate des possibles), and operates the Tiers-lieu de la mer, a maritime third-place located in a historic 1719 building in Marseille.

Product overview

Marseille capitale de la mer is a non-profit association (law 1901, recognized as serving the public interest) that federates stakeholders around maritime valorization projects. The organization operates a membership-based community with individual (15 euros) and corporate (150 euros minimum) tiers, and an e-commerce ticketing platform for events. Core programs include the Tiers-lieu de la mer (maritime workspace in a historic 1719 building), the campaign for a European Sea Capital label, the Brevet d'initiation à la mer certification, and educational initiatives including second-year internships, swimming programs, and employer-seeker networking regattas.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Adhésion MCM (Membership) Annual membership for individuals (EUR 15 suggested) and legal entities (EUR 150 minimum), providing tax-deductible contributions and engagement with the association's maritime projects.
• Au bout la mer Event Tickets Ticketing for sea excursions and cultural events at the MuCEM and Vieux-Port, including sailboat and traditional boat (barquette) options at EUR 5 per ticket, with accessibility accommodations.
• 100 stages de seconde — Métiers de la mer Two-week high school internship program introducing students to blue economy careers through visits to maritime companies, museums, and maritime sites.
• Un pas vers la mer Swimming education and maritime awareness program for children aged 6-14 from priority neighborhoods, providing lessons at Cercle des Nageurs de Marseille combined with environmental and maritime career workshops.
• Rencontres en mer Sea-based networking events bringing together entrepreneurs, students, and cultural actors to imagine and implement ecological and innovative maritime solutions.
• La régate des possibles Sailing regatta connecting job seekers with maritime employers, combining morning navigation with afternoon job dating to facilitate employment in the blue economy sector.
• Tiers-lieu de la mer Maritime third-place workspace located in the historic Consigne sanitaire building at 3 quai du port, designed to promote the maritime universe and serve as a hub for the European Sea Capital label project.

Quantifiable outcome

• 60% of Marseillais cannot swim upon entering 6th grade, Marseille capitale de la mer addresses this through swimming programs
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

30 partnerships are on record, tiered core, key, major and supporting.

• Grand Port Maritime Marseille-FoscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 December 2023Signed convention d'occupation granting Marseille capitale de la mer use of the Ancienne Consigne Sanitaire (historic building from 1719) at 3 quai du port. State services committed 230,000 euros for restoration. The building will become the Tiers-lieu de la mer, a unique maritime hub in France.
• ENGIE and ENGIE FoundationkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerHistorical partner since the association's founding. Renewed support for 2023. Provided MuCEM access for participants in Un pas vers la mer operation.
• Fondation CMA CGMkeyGTM or Marketing PartnerFoundation supporting the Un pas vers la mer operation for swimming education among youth.
• Cercle des Nageurs de MarseillecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOlympic swimming pool facility hosting Un pas vers la mer swimming lessons for 160 youth. Partners in providing swimming instruction and maritime awareness.
• Synergie FamilykeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-organizer of Un pas vers la mer operation, bringing expertise in social innovation and youth engagement.
• SAFIMkeyGTM or Marketing PartnerHistorical operator of Foire de Marseille invited Marseille capitale de la mer to deploy Village de la mer at Parc Chanot.
• RWEmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerPrimary partner at Village de la mer during Foire de Marseille 2023.
• GLOKISsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner providing support for Village de la mer at Foire de Marseille.
• Agence PégasesupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner providing support for Village de la mer at Foire de Marseille.
• Corsica LineakeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerMaritime shipping company hosted 100 stages de seconde students at their boats and maintenance workshops. Part of 100 stages de seconde program.
• Grand Port Maritime de MarseillecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor port authority visited by students in 100 stages de seconde program. Also host of Tiers-lieu de la mer.
• Marine Nationale (French Navy)keyStrategic or Co-development PartnerParticipated in 100 stages de seconde program, introducing students to defense and maritime security careers.
• Chantier Naval de MarseillekeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerShipyard visited by students in 100 stages de seconde program. Introduced students to shipbuilding and craft professions.
• Cluster Maritime FrançaiskeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerFrench maritime cluster participated in 100 stages de seconde program connecting students with blue economy opportunities.
• Union Maritime et Fluviale de Marseille FossupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerMaritime and fluvial union participated in 100 stages de seconde program.
• Tabasco VidéosupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerVideo production partner that created podcasts and documentary films about programs including 100 stages de seconde and Un pas vers la mer.
• FACE SUD (Fondation Agir Contre l'Exclusion)keyStrategic or Co-development PartnerFoundation supporting social inclusion partnered for La régate des possibles, connecting job seekers with maritime employers.
• Métropole Aix-Marseille-ProvencecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMain funder of La régate des possibles (Lab des possibles 'la bonne mer') and La Métropole vue de la mer program.
• MuCEM (Musée des Civilisations de l'Europe et de la Méditerranée)keyGTM or Marketing PartnerPrestigious museum partnered for sea outings, providing cultural access to participants from priority neighborhoods.
• La Clique (Marseille artistic company)supportingGTM or Marketing PartnerMarseille artistic company directing Au bout la mer artistic events with musical performances.
• La MéridionalesupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerMaritime company participated in 100 stages de seconde program introducing students to maritime professions.
• MarfretsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerMaritime company participated in 100 stages de seconde program introducing students to maritime professions.
• Mairie du 1er/7ème arrondissement de MarseillecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvided headquarters at 233 Corniche Kennedy. Co-organizer of Au bout la mer events.
• Colombe ProductionsupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerVideo production partner creating documentary films about Marseille capitale de la mer operations and events.
• InterMadesupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerSigned partnership for maritime development initiatives.
• CCIAMP (Chambre de Commerce et d'Industrie Aix-Marseille Provence)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerChamber of commerce signed partnership for economic development and maritime promotion.
• Les PoiscaillessupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerMusical group performing at Au bout la mer events.
• Les Aquatiques (stilt walkers)supportingGTM or Marketing PartnerPerformance artists animating Au bout la mer events.
• Team WindssupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerProfessional sailing team providing boats for sea outings.
• LocalanquesupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerProfessional passenger boat operator for sea excursions.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• WWF France: Major French environmental NGO with significant marine program activity. Comparable as a large-scale non-profit running environmental education, public mobilization, and corporate partnerships, though covering terrestrial ecosystems as well.
• European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO): European port association representing port authorities. Grand Port Maritime Marseille-Fos is a member of both ESPO and a key partner of MCM, making the federation model and shared stakeholder network directly comparable.
• Sea Europe: European shipbuilding and maritime equipment association representing the broader maritime industrial sector. Shares MCM's goal of federating maritime industry actors, though at a European industrial-policy level rather than a community level.
• Surfrider Foundation Europe: European non-profit dedicated to ocean protection with strong presence in France. Shares MCM's community-led mobilization, education, and policy advocacy around sea-related issues, but operates at a wider European scale.

Direct peers

• Fondation de la Mer: French foundation dedicated to promoting and protecting the sea, financing maritime research, education, and culture. Shares MCM's public-utility, tax-deductible non-profit model and its mission of acculturation maritime across France.
• Pôle Mer Méditerranée: Mediterranean maritime cluster based in Toulon/Sophia Antipolis that federates blue economy actors in southern France. Comparable federation model targeting maritime innovation, employment, and education in the same geography.
• Institut Océanographique Paul Ricard: French oceanographic foundation focused on marine science education and conservation awareness. Comparable as a non-profit delivering maritime education programs and public-facing ocean awareness in France.
• Cluster Maritime Français: France's national maritime industry cluster that federates public and private actors across the blue economy. Directly comparable to MCM's federation of maritime stakeholders in Marseille, and is already a partner in the 100 stages de seconde program.
• European Capital of Culture: EU cultural program designating cities annually to host cultural events. MCM's European Capital of the Sea label initiative is explicitly modeled on this program, making it the most direct structural peer for the federation's flagship project.

Regional players

• Fédération Française de Voile: French national sailing federation. Team Winds and Cercle des Nageurs de Marseille partnerships with MCM link the two organizations, and FFCV operates a comparable national federation of maritime stakeholders and educational programmes.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/marseillemer
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCzAs_p6bAGC9LIk_ALftODw
• Facebookfacebook.com/marseillecapitaledelamer
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/marseille-capitale-de-la-mer
• Instagraminstagram.com/marseillecapitaledelamer

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Marseille capitale de la mer