Pure Ocean Fund
Pure Ocean Fund is a French philanthropic foundation funding innovative marine biodiversity and ocean conservation research projects globally through annual grants, corporate sponsorships, individual donations, and awareness events, serving scientists, 122+ corporate mécènes, and individual donors across 5 continents.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2017
- HeadquartersMarseille, France
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What Pure Ocean Fund does
Pure Ocean Fund (Fonds Pure Ocean) is a French philanthropic foundation (fonds de dotation) established in 2017 and headquartered in Marseille. Its core function is selecting and funding innovative applied research projects that protect marine biodiversity and address ocean pollution, ecosystem degradation, and climate impacts. Project selection is governed by an independent international Scientific Committee, which reviews annual Calls for Projects (Appels à Projets) — the seventh iteration (AAP 2026) was announced in 2026. Pure Ocean currently supports approximately 39 active research projects across five continents, spanning five strategic axes: pollution, biodiversity and ecosystem restoration, climate resilience, and ocean-system knowledge. Roughly one-third of supported projects are led or co-led by women scientists.
The foundation operates a diversified fundraising model with no proprietary technology product. Revenue is drawn from three streams: corporate mécénat/sponsorship (122 corporate sponsors contributed to €1M+ raised in 2025), individual donations (tax-deductible under French CGI articles 200 and 238 bis), and event-based fundraising through flagship gatherings such as the Gala de l'Océan in Marseille and Dîner de l'Océan in Paris. Distribution is enhanced by embedded donation platforms including SNCF Connect via Un Rien C'est Tout and Numeum/Dift for the tech sector, plus international rails for Canada (Myriad Canada) and the US (Every.org). Awareness is generated via a documentary film series (Hidden Secret, Flor Do Mar — the latter winning the Green Deauville Gold Trophy in 2026) and a roster of 10+ sporting ambassadors. A complementary European Erasmus+ project, SOS (Sharing Ocean Science), produces a Benchmark Tool cataloguing 34 corporate environmental awareness actions for B2B decision-makers.
Pure Ocean Fund firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Pure Ocean Fund
- Legal name
- Fonds Pure Ocean
- Website
- https://pure-ocean.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2017
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Pure Ocean Fund is a French philanthropic foundation funding innovative marine biodiversity and ocean conservation research projects globally through annual grants, corporate sponsorships, individual donations, and awareness events, serving scientists, 122+ corporate mécènes, and individual donors across 5 continents.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Pure Ocean Fund industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Ocean Conservation Research Funding
- NAICS
- Grantmaking Foundations (813211), Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312), Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Environmental & Climate Grantmaking Foundations (BPAGAKAM)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Marine & Freshwater Conservation (BPAGAGAE), International Grantmaking & Development Foundations (BPAGAKAH), Biodiversity, Conservation & Natural Capital Funds (FSANAJAG)
Keywords
Where Pure Ocean Fund is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Marseille
- HQ country
- France
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Pure Ocean Fund business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Corporate Mécénat/Sponsorship: Corporate partners (mécènes) provide financial support through sponsorship agreements, with benefits including visibility at events, team engagement activities, and association with ocean conservation projects. The fund raised over 1 million euros in 2025 thanks to 122 corporate sponsors.
- Individual Donations: Individual donors contribute through the website, event participation, and merchandise purchases. Tax-deductible donations in France under articles 200 and 238 bis of the general tax code.
- Event Fundraising: Revenue generated through ticket sales and fundraising at exclusive events like the Gala de l'Océan (€40,000 raised at 2026 gala) and Dîner de l'Océan (€50,000 raised at 2026 dinner), with corporate executives as primary attendees.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Voluntary tax-deductible donations |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
Pure Ocean Fund product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Pure Ocean Fund is a French philanthropic foundation that funds and supports approximately 39 innovative scientific research projects focused on marine biodiversity protection, ocean pollution, climate resilience, and ocean system knowledge. Projects are selected annually by an independent international Scientific Committee through Calls for Projects (Appels à Projets). The foundation's portfolio spans five continents and five strategic axes, complemented by awareness events, documentary films, beach cleanup kits, merchandise, and the European SOS Sharing Ocean Science program.
Product overview
Pure Ocean Fund is a foundation that primarily operates as a research funding organization rather than a traditional product company. Its core offering is the funding and support of innovative ocean research projects, selected through annual Calls for Projects by an independent international Scientific Committee. The portfolio includes approximately 39 active research projects across five strategic axes: pollution understanding and combat, biodiversity protection and ecosystem restoration, climate resilience and adaptation, and ocean system knowledge. Supporting offerings include merchandise (plush toys, apparel, accessories via 'Portez nos couleurs'), beach cleanup kits (La Goutte Bleue), documentary films (Pure Ocean Documentaries including Flor Do Mar, Hidden Secret, The Blue Quest), and event organization (Gala de l'Océan, Dîner de l'Océan, La Nuit de l'Océan, 24H Pure Ocean). An additional program is the European SOS - Sharing Ocean Science project, which created a Benchmark Tool for business-scientist cooperation.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Scientific Research Project Funding Core funding program offering grants and support to approximately 39 active innovative marine research projects selected by an independent international Scientific Committee. Projects span five axes: understanding and combating marine pollution, protecting biodiversity and restoring ecosystems, building climate resilience, and improving knowledge of the ocean system. Aimed at university laboratories, research institutes, and NGOs conducting marine science.
- Fundraising and Awareness Events (Gala de l'Océan, Dîner de l'Océan, La Nuit de l'Océan, 24H Pure Ocean) Organization of high-profile ocean-themed fundraising events gathering corporate executives, scientists, and ocean advocates. The 2026 Gala raised nearly €40,000 and the Dîner de l'Océan raised over €50,000 for scientific projects. Aimed at corporate sponsors and individual donors.
- La Goutte Bleue Beach Cleanup Kits Recyclable blue bag beach cleanup kit with educational materials about marine ecosystems, available for purchase through the Pure Ocean store and partner platforms including SNCF Connect via Un Rien C'est Tout. Aimed at individual supporters and corporate partners.
- Pure Ocean Plush Toys Collection Collection of 6 collectible plush toys (turtle, whale, dolphin, shark, seal, octopus) made from recycled materials (8-19 recycled plastic bottles per plush). Prices range from €14.99. Aimed at individual donors and supporters.
- Branded Apparel and Accessories Branded merchandise including sweatshirts (85% organic cotton, 15% recycled polyester), t-shirts (100% organic cotton), insulated water bottles, tote bags (made in Portugal), recyclable metal pocket ashtrays (made in France), bracelets, caps, sports bags, polo shirts, and softshell jackets. Aimed at individual supporters and corporate partners.
- SOS - Sharing Ocean Science (European Erasmus+ Project) Erasmus+ funded program (launched 2024) promoting cooperation between businesses and scientists for sustainable ocean practices. Created outputs including a Benchmark Tool cataloguing 34 existing environmental awareness tools, a scientific residence concept, motion design content, and a virtual photo exhibition. Aimed at business leaders, HR/Communication/Marketing professionals, and academic partners.
- Pure Ocean Documentary Films Documentary film series showcasing ocean science projects and marine conservation efforts, including The Blue Quest Palawan (2023, Philippines marine protected areas), Hidden Secret (2024, Mediterranean coralligenous protection), and Flor Do Mar (2025, Brazil seaweed farming with Regen Ocean Farms). Flor Do Mar won Gold Trophy at Green Deauville Awards 2026.
Quantifiable outcome
- 39 scientific research projects funded globally across 5 continents
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Pure Ocean Fund
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Pure Ocean Fund technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Pure Ocean Fund partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
13 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- NumeumminorNumeum, representing over 2,500 tech companies in France, selected Pure Ocean for its new donation platform in partnership with Dift. This provides visibility to the tech sector community and enables corporate tech employees to support ocean conservation.
- 1% for the Planet Francecore1% for the Planet France presented a €370,000 check to Pure Ocean representing years of collaboration through the environmental giving program. This is a flagship partnership for ongoing corporate philanthropy.
- Virtual RegattaminorVirtual Regatta launched Ocean Together, a virtual regatta uniting 7 ocean protection NGOs around a 1050-mile Mediterranean race from Marseille. Pure Ocean participates alongside other organizations to raise awareness and engage the sailing community.
- Un Rien C'est ToutminorUn Rien C'est Tout enables Pure Ocean donations through partner platforms including SNCF Connect, allowing travelers to add €1 for ocean cleanup kits when purchasing train tickets.
- Sage FoundationcoreSage and Sage Foundation partner with Pure Ocean on the Sage Tour for Pure Ocean, a France-wide beach cleanup initiative. In the first edition, 300+ employees collected 3 tons of waste; second edition mobilized 10 agencies with 90 employees at Lacanau collecting 7,500 liters of waste.
- DiftminorDift partners with Numeum to host Pure Ocean's donation page, enabling tech sector employees to make contributions to ocean research projects.
- SNCF ConnectminorSNCF Connect integrated Pure Ocean donations via Un Rien C'est Tout, enabling millions of train passengers to support ocean conservation with small add-on donations during ticket purchases.
- Archipelagos Institute of Marine ConservationcorePartner in the European SOS (Sharing Ocean Science) project, hosting workshops in Samos and sharing expertise in marine conservation and research methodologies.
- Université La Sapienza RomecoreAcademic partner in the SOS project, hosting the ideation workshop in Rome and contributing research expertise including coral reef transplantation work for pipeline mitigation.
- Fondation PromancoreFoundation partner in the SOS project focused on youth and environmental protection, with Déléguée Générale Samira Agem participating in project workshops.
- HLD pour la MéditerranéecoreMediterranean-focused fund supporting the SOS project, with Déléguée Générale Christine Tarbouriech participating in project activities.
- ChangeNOWminorPure Ocean participates in ChangeNOW, the largest event dedicated to planetary solutions held at Grand Palais, Marseille, showcasing ocean projects to thousands of decision-makers.
- Dune WorldminorDune World supports Pure Ocean by organizing diving expeditions that raise awareness of ocean fragility and biodiversity, contributing to funding for marine research projects.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Pure Ocean Fund competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Rev Ocean: Rev Ocean is a Norwegian-founded ocean-focused foundation created by Kjell Inge Røkke that funds research, technology and communication to improve ocean health. Like Pure Ocean it combines grantmaking, scientific project support and high-profile communications to drive marine impact at global scale.
- Ocean Conservancy: Ocean Conservancy is a major US-based ocean advocacy and science nonprofit running Trash Free Seas, International Coastal Cleanup and policy campaigns. It is comparable as a marine-focused nonprofit combining research funding, public campaigns and corporate partnerships, but is significantly larger and US-anchored.
- Marisla Foundation: Marisla Foundation is a private foundation that has historically funded marine conservation, including marine protected areas, sustainable fisheries and island ecosystems. Comparable to Pure Ocean as a private grantmaking foundation focused on marine biodiversity and ocean protection.
- The Ocean Foundation: The Ocean Foundation is a US-based grantmaking foundation dedicated exclusively to ocean conservation, funding research, community projects and policy work. It is the closest structural analog to Pure Ocean — a foundation that channels philanthropic capital into marine science rather than operating research labs directly.
- Waitt Foundation: Waitt Foundation funds ocean conservation, marine protected areas and science-based fisheries management globally. It is directly comparable as a private grantmaking foundation with a marine science focus and a portfolio of multi-year research and conservation grants.
- Oceans 5: Oceans 5 is a philanthropic funders' collaborative that pools resources from foundations to support ocean conservation campaigns and marine protected areas. It is highly comparable to Pure Ocean in mission and grantmaking model, but operates as a funder collaborative rather than a single foundation with a Scientific Committee.
- SeaLegacy: SeaLegacy is a marine conservation nonprofit that uses storytelling, expeditions and high-profile media to drive ocean protection. It mirrors Pure Ocean's blend of documentary storytelling, sports/expedition ambassadors and corporate sponsorship to support marine protected areas.
- Surfrider Foundation Europe: Surfrider Foundation Europe is a grassroots ocean protection nonprofit active in France, focused on coastal water quality, plastic pollution and beach cleanups. It is comparable as a French/European ocean NGO combining volunteer beach cleanups, corporate partnerships and policy advocacy.
Others
- 1% for the Planet: 1% for the Planet is a global network that connects businesses with vetted environmental nonprofits, including Pure Ocean itself (which received a €370K check in 2025). It is not a peer funder but an ecosystem enabler that channels corporate philanthropy to organizations like Pure Ocean.
Broad incumbents
- Oceana: Oceana is the largest international advocacy organization focused exclusively on ocean conservation, combining science, policy campaigns and corporate engagement. It overlaps with Pure Ocean's mission and mécénat-style corporate partnerships, but operates at a much larger scale with a global policy footprint.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Pure Ocean Fund social profiles
Digital presencePure Ocean Fund financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Pure Ocean Fund leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
Pure Ocean Fund funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Pure Ocean Fund M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Pure Ocean Fund
What does Pure Ocean Fund do?
Pure Ocean Fund is a French philanthropic foundation that funds and supports approximately 39 innovative scientific research projects focused on marine biodiversity protection, ocean pollution, climate resilience, and ocean system knowledge. Projects are selected annually by an independent international Scientific Committee through Calls for Projects (Appels à Projets). The foundation's portfolio spans five continents and five strategic axes, complemented by awareness events, documentary films, beach cleanup kits, merchandise, and the European SOS Sharing Ocean Science program.
Is Pure Ocean Fund a public or private company?
Pure Ocean Fund is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Pure Ocean Fund founded?
Pure Ocean Fund was founded in 2017. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Pure Ocean Fund based?
Pure Ocean Fund is headquartered in Marseille, France, in the Europe region.
How does Pure Ocean Fund make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Corporate Mécénat/Sponsorship is the primary driver. The others are individual Donations and event Fundraising.
Who are Pure Ocean Fund's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Rev Ocean, Ocean Conservancy, Marisla Foundation, The Ocean Foundation, Waitt Foundation, Oceans 5, SeaLegacy and Surfrider Foundation Europe. 1% for the Planet is listed as an others. Oceana is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does Pure Ocean Fund have an API?
No public API is recorded for Pure Ocean Fund.
What industry is Pure Ocean Fund in?
Pure Ocean Fund's product category is Ocean Conservation Research Funding. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGAKAM, Environmental & Climate Grantmaking Foundations, with a secondary code of BPAGAGAE, Marine & Freshwater Conservation. Its NAICS code is 813211.