science + CapitalConnecting science and capital for a thriving ocean ecosystem.
OpportunityThe oceans of the world represent a $3 trillion economy, affecting more than 3 billion livelihoods.
Yet oceans are largely overlooked and misunderstood as a means to address the impacts of climate change while producing sustainable economic benefits. We find ourselves at the intersection of challenge and opportunity—to explore, understand, and invest in the oceans we depend upon.
Informed by deep scientific insights, Bold Ocean Ventures invests in seed and early-stage companies that are developing innovative solutions for a more productive, sustainable, and climate-resilient ocean ecosystem.
Investment TeamOur investment team has decades of experience managing more than $1.3 billion in venture investments and impact capital.
Brady Bohrmann
Managing General Partner
LinkedIn ↗
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Brady is a seasoned venture capital investor who brings to Bold Ocean over 25 years’ experience in venture capital investing and a motivation to spur positive economic and climate impact in the Gulf of Maine region where he calls home. He’s an experienced investor having served as a General Partner with Avalon Ventures and Masthead Venture Partners. He currently serves on the Investment Committee of the non-profit JDRF T1D Fund. Brady previously served in early-stage company operating roles from startup to IPO in biotechnology and information technology companies. He holds a B.S. in Finance from Babson College.
Tim Agnew
General Partner
LinkedIn ↗
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Tim has extensive experience in venture capital investing and a long history of using creative financing tools to help grow businesses and create impact. Tim was previously a Principal at Masthead Venture Partners and was the CEO of the Finance Authority of Maine. He has served as a board member and Chair of Maine Venture Fund, Maine Technology Institute, and Portland Development Corporation, as a member of the Governor’s Economic Recovery Committee, and is a long-time member of Maine Angels. Tim is a graduate of Vassar College and the University of Virginia School of Law.
Blaine Grimes
GMRI Chief Ventures Officer & President, Gulf of Maine Ventures | LinkedIn ↗
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Blaine is a visionary who is driving the development of new Blue Economy opportunities in the Gulf of Maine. As GMRI’s Chief Ventures Officer and President of GMRI’s wholly owned subsidiary, Gulf of Maine Ventures LLC, Blaine supports businesses that are solving major ocean challenges. She spearheaded the development and spin-out of two companies from within GMRI, True Fin Seafood and New England Marine Monitoring. Previously, she was GMRI’s chief development officer, and before that, she held senior management positions at IDEXX Laboratories and The VIA Group. She is a board member and Chair of the Portland Development Corporation and a former board member and Chair of the Maine Venture Fund. She holds a BA degree from Amherst College and an MBA with Distinction from Harvard Business School.
Why nowWe believe now is the time to invest in seed and early-stage Blue Economy companies.
We are at the beginning of decades of innovation and growth in a critical sector of the economy that offers both venture capital returns and global ocean impact.
Bold Ocean Ventures provides emerging companies with access to the patient capital they need, as well as the guidance and financial discipline that is required to overcome early-stage challenges.
Our scientific partnership
Bold Ocean Ventures partners with the Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) to vet, support, and inspire Blue Economy entrepreneurs working in the Gulf of Maine. They are an independent, objective nonprofit organization dedicated to the resilience of the Gulf of Maine ecosystem and the communities that depend on it. GMRI leverages the Gulf of Maine to test and develop solutions to ocean challenges around the world.
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New Venture Development
“Gulf of Maine Ventures is the entrepreneurship and innovation arm of GMRI. Formed with a mission to reshape the region's seafood and ocean economy, our team supports startups and entrepreneurs in the region to create and scale their businesses through specialized programming. We apply the interdisciplinary expertise of GMRI's team of scientists, economists, supply chain experts, data analysts, and policy researchers and the collective reach of its partners to identify, select, and support companies pursuing innovative solutions to ocean economy challenges.”
— Blaine Grimes, President, Gulf of Maine Ventures
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Scientific Research
“Our team of world-class scientists conducts marine research to better understand and steward the Gulf of Maine social-ecological ecosystem. Our research labs bring together the specialized expertise of over 20 scientists to form a program that conducts innovative, multidisciplinary research in the Gulf of Maine and around the world. This research spans from understanding historical and current data that informs management and adaptation practices, to developing ocean and coastal models that enable better decision making and use of resources. As we continue to grow and evolve, we will secure Maine’s place as a leader in addressing regional, national, and global ocean challenges.”
— Janet Duffy-Anderson, Ph.D, Chief Scientific Officer
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Climate Center
“The foremost global ocean challenge of our time is climate change. GMRI's Climate Center applies a user-focused ‘science-engagement-solutions’ framework to deliver climate services to coastal and marine stakeholders. Our researchers focus on the physical drivers and impacts of climate change in the coastal and marine environment of the Gulf of Maine. We move from the local to the global and back again to ask the most informed questions, test the latest strategies, and apply the most effective and efficient solutions. Our team has a combined 45+ years of experience in developing and executing the best practices to ensure the thriving blue economy communities of today continue to thrive in a warmer world.”
— Dave Reidmiller, Ph.D., Director, Climate Center
Learn moreA productive, sustainable ocean starts in the Gulf of Maine.
See why the Gulf of Maine is so strategically important to building the Blue Economy and mitigating the effects of climate change.