Waterhaul Secures ￡1 Million Funding

Blue Earth Announces Waterhaul’s ￡1M Investment to Propel Environmental Impact

From the rugged coasts of Cornwall, where the waves carry reminders of a global crisis, Waterhaul emerges as a beacon of sustainable innovation and commitment in the fight against plastic pollution. Under the leadership of Harry Dennis and Gavin Parker , both visionary leaders and environmental advocates, Waterhaul has transformed the menace of discarded fishing nets into a symbol of sustainable change—stylish sunglasses. Freddie O'Shea from Blue Earth met with Harry to discuss Waterhauls significant expansions in their recycling operations and to reflect on the role of Blue Earth Summit in their journey.

A Journey from the Shorelines to the Forefront of Sustainability

Co-Founded by Harry Dennis, who first encountered the pervasive threat of plastic waste at Surfers Against Sewage , Waterhaul was born from the stark realisation that impactful change comes from reimagining waste as a resource.

“The idea was simple yet revolutionary: transform the ocean’s waste into the ocean’s want. If we saw discarded plastic as valuable as money, our beaches would quickly look very different”. - Harry Dennis

Harry's experience on the frontlines of environmental advocacy catalysed the creation of Waterhaul. The company started with a line of sunglasses crafted from 100% recycled fishing nets, a product that soon became the cornerstone of their mission, demonstrating the untapped value in reclaimed materials.

Celebrating the Blue Earth Summit Partnership

The turning point for Waterhaul came with their participation in Blue Earth Summit , a gathering of makers and mavericks, founders and futurists, adventurers and investors on a mission to transform the way the world works. It was here that Waterhaul not only showcased their sustainable products but also their scalable business model, which attracted significant attention and investment.?

“Presenting at Blue Earth Summit was not merely an opportunity; it was a critical moment of validation for our methods and mission. This event connected us with our first major investor, sparking a wave of support that has been essential for our growth.” - Harry Dennis

The summit not only reaffirmed Waterhaul’s commitment to environmental impact, securing investment, but also solidified a lasting partnership with Kia Europe . This partnership has continued to provide valuable platforms for visibility and networking. Blue Earth’s Ventures team played a pivotal role in supporting Waterhaul’s successful funding round, which raised approximately ￡1 million from a combination of angel investors, institutional funds, and community contributions.

“The Blue Earth team guided us every step of the way through the funding process, enhancing both its efficiency and success. Their introduction to an expansive network led to ongoing partnerships, topping off our achievements. We are now exceptionally well-positioned to execute our growth plan, backed by solid funding, strategic support, and a heightened awareness of our initiatives.” - Harry Dennis

Recent Funding Round

Waterhaul recently secured a substantial funding round, amassing ￡981,390 from a variety of sources, reflecting widespread support and confidence in their mission. The breakdown of the funding includes ￡454,976 from angel investors, a strategic investment of ￡200,000 from the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Investment Fund, ￡165,414 raised through a community-driven crowdfunding effort and an impactful partnership with Broody , valued at ￡161,000.

“Without Blue Earth, our paths would never have crossed with Waterhaul. This partnership presents a remarkable opportunity to boost a business model that not only generates profit but also transforms oceanic waste into valuable, sustainable products. It’s a powerful testament to how business can be a force for positive environmental change.” - Andy Medd, Founder of Broody

Scaling Impact: Looking to the Future

With the foundations laid and partnerships fortified, Waterhaul is now focusing on expanding their operational capabilities. The recent successful crowdfunding campaign is a testament to the strength and support of their community. Over 69% of Waterhaul’s customers have engaged in direct action against plastic pollution, inspired by the company’s commitment and communication.

“Our future is clearly focused on scaling our impact. We are enhancing our collection networks, increasing our recycling capacity, and continuing to innovate in product development”. - Harry Dennis

The community’s transition from supporters to shareholders has further solidified this mission, embedding Waterhaul’s objectives in the fabric of a broader environmental movement.

Scaling Impact: Looking to the Future

As Waterhaul looks to the horizon, they invite the community, stakeholders, and new partners to join them in this pivotal next phase. The company’s dedication to transparency, community engagement, and groundbreaking initiatives promises to reshape how businesses address environmental challenges.

About Waterhaul

Waterhaul is a Cornwall-based environmental enterprise founded by Harry Dennis and Gavin Parker. By repurposing oceanic waste into valuable products, Waterhaul confronts plastic pollution head-on, promoting sustainability through community-focused initiatives and innovative business practices. Click the photo below to learn more ??

BE100 Applications Open

Interested in following in Waterhaul’s footsteps?

If you’re a visionary start-up or scale-up focused on making a positive impact on our planet, the BE100 competition is designed to fast-track innovation in climate health.

This year, we’re inviting 1,000+ business solutions to apply for the chance to pitch their ideas to hundreds of impact investors, with a collective access to ￡100 million+ in funding.

Now in its fourth year, BE100 will take centre stage at the Blue Earth Summit and support the growth of companies that are positively disrupting their markets. Over the last three years, we have raised over ￡120 million for more than 40 businesses, including WaterBear Network, ENSO - 2023 Earthshot Prize Finalist, Waterhaul, and Finisterre.

Apply or Nominate Now ?? https://lnkd.in/eUJPcKhY