The Blue Planet vs. The Red Planet – Where Should We Invest?

Finnish biotech company Origin by Ocean required substantial international funding to scale its groundbreaking biorefinery, which transforms harmful algae into a responsible alternative to oil-based chemicals. While Finnish investors were hesitant to commit large sums, international markets, particularly in the United States, offered massive opportunities but fierce competition for venture capital. The mission was twofold: to differentiate in an overcrowded sustainability space and to capture the attention of global investors by highlighting the enormous financial potential of restoring marine ecosystems. This brief demanded a globally credible investor communications strategy and brand narrative that could rival other high-stakes innovations, such as Mars colonization.

The campaign built a compelling contrast: should future multi-billion investments be directed toward colonizing the red planet or revitalizing Earth’s blue oceans?

The solution was to pivot the conversation from mere environmental benefits to an economic imperative. By showcasing algae-based compounds as a scalable alternative to oil in the chemical industry, Origin by Ocean positioned itself not just as an environmental project but a profitable B2B partner.

A provocative question: “Invest in space colonisation or invest in our oceans?” caught the eye of stakeholders, challenged investors to think bigger, and helped the company stand out. Visually, the campaign played up the striking difference between the red planet Mars and the blue oceans of Earth, making the message unforgettable. The timing aligned with a polarising U.S. presidential election between Democratic blue and Republican red, which further amplified the “blue vs. red” narrative in the media.

The campaign launched during New York Climate Week 2024; a prime time when both media and investors focus on the future of sustainability. Its centrepiece was an interactive website comparing various investment scenarios (from zero to three trillion dollars) between Mars colonisation and ocean restoration. Data-driven storytelling demonstrated how investing in marine infrastructure can yield both significant financial returns and tangible ecological benefits.

A cohesive red vs. blue visual theme appeared across social channels, press materials, and investor-focused content. An in-depth pitch deck showcased the scalability of algae-based solutions and the long-term ROI of tapping into the “blue economy”, highlighting that Origin by Ocean’s opportunity wasn’t just ethical, but eminently profitable.

The campaign delivered international media exposure, lucrative investor connections, and multiple strategic collaborations, propelling Origin by Ocean into the top tier of sustainable chemical technology innovators. Its potential within the blue economy convinced investors of sizable long-term returns. Ultimately, the effort was recognized with two SABRE Awards EMEA 2025 wins for best social media campaign and best real-time engagement (newsjacking), solidifying Origin by Ocean’s reputation as a trailblazer in sustainability for financiers, customers, and the global media alike.