1 The EIC Accelerator Project

The EIC Accelerator program, part of the European Innovation Council (EIC), is designed to support innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups in the European Union and associated countries. This initiative is particularly focused on DeepTech, which encompasses advanced technologies in sectors such as biotechnology, information technology, and materials science. The EIC Accelerator aims to bridge the funding gap that exists for high-risk, high-potential innovations by providing financial support in the form of grants and equity investments.

Funding Structure

The EIC Accelerator offers two main types of funding: grants and equity. The grant component can provide up to €2.5 million, which is intended to cover the development costs of innovative projects. This funding is essential for companies that require financial assistance to move from the research phase to market introduction or to scale their operations.

In addition to grants, the EIC Accelerator also offers equity investments of up to €15 million until 2024, reducing to a maximum of €10 million from 2025 onwards. This equity funding helps companies leverage additional private sector investments, thereby facilitating growth and expansion. The combination of grants and equity allows selected companies to secure the necessary capital to develop their innovations and establish a strong market presence.

Purpose in the Ecosystem

The EIC Accelerator plays a crucial role in the European startup ecosystem by enabling DeepTech firms to scale. By offering targeted financial support, the program not only fosters innovation but also helps companies attract further investment from private sectors. The EIC Accelerator acts as a catalyst for growth, encouraging the development and commercialization of groundbreaking technologies that can lead to significant societal and economic benefits.

Case Study: ARC Marine LTD and the RESP Project

ARC Marine LTD, a winner of the EIC Accelerator, focused on the development of a project known as RESP (Reef Enhancement Scour Protection). Submitted on March 23, 2022, as part of the program's Step 2 proposal, ARC Marine's RESP project aims to enhance marine biodiversity while providing effective scour protection for offshore structures.

Technology Basics and Background

The RESP project combines innovative engineering with ecological principles to create a sustainable solution for coastal and marine environments. The technology revolves around the creation of artificial reef structures designed to mitigate the impact of scour—an erosive process that can destabilize offshore installations such as wind turbines, oil rigs, and underwater cables.

The RESP system employs a modular design that enables easy installation and adaptability to various marine conditions. These reef structures not only protect critical infrastructure but also promote marine life by providing habitats for various species. This dual function addresses two pressing challenges: the need for environmental conservation and the protection of vital offshore assets.

By integrating ecological design with engineering, ARC Marine’s technology contributes to the restoration of marine ecosystems while ensuring the longevity and stability of offshore installations. The RESP project exemplifies the potential of DeepTech innovations to address contemporary environmental challenges while enhancing economic resilience in the marine sector.

Conclusion

The EIC Accelerator program serves as a vital resource for innovative companies like ARC Marine LTD, facilitating their growth and enabling them to tackle critical challenges in the DeepTech landscape. Through its grant and equity funding mechanisms, the EIC Accelerator not only supports the development of groundbreaking technologies but also strengthens the overall European startup ecosystem, paving the way for future innovations that can sustainably address global challenges.

2 The Funding Rounds

# ARC Marine: Funding Journey and Financial Growth

ARC Marine, a Cornwall-based eco-engineering company founded in 2015, has established itself as a developer of innovative low-carbon concrete solutions for marine environments. The company has successfully secured multiple funding rounds to support its growth and development of sustainable marine technologies.

Funding Overview

ARC Marine has raised a total of $5.47 million across 7 funding rounds as of early 2025. The company's financial journey reflects steady growth and increasing investor interest in its environmentally sustainable marine technologies.

Funding Rounds Timeline

Recent Funding (2024-2025)

The most recent significant funding for ARC Marine came on March 5, 2024, when the company secured an unattributed round of $1.27 million from The FSE Group and undisclosed investors. This funding round was part of a larger £2 million (approximately $2.5 million) investment package that included participation from:

• Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Investment Fund (CIOSIF) via The FSE Group
• Mercuria (one of the world's largest independent energy and commodity groups)
• Mulago Foundation (which provided a grant component)

This 2024 funding was intended to help ARC Marine scale up production and application of its products, particularly its innovative Marinecrete and Reef Cube technologies.

Earlier Funding Rounds

Prior to the 2024 funding, ARC Marine's funding history includes:

• March 5, 2024: Grant funding (amount undisclosed)
• November 24, 2021: Seed VC funding (amount undisclosed)
• October 5, 2020: Incubator/Accelerator funding (amount undisclosed)
• December 11, 2019: Seed funding (amount undisclosed)

Additionally, ARC Marine received £1 million (approximately $1.3 million) in equity investment from the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Investment Fund (CIOSIF) in a deal led by the FSE Group, which enabled the company to create at least six new positions over a three-year period.

European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator Funding

ARC Marine appears to have been a recipient of EIC Accelerator funding following a successful application submitted on March 23, 2022. While the specific amount of this funding is not explicitly stated in the search results, Dealroom.co indicates the company received a €2.5 million grant, which may correspond to this EIC Accelerator funding.

Investor Information

ARC Marine has attracted support from several key investors:

• The FSE Group: Led multiple investment rounds, including the most recent 2024 funding
• Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Investment Fund (CIOSIF): Provided equity investment through The FSE Group, with previous investment in 2021 and follow-on investment in 2024
• Mercuria: Joined as a co-investor in the 2024 funding round, recognizing the potential of ARC Marine's solutions in the natural energy supply chain
• Mulago Foundation: Provided grant funding as part of the 2024 investment package

Company Valuation

Specific valuation figures for ARC Marine are not disclosed in the available search results. The company's valuation history is marked as "$XXM" across various funding rounds in the CB Insights data, indicating that precise valuation figures are not publicly available.

Products and Technology

ARC Marine's funding has supported the development and scaling of its innovative marine technologies:

These products position ARC Marine as a pioneer in sustainable marine construction and habitat restoration, with their Reef Cubes being described as "the only carbon-neutral, plastic-free solution for marine habitat restoration in the world".

Exit Events

There is no information in the search results regarding any exit events such as IPOs, buyouts, or acquisitions involving ARC Marine. The company appears to remain privately held as it continues to develop and scale its sustainable marine technologies.

Sources: - CB Insights - ARC Marine Financial Data

• Michelmores - ARC Marine Investment News
• British Business Bank - ARC Marine Success Story
• Dealroom.co - ARC Marine Company Information

3 The Press Releases

ARC Marine's Post-EIC Accelerator Developments in Sustainable Marine Solutions Since securing EIC Accelerator funding in March 2022, UK-based ARC Marine has advanced its mission to restore marine ecosystems through innovative, low-carbon technologies. Below are key updates from press releases and partnerships post-2022:

Partnerships

• Material Evolution Collaboration: In February 2025, ARC Marine announced a partnership with Material Evolution to integrate MevoCem, an ultra-low carbon cement saving up to 85% emissions compared to traditional Portland cement. This collaboration aims to enhance the durability of ARC’s marine structures while reducing environmental impact.
• Testing and Deployment: The partnership includes rigorous testing of MevoCem in harsh marine environments for use in subtidal and intertidal construction projects, with plans for large-scale production.

Technology Advancements

• Reef Cubes®: ARC’s patented artificial reef structures have been deployed in seven countries, supporting over 190 species. These low-carbon, plastic-free designs serve dual purposes: protecting critical infrastructure (e.g., offshore wind farms) and restoring biodiversity.
• Eco-Engineering Expertise: The company specializes in nature-inclusive designs for offshore energy projects, minimizing benthic damage while meeting performance standards.

Operational Milestones

• Global Deployments: Over 2,000 Reef Cubes® have been installed globally as of February 2025.
• Sustainability Focus: ARC emphasizes reducing decommissioning costs and landfill waste by designing permanent marine structures.

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Sources
Sustainability - ARC Marine
ARC Marine and Material Evolution announce partnership
ARC Marine - Accelerating Reef Creation
Material Evolution announces partnership with ARC Marine

4 The Technology Advancements

ARC Marine's Post-EIC Accelerator Advancements and Market Progress

Since securing €3.4 million in EIC Accelerator funding in March 2022 for its Reef Enhanced Scour Protection (RESP) project, ARC Marine has expanded its technological and operational capabilities significantly. The company focuses on deploying low-carbon, biodiversity-enhancing solutions for offshore wind farms and marine infrastructure while advancing material science and ecosystem restoration techniques.

Technological Improvements

• Material Innovation: ARC Marine is trialing MevoCem, an ultra-low carbon cement from Material Evolution, to replace traditional Portland cement in its Marine Crete® products. Initial tests aim to validate durability in harsh marine environments for aquaculture, coastal defense, and offshore energy projects.
• Production Scaling: A new production facility in Wrexham, Wales (capacity: 120k tonnes/year) supports large-scale manufacturing of Reef Cubes® and Marine Matts.
• Marine Crete® Refinement: Continued use of alkali-activated slag binders ensures carbon-neutral or negative outcomes while maintaining suitability as a substrate for marine life.

Market Demonstrations

• Cornwall Breakwater Deployment: In 2022, textured Reef Cubes® were installed at Newlyn Harbour as part of an Environment Agency trial to enhance coastal resilience and intertidal biodiversity.
• Offshore Wind Solutions: RESP project deliverables include subsea protection systems that combine scour prevention with habitat creation for offshore wind infrastructure.

Research Outputs

• Peer-Reviewed Studies: Published findings in Ecological Engineering (2022) confirmed that alkali-activated materials perform equivalently to Portland cement in supporting marine epibenthos colonization.
• Ongoing R&D: Partnerships with the University of Plymouth explore seaweed adhesion mechanisms on artificial structures using advanced microscopy techniques.

While no new patents are explicitly cited post-EIC funding, the company’s focus on proprietary Marine Crete® formulations and Reef Cube® designs remains central to its intellectual property portfolio. No clinical trials are referenced due to the nature of their ecotechnical focus.

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Sources
-ARC Marine Impact Report 2023
-Material Evolution Partnership Announcement
-EIC-Funded RESP Project Details
-University of Plymouth Research Collaboration

5 The Partnerships and Customers

ARC Marine LTD: Partnerships and Advancements

Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in March 2022, ARC Marine LTD, based in the United Kingdom, has been actively involved in various partnerships and collaborations to enhance its mission of accelerating reef creation and biodiversity.

Partnerships

New Partners and Customers

While specific new customer names are not detailed, the partnerships with Mercuria and Material Evolution open doors to a broader customer base, particularly within the offshore energy and coastal defense sectors. These alliances position ARC Marine as a leader in sustainable marine solutions, capable of providing innovative, eco-friendly products on a larger scale.

Nature of New Relationships and Purpose

The partnerships are centered on advancing sustainable marine practices through technology and material innovation. By combining ARC Marine's expertise in nature-based solutions with Material Evolution's low-carbon cement, they aim to create more durable and environmentally friendly marine infrastructure. The relationship with Mercuria is strategic for expanding market reach and ensuring the widespread adoption of ARC Marine's Reef Cubes.

Positioning in the Market

These partnerships position ARC Marine LTD as a pioneering company in the marine sustainability sector. By integrating cutting-edge materials and collaborating with influential industry players, ARC Marine enhances its reputation as a leader in biodiversity and carbon credit solutions. This strategic positioning helps the company to further its mission of restoring marine ecosystems while protecting critical infrastructure.

Technology Advancements and Scaling

The partnerships with Material Evolution and Mercuria are crucial for advancing ARC Marine's technology and scaling its operations. The use of ultra-low carbon cement allows for more sustainable and durable products, while Mercuria's network facilitates broader market access. This diversification and scaling of operations are pivotal for ARC Marine's growth and expanded impact on marine biodiversity.

Sources

• 2023 IMPACT REPORT | ARC Marine
• ARC Marine partner profile - Mercuria Corporate Social Responsibility
• 2022 IMPACT REPORT | ARC Marine
• Pioneering partnership installs Reef Cubes to enhance marine biodiversity
• ARC Marine and Material Evolution announce partnership to scale sustainable marine solutions
• Material Evolution announces partnership with ARC Marine
• Partnerships to advance the sustainable exploitation of the ocean

6 The Hiring and Company Growth

ARC Marine LTD: Team Growth and Development

ARC Marine LTD, based in the United Kingdom, has been actively expanding its operations since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in March 2022. The company focuses on marine eco-engineering with a mission to enhance biodiversity through innovative solutions.

Hiring and Team Growth

ARC Marine has experienced significant team growth, doubling its team size over the past year. While the exact current headcount is not publicly disclosed, this expansion underscores the company's commitment to enhancing its capabilities and expertise in marine eco-engineering. Despite this growth, there remains a push for increased diversity across various metrics within the team.

As for hiring, ARC Marine is likely engaged in ongoing recruitment efforts to support its mission and scale up its operations. However, specific details about current job openings are not readily available through the company's primary channels.

Key Positions and Future Impact

While recent specific hires are not detailed, the strategic expansion of the team, including roles in science and engineering, is crucial for ARC Marine's future. New team members will contribute to the company's ability to develop and deploy more effective eco-engineering solutions, enhancing marine biodiversity and supporting sustainable development goals. This growth will enable ARC Marine to scale its operations and expand its impact globally.

Management and Founding Team Changes

There have been changes in the company's management and team structure, including updates in personnel details and the involvement of Arc Marine Group Limited as a person with significant control. However, no major changes in the founding team have been reported since the EIC Accelerator funding.

Scaling and Growth

The addition of new team members will significantly aid ARC Marine in achieving its ambitious goals, such as deploying innovative products like the world's first carbon-neutral Marine Matt and contributing to net-zero emissions targets. The company's focus on continuous innovation and collaboration with educational institutions and stakeholders is pivotal to its growth and scaling efforts.

Sources: - The Team - ARC Marine

• ARC Marine Ltd - Company Profile - Endole
• 2023 IMPACT REPORT | ARC Marine
• 2022 IMPACT REPORT | ARC Marine
• ARC Marine partner profile - Mercuria Corporate Social Responsibility

7 The Media Features and Publications

Overview of ARC Marine LTD

ARC Marine LTD, based in the United Kingdom, is recognized for its innovative solutions in marine conservation. Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding on March 23, 2022, the company has continued to make significant strides in enhancing marine biodiversity and conservation efforts.

Media Features and Publications

ARC Marine LTD has been featured in various publications and media outlets for its pioneering work in creating sustainable marine solutions. One notable feature is the recognition of its reef cube technology in the 2025 Underwater Photographer of the Year competition, where an image of a crab in one of the reef cubes received a commended award. This highlights the effectiveness of ARC Marine's structures in providing shelter for marine life.

Additionally, the company's work has been commended by clients and partners, such as Kier, the Environment Agency, and Atkins, who have praised the quality and environmental impact of its products.

Podcasts and Interviews

Tom Birbeck, the founder and CEO of ARC Marine LTD, has participated in interviews highlighting the company's mission and innovations. For instance, he was featured in the Ocean Impact Podcast's Pitchfest 2020 Series, where he discussed ARC Marine's vision for sustainable marine conservation.

Conferences and Events

ARC Marine LTD actively participates in conferences and events related to marine conservation and sustainable technologies. The company offers personalized advice and consultations for projects, demonstrating its commitment to collaborating with clients and promoting biodiversity-enhancing solutions. However, specific details about recent conference visits or presentations since the EIC funding are not readily available.

Involvement in Events

ARC Marine LTD's involvement in events often centers around showcasing its innovative nature-inclusive solutions for marine construction and conservation. The company's projects, such as the deployment of Reef cubes, have been part of funded initiatives like the UK Seafood Innovation Fund, showcasing its commitment to enhancing biodiversity and marine ecosystems.

Conclusion

Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in March 2022, ARC Marine LTD has continued to innovate and contribute to marine conservation efforts. Its pioneering reef cube technology and commitment to sustainable practices have earned recognition in various media and industry circles.

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Sources: - ARC Marine: Home

• ARC Marine Celebrates “Commended” Award at Underwater Photographer of the Year with Reef Cube Image
• Pitchfest 2020 Series Episode 3 - Tom Birbeck from ARC Marine
• Arc Marine | British Business Bank