Alma Ocean is a Black-owned, female startup looking to revolutionize the pool inflatables and water accessories industry with culturally-designed pools, floats, and water accessories including swim caps. Danielle Hodge, the founder of Alma Ocean, decided to launch the brand after moving back home with her parents due to COVID-19 ending her full-time job. Hodge wanted to relax in the backyard to distress, but when she searched online for floats, she was "unable to find products that spoke to her personal taste and culture." Thus Alma Ocean was created.
The new Alma Ocean collection is launching on November 2nd, 2020 via iFundWomen, a crowdfunding platform designed to support female entrepreneurs. The crowdfunding launch will include special offers including receiving a free “OG” Float for $50 and receiving a free “Culture Addict” pool for $100.
Image Credit: Alma Ocean
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Culturally-inspired Pool Floats
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: There is a growing demand for pool floats that reflect diverse cultures, providing an opportunity for brands to create inclusive and culturally relevant products.
- Black-owned Startups
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: The rise of Black-owned startups like Alma Ocean highlights the need for greater representation and diversity in the business world, presenting opportunities for collaboration and investment.
- Crowdfunding for Female Entrepreneurs
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Female entrepreneurs can leverage crowdfunding platforms like iFundWomen to access capital, build a customer base, and gain exposure for their innovative products and services.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Pool Floats and Water Accessories
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: There is a need for industry players to expand their product offerings to include culturally-inspired and inclusive pool floats, swim caps, and other water accessories to cater to diverse customer preferences.
- Fashion and Apparel
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: There is an opportunity for fashion and apparel brands to collaborate with startups like Alma Ocean to create culturally-inspired and inclusive swimwear, cover-ups, and beach accessories that resonate with customers seeking representation and identity through their fashion choices.
- Crowdfunding Platforms
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: The rise in crowdfunding platforms, especially those focused on supporting female entrepreneurs, presents an opportunity for the development of innovative products and services across various industries.
