Our Team

Ocean Exchange Team

Jeff Kraatz

Global Sales Leader & Entrepreneur

Experienced global sales leader, entrepreneur, mentor, advisor, investor, Go To Market strategist, applying best practices execution for private, public, and nonprofit technology companies.

For the last 9 years Jeff has been recognized as the Enterprise sales leader for tech cohort companies participating in the Blue Startups (#17 top US Accelerator). Has recently been “giving back” in the Climate Change / Blue Economy space with groups like: World Ocean Council, Ocean Exchange, Blue Institute, Oceanovation, Braid Theory, Sustainable Ocean Alliance, East West Center. Passionate about the ocean-you may even find him building a climate change community-based solution the world needs.

Jeff is a customer-centric team player with a ‘roll up your sleeves’ approach to top line sales, and bottom-line profitability with a proven record of driving significant revenue growth results. Has founded numerous companies, been an effective single contributor through C level executive, is highly successful at fundraising, recruiting and building initial teams (or rebuilding teams), which has led to achieving successful company exits.

Deep experience in SaaS sales and operations; enterprise software sales and services; mobility solutions; telecom carrier hardware, software, and networks; systems integration, B2G(construction contractors filing permits), security solutions; data networking; performance management and cloud monitoring; customer experience professional services; retail operations; recruiting & fulfillment solutions; cloud digital migration & managed services; climate change & blue economy solutions; AI/ChatGBT for startups.

Is currently advising, and mentoring for selective startup companies, accelerators in the Blue Economy ecosystem. Lived in Hong Kong for 5 years (customers and teams in China, Japan, and throughout North Asia), excels at initial Go To Market business development, building and managing distributed global sales and support organizations, and channel partnerships (deep experience in US, APAC, EMEA, and India).

Jeff has served on the Board of Directors of numerous companies, including his family founded retail business –Flip Flop Workshop. Through strong partnerships and alliances Jeff and the company have supported the homeless community with civic organizations such as United Way, and Make A Wish Foundation. For special companies he offers services, and expertise for startup traction, execution, and scaling.

On a personal note-completed a dozen marathons, and the Hawaii Ironman Triathlon. Now prefer family activities, surfing, sailing, golfing, and tending a Bonsai garden.

Contact Us

Ocean Exchange invites you to learn more about Awards Program, our ecosystem and success of our award winners and participants. Together, we can chart a powerful course to help ensure the future of our oceans and the Blue Economy.

Testimonials

At Carollo Engineers, water is all we do—so we’re passionate about protecting our oceans. Attending the Ocean Exchange connected us with innovators advancing the blue economy, including those driving reuse and improving wastewater treatment and water quality. Events like this highlight how essential cross-sector collaboration is to solving global water challenges and creating a more sustainable future.

 
Dave Sobeck
Executive Vice President, Carollo Engineers

Being a voting delegate at Ocean Exchange reminded me why I do this work—watching students and industry leaders alike push the boundaries of what’s possible for ocean health and the blue economy. Deep thanks to Moffatt & Nichol for supporting our time and commitment.

 
Lynette Cardoch
Vice President Director, Resilience and Adaptation, Moffatt & Nichol

Participating in Ocean Exchange as an AUV subject matter expert was a meaningful way to share Anduril’s perspective on operational autonomy and AUV deployment. The event brought together diverse stakeholders focused on advancing practical, impact-driven maritime technologies, and provided a valuable platform for meaningful and inspiring discussions that delved into the complexities and opportunities spanning the full spectrum of ocean innovation.

 
Jessie Gray
Engineering Project Manager, Anduril

The Guy Harvey Foundation has been a proud partner with Ocean Exchange for the past few years as it provides a wonderful platform for innovations to be shared, meaningful networking to take place and overall supports the growth of the ocean economy and conservation efforts. We’ve been fortunate to provide awards for both collegiate and high school categories, participated on the judging panel and are inspired by the problem solving solutions presented by each candidate. If you want a good dose of inspiration, definitely look to supporting, attending or participating in the events!

 
Jessica Harvey
Chief Executive Officer, Guy Harvey Foundation

Ocean Exchange consistently brings together some of the most promising innovators in sustainability, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to support their work through the Solutions Review Team. Each year after attending the annual conference, I leave energized by the quality of ideas presented, the mission‑driven entrepreneurs involved, and the collaborative environment that drives meaningful progress for our oceans and The Blue Economy.

 
Rick Claar
Partner/President, The Martec Group