Q&A with Tim Silman of Lonely Whale
Program Director
Luminary Series:
Lonely Whale is driving the next wave of material innovation by convening world-class startups, industry leaders, and investors to scale solutions that support healthy oceans. With $850,000 already secured in foundational philanthropic capital which we will deploy over the course of three years to execute the program, we are seeking $250,000 to expand our team, impact, and research capabilities in 2026. This is a unique opportunity to engage with cutting-edge innovators, gain insights from our due diligence process, and collaborate with leading brands shaping the future of next-gen materials. Join us in transforming global supply chains and advancing adoption of ocean-friendly solutions.
Join us for a private Family Office Insights Webinar to explore how Lonely Whale is driving systemic change in materials innovation. With a proven track record of uniting world-class brands, startups, and investors, Lonely Whale has helped scale solutions that reduce plastic waste and transform industries. Through Unwrap the Future and the TOM FORD Plastic Innovation Prize, they awarded a $1.2 million prize purse—a combination of cash grants and venture-backed investments—to support the development of seaweed-based plastic alternatives. Now, as they prepare to launch their second innovation platform, Fashion the Future, we invite you to learn how philanthropic funding and investment can accelerate the next generation of sustainable materials. This is an exclusive opportunity to learn how you can support and invest in the next wave of material innovation.
December 11th at 2:15pm-3:15pm EST
RSVP & Confirmation Required
Philanthropists and Investors Only Please!
Family Office Insights is a voluntary, “opt-in” collaborative peer-to-peer community of single family offices, qualified investors and institutional investors. Join the community here www.familyofficeinsights.com
What makes Lonely Whale’s approach to material innovation unique?
Lonely Whale goes beyond traditional nonprofit advocacy by acting as a strategic convener—bringing together startups, investors, and global brands to accelerate the adoption of sustainable materials through radical collaboration. Our due diligence process ensures that only scalable, high-impact solutions receive support, and our industry partnerships help fast-track their integration into global supply chains. This combination of market-driven innovation, corporate engagement, and cultural influence sets us apart in the nonprofit sector.
How does supporting this initiative create value for investors and corporate partners?
By participating, investors and corporate leaders gain early access to top-tier material innovators, insider insights from our due diligence process, and opportunities for co-investment in cutting-edge solutions. Additionally, corporate partners can directly influence the development and commercialization of next-gen materials, positioning themselves as leaders in sustainability and future-proofing their supply chains against regulatory and consumer shifts.
What are the biggest barriers to scaling sustainable materials, and how does Lonely Whale help overcome them?
Key challenges include market adoption, supply chain integration, and investment in scale-up production. Lonely Whale mitigates these risks by fostering collaboration between startups and major brands, ensuring that solutions are not only innovative but also commercially viable and ready for mass deployment. By de-risking investment and facilitating industry partnerships, we help move these materials from promising concepts to market-ready solutions.
Tim Silman of Lonely Whale
Tim Silman, is Program Director at Lonely Whale. He led the organization’s Unwrap the Future program, which included the TOM FORD Plastic Innovation Prize and Accelerator, focused on scalable and biologically degradable alternatives to thin-film plastic. Prior to leading the prize, Tim was a Senior Manager at XPRIZE focused on strategic partnerships and innovation design, and worked as a consultant for government and private sector clients for over a decade.
Contact Tim: tim@lonelywhale.org