The Ocean: Earth’s $2.5 Trillion Last Frontier | Will O’Brien, Co-founder of Ulysses

The ocean represents the next critical strategic domain for humanity, shifting from a land-based industrial focus to an oceanic era defined by data infrastructure, energy, and climate resilience. Will O’Brien, CEO of Ulysses, builds autonomous underwater vehicles to provide the "read and write" layer for this frontier, automating tasks like seagrass restoration and offshore infrastructure maintenance. Deep-sea mining, floating cities, and the untapped economic value of the ocean floor offer significant, albeit nascent, opportunities for growth. These technological advancements require a shift in how startups are financed, moving away from traditional venture models toward flexible, debt-backed structures that align with the capital-intensive nature of hardware. Ultimately, the ocean serves as a vital, interconnected system requiring a stewardship-focused approach to ensure future prosperity and ecological health.