, it's been eight years since I received the unbearable news that Angus fell when hiking and that he had died. Words cannot describe the darkness of that moment.  

“He was going to change the world.” 

The moment Angus's partner Camille uttered these words, I mentally stepped back from the edge of a deep, dark abyss where I felt myself delicately balanced. Stardust Startups became the light in my darkness. Over the past eight years, Stardust has given me a sense of purpose, passion, and positivity; as his legacy, Stardust has given Angus the chance to be a catalyst for change to make the world a better place.  

To date Stardust has funded 27 projects that are advancing positive social and environmental sustainability in France, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Madagascar, Canada, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Armenia, Uganda, Cameroon, and the United States (Ohio, Florida, New York, California, and North Carolina). In addition to money, Stardust support has also included much-appreciated, nurturing,  networking and mentoring for early-stage entrepreneurs.

In 2023, the Board of Directors decided to narrow Stardust Startups's regional and programmatic scope from 8 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and worldwide reach to focus on entrepreneurs launching Climate Action solutions along the coastal plain of North Carolina (where Jim and I live).  Supporting a strong and sustainable marine-based “blue economy” is an essential part of building a climate-ready nation and helping local communities, economies, and natural ecosystems thrive. 

Stardust Startups NC supports innovative, inventive, climate-compatible, and future-focused entrepreneurs creating solutions in these blue economy sectors: