Gerry Hofstetter
Investment Thesis & Opportunity
The client is Gerry Hofstetter, a Swiss light artist, who is launching the "2025 UN Year of Glacier's Preservation SOS World Tour," a global expedition designed to raise urgent public awareness about climate change and motivate investment in impact funds. The project's core mission is a "last call for help" to save the planet, projecting the word "SOS" onto one glacier per continent in such a giant size that it can be photographed from space by satellites and the ISS. This is intended to alert the world and start a global movement, particularly involving children and young people. The urgency is underscored by the scientific forecast that 80% of the world's glaciers will be gone in about 40 years or earlier. The resulting glacier melt is projected to cause global sea levels to rise by about 2m/6ft, forcing 60% of all coastal cities and villages inland. The "SOS" message stands for "Save Our Souls" and "Save Our Species".
Business Model, Market Opportunity, & Strategy
The project has two key financial and media outcomes. Firstly, the spectacle will be filmed to create a spectacular and emotional documentary TV series with 8 episodes, showcasing the daring team's fight in hazardous environments. Secondly, the media impact is directly tied to a fundraising goal: the pictures and media will alert people to act now and motivate the audience to invest in impact funds. This directly connects to the vision to launch a global "SOS WORLD IMPACT FUND" for anyone to invest, with the goal of bringing air, forests, water, and climate under control. After the tour, the artist will embark on a global speaking tour and launch an art and science exhibition/road show.
Financial Performance, Terms, & Target Returns
Impact Measurement, Management, & SDG Alignment
Management Team & Corporate Governance
The tour is realized by Gerry Hofstetter, a former head of investment banking and retired Mountain Special Forces Captain, utilizing his highly trained team of assistants, photographers, and filmmakers. Crucially, the team includes a Swiss glaciology scientist to explain the situation on each glacier. The vision emphasizes the concept as being realized as much as possible under "Swiss made," with the patronage to be held by a globally leading Swiss institute of space science and technology. The long-term goal is to bring science, art, and religion back together after 200 years of separation, uniting them as "one big power" to solve the global crisis.
Risk Factors & Exit Strategy
TV Episode
Podcast
