Originally from Kennebunkport, Maine, James Merrill graduated from St. Lawrence University in New York where he studied Religious Studies and played both varsity soccer and lacrosse. After college, Merrill spent almost a decade working and living throughout Asia, the Middle East, and Africa as an International Development contractor providing support, aid, and economic education to those communities most susceptible to radicalization from terrorist organizations. It was through these deep connections, the desire to continue to impact these local economies, and seeing first-hand how landfill trash, and specifically ocean plastics, littered these communities that Opolis, StokedPlastics®️, and Merrill's desire to revolutionize the recycled plastics industry was born.

What does your company do, and why is it important?

While the industry standard has been to incorporate only 2-3% recycled plastic, StokedPlastics®️ (Techstars 2024) pushes sustainability boundaries by creating a blend that incorporates over 25% recycled plastic, making it over 8 times more sustainable than any other recycled plastic available in the market.

Through the StokedPlastics®️ platform, manufacturers and brands can access this eco-friendly material, enabling them to create product lines that not only reduce their carbon footprint but also resonate with environmentally conscious consumers. By partnering with StokedPlastics®️, companies demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and make a positive impact on both the communities James has supported and the global environment.

What advice would you give aspiring entrepreneurs who are just starting their journey?

Embrace patience and don't fear failure. Building anything worthwhile often takes time. So, take things slow, step by step, and give your ideas the time to grow. And about failure? It might sound weird, but it’s kind of your biggest tool. Each misstep is just a stepping stone towards your goal, a lesson learned. So don't fear failure, learn from it. Keep going, keep growing, and remember, all great entrepreneurs have stumbled along the way, as I continue to do each day.

What has been your proudest moment or biggest triumph in your entrepreneurial journey?

For over 5 years I have been listening to Guy Raz on "How I Built This." It has been a dream of mine to someday meet him and be on his show so I would say, without a doubt, being featured on his show was the biggest highlight!

Are there any lessons you've learned along the way that you wish someone had shared with you when you started?

If there's one thing I wish someone had told me right at the beginning, it would be that this journey is going to be the toughest thing you've ever done, hands down. Success doesn't just happen overnight; it takes time, patience, and a ton of hard work.

There will be times when you'd want to throw in the towel, but just keep pushing. Always remember, no one will believe in your idea more than you do, so don't be afraid to fight for it.

And watch out for those "startup sharks." Some folks might try to wow you with their impressive resumes and networks, just to get a big slice of your company. Stay sharp and always keep your eyes on the prize. Also, ask for help! You won't be able to do this on your own.

Why did you want to do an accelerator, and why did you choose Techstars?

Joining an accelerator was all about hitting the fast-forward button on our growth. When it came to choosing one, Techstars was a no-brainer for us. Their motto "Give First" totally resonated with us, not to mention their rockstar investment network — it’s one of the largest and most influential in the world!

What really sealed the deal was the phenomenal support from the Techstars community. The mentors and alumni are 100% all-in when it comes to supporting Techstar founders and businesses. It's like joining one big family that's got your back no matter what. So yeah, it had to be Techstars for us.

What was your biggest takeaway from your time spent in program with Techstars?

Well, if I had to pick just one big takeaway from my time with Techstars, it's that it's okay to be vulnerable.

Being part of Techstars taught me that vulnerability isn’t a weakness; it's actually a strength. It's about being open about what you don't know and leaning on your team and mentors for support. It's about embracing the fact that nobody has it all figured out, and that's completely okay. I guess you could say, vulnerability became my superpower.

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