The winning startup will receive a free stand at boot Düsseldorf 2025 as well as other benefits.
Featuring over 1,500 exhibitors, 16 exhibition halls, and an estimated 237,000 attendees, boot Düsseldorf is the world’s largest yacht and watersports show. The show, which takes place from 20th to 28th January 2024, allows marine companies to display their products and network with potential customers and other industry professionals.
Following a successful launch in 2023, the blue innovation dock will once again be a highlight of the show in order to drive innovation within the industry, promote ocean protection, and provide a platform for companies focused on sustainability. In partnership with boot Düsseldorf and European Boating Industry (EBI), Yachting Ventures is inviting startups to participate in a pitching competition, taking place on Tuesday, 23rd January from 13:30. The competition aims to foster industry innovators while connecting startups with others within the industry. EBI is the co-organiser and content partner of the blue innovation dock.
During the competition, a group of five startups will present their products and solutions to a panel of industry experts who are seeking to invest in innovative products and solutions. There will be a number of criteria used to evaluate pitches, including uniqueness, market potential, scalability, and overall impact on leisure marine in terms of sustainability.
The competition is an invaluable opportunity for startups seeking funding to pitch their ideas. The winning startup will receive a free stand at boot Düsseldorf in 2025, which will help them to gain traction and increase brand awareness. There will also be other exciting benefits including significant media coverage across both the Yachting Ventures and boot Düsseldorf media channels.
Gabbi Richardson, Founder of Yachting Ventures commented, “Raising funds is tough for startups, and it takes a while – so founders need to get in front of investors whenever they can. We’ve teamed up with boot Düsseldorf to organise a pitching competition to help boost the visibility of those raising, with the goal of ultimately helping them succeed. The generous prize not only adds value to the winning startup but also provides a tangible opportunity for them to showcase their product at boot in 2025.”
This collaboration with boot Düsseldorf is the latest in a string of recent events organised by Yachting Ventures at boat shows globally, including an Innovation Zone at the Abu Dhabi International Boat Show and a Startup Pavilion at METSTRADE. As a global hub for startups & scaleups in the leisure marine industry, the primary goal of Yachting Ventures is to provide the network, support and opportunities that high-potential companies need to succeed.
If you are currently raising finance and your solution advances sustainability in the boating and nautical tourism industry, please apply here or contact for more information.
The deadline to apply is 11th December 23.
