Yachting Ventures Introduces Start-Up Pitching Competition at METSTRADE
Yachting Ventures has announced the inclusion of a highly anticipated start-up pitching competition as part of the inaugural Start-Up Pavilion at METSTRADE. This exciting addition brings a fresh perspective to this year’s event, underscoring the vital role of innovation and entrepreneurship in the leisure marine sector. The competition’s primary objective is to nurture ground-breaking ideas and forge connections between promising start-ups, industry experts, investors, and potential partners.
Taking place in Amsterdam from 15-17 November 2023, METSTRADE is the world’s largest trade exhibition of marine equipment, materials, and systems. With a projected attendance of over 17,000 leisure marine industry professionals, METSTRADE provides an opportunity for companies to put themselves at the forefront of all major B2B players in the leisure marine space, and connect with potential customers, partners and investors.
Recognising the importance of supporting entrepreneurs bringing new products and technologies to market, METSTRADE will this year launch a brand-new Start-Up Pavilion for 15 start-up companies to exhibit for the duration of the 3-day event. The organisers have allocated a large space for the Start-Up Pavilion in Hall 7 (next to the new Foiling Pavilion), which will have capacity for 15 start-ups and includes two terraces for meetings, networking, and co-working.
Alongside sourcing the start-ups to participate in the Start-Up Pavilion, Yachting Ventures will also organise a pitching competition to take place in the METSTRADE Theatre on Friday 17th November. The competition aims to foster innovation and connect promising start-ups with industry experts, investors, and potential partners. As the industry evolves rapidly, METSTRADE recognises the significance of providing a launchpad for these start-ups, offering them an unparalleled opportunity to gain visibility, network, and attract crucial investments.
The pitching competition will involve 4-5 start-ups showcasing their products and solutions to a panel of investors and industry leaders on the final day of the show in the METSTRADE Theatre. The event will be judged by national and international investors, who are experts in the sector and are actively seeking investment opportunities in this space. The judges will evaluate the pitches based on criteria such as uniqueness, market potential, scalability, and overall impact on the leisure marine industry.
Rachel Zlatar (left) with Founder Gabbi Richardson (right)
“The Start-Up Pitching Competition at METSTRADE is designed to bring together the brightest minds in the leisure marine industry, driving innovation and propelling the sector forward,” said Gabbi Richardson, founder of Yachting Ventures. “We are thrilled to provide a platform where these start-ups can present their ideas to a global audience of industry leaders, investors, and potential partners, opening doors to collaborations that can shape the future of our industry.”
If you are a start-up raising finance, we invite you to get in touch to pitch at METSTRADE. The winning team will receive a complimentary spot in the Start-Up Pavilion at the 2024 edition of METSTRADE, potential funding, and significant media coverage across both the Yachting Ventures and METSTRADE media channels.
The deadline for applications is 31st August 2023, and you can apply here. The selection process will involve a thorough evaluation by the Yachting Ventures team, who will shortlist the most promising start-ups to participate in the competition. For more information about pitching, please contact
For more information visit www.yachtingventures.co
