Following a successful debut last year, METSTRADE will host its second Start-Up Pavilion in November, in collaboration with Yachting Ventures. Last year’s event featured 15 startups showcasing their products and technologies, garnering attention from industry experts and attendees.
The METSTRADE Start-Up Pavilion offers a platform for emerging companies to showcase ideas, including propulsion systems, apps, platforms and sustainability solutions. Positive feedback from last year’s participants highlighted valuable connections, media exposure and business opportunities gained from their involvement
The World’s Premier B2B Leisure Marine Event
METSTRADE is the premier global trade exhibition for the leisure marine industry, offering a comprehensive platform for professionals to explore the latest innovations, trends, and solutions in marine equipment, materials, and systems.
Held annually in Amsterdam, METSTRADE attracts thousands of industry experts, exhibitors, and visitors from around the world. In addition to an expansive equipment showcase, attendees benefit from networking opportunities and educational sessions. The show remains the go-to event for anyone involved in the leisure marine sector, fostering collaboration and driving industry advancement. METSTRADE 2024 will run from 19-21 November in the RAI Convention Centre in Amsterdam.
Aside from METSTRADE, The Netherlands is a renowned startup hub due to its central European location, supportive government policies, and strong culture of innovation and collaboration. These factors make it an attractive destination for startups looking to thrive and grow. This presents an invaluable opportunity for new companies to forge connections with potential customers, partners, and investors alike.
Building on Last Year’s Success
METSTRADE is poised to support and showcase the ingenuity of Startups in the leisure marine industry once again. This year, the Start-Up Pavilion will accommodate 15 startups and again feature two terraces. Curated by Yachting Ventures, the selected startups will not only showcase their innovations but also engage in thought-provoking panel discussions and the return of the exciting and popular pitching competition.
The pitching competition, taking place on the last day of METSTRADE, will involve 4-5 start-ups showcasing their products and solutions to a panel of investors and industry leaders. 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.
Last year, Yachting Ventures brought along a full lineup of startups with a focus on digitalisation and sustainability, each showcasing products and services ranging from SaaS platforms to Solar Panels. Gabbi Richardson, Founder of Yachting Ventures expresses delight in the return of the Innovation Corner, stating:
“The inaugural METSTRADE Start-Up Pavilion in 2023 was wildly successful and we are eagerly anticipating our return to the show this year. The organisers of METSTRADE see the importance of supporting emerging new businesses and the Start-Up Pavilion, alongside adjacent events including panel discussions and a pitching competition, raises the profile of startups and gives them the platform they need to kick start their journey.”
Niels Klarenbeek, Director of METSTRADE, echoed the sentiment: “We are absolutely thrilled to announce the return of the Start-Up Pavilion at METSTRADE, in collaboration with Yachting Ventures, after its triumphant debut in 2023. Our partnership is dedicated to advancing accessibility and inclusion in the marine industry. Noteworthy is the transition of several startups from the prior edition into regular exhibitors at METSTRADE this year. So METSTRADE visitors can again anticipate the exciting introduction of a fresh cohort of ambitious young marine entrepreneurs, thoughtfully chosen and guided by Yachting Ventures.”
