Yachting Art Magazine

Recreational boats - Startup x Investor Day, organised by Yachting Ventures and the European Boating Industry, returns in January 2026 in an expanded format. The event, which has become a major fixture at boot Düsseldorf, aims to strengthen the links between innovation, investment and the European maritime industry.

The entrepreneurial dynamism of the nautical sector will be on display at boot Düsseldorf 2026. On 20 January, the Blue Innovation Dock will host a new edition of Startup x Investor Day, organised by Yachting Ventures (YV) and European Boating Industry (EBI). In three years, this initiative has established itself as an essential hub for maritime start-ups and investors seeking innovation.

Designed to stimulate encounters and encourage direct exchanges, this day brings together founders and financiers in an open and collaborative environment. The event illustrates the vitality of a rapidly changing sector, where technology, sustainability and performance are redefining economic models.

The opening session will be led by Karl Birgir Björnsson, CEO and co-founder of Hefring Marine. The Icelandic entrepreneur, a member of the Yachting Ventures community, will discuss his fundraising experience, marked in 2024 by a €2.2 million Series A round led by Faber Ventures.

The programme will then feature a pitch competition, where five start-ups will present their projects to a jury of investors, followed by reverse pitches, allowing financiers to outline their expectations. A round table will bring together founders and investors to discuss the challenges of financing and growth in the blue economy, followed by a networking session to continue the discussions in an informal setting.

For Gabbi Richardson, founder of Yachting Ventures, the objective is clear: ‘to create an open space where startups don't just present their ideas, but really understand what investors are looking for.’ This approach aims to build lasting relationships and structure a maritime innovation ecosystem on a European scale.

Philip Easthill, Secretary General of the European Boating Industry, sees this event as ‘a springboard for sustainable and innovative growth.’ According to him, the alliance between Yachting Ventures and EBI within the Blue Innovation Dock illustrates the transformation of a sector now focused on technology and sustainability.

Applications for the competition are open from 27 October to 4 December 2025. Five start-ups will be selected based on their originality, market potential and environmental impact. The winner will receive a free stand at boot Düsseldorf 2027, as well as increased visibility through the media channels of YV, EBI and the trade fair.

With nearly 200,000 visitors from 120 countries and more than 1,500 exhibitors expected, boot Düsseldorf remains the world's largest boat show. By fully integrating innovation and investment, Yachting Ventures and the European Boating Industry are positioning European boating at the heart of a maritime economy that is resolutely focused on the future.