Yachting Ventures (YV) and the European Boating Industry (EBI) are once again partnering to deliver an expanded edition of the Startup x Investor Day at boot Düsseldorf 2026. The event will take place on Tuesday, 20 January 2026, at the show’s Blue Innovation Dock.
Now in its fourth year, the initiative has evolved into a key meeting point for startups and investors within the leisure marine sector. Designed to encourage collaboration, drive innovation and open up new investment opportunities, the session provides a valuable platform for early-stage marine companies to connect directly with potential backers in an open and interactive setting.
What to expect from the Startup x Investor Day
The day will open with a keynote from Karl Birgir Björnsson, CEO and co-founder of Hefring Marine and longstanding Yachting Ventures community member, who will share insights from his fundraising journey. Based in Iceland, Hefring Marine completed a funding round in May 2024, raising €2.2 million in a Series A round led by Faber Ventures.
The Startup x Investor Day programme will feature:
- A pitch competition, where selected startups will showcase their innovations to a panel of investors.
- Reverse pitches, where investors share what they’re looking for, offering startups an invaluable perspective on how to attract funding.
- A founder–investor panel discussion, highlighting the realities of fundraising and growth in the marine sector.
- And finally, a happy hour networking session, providing a relaxed space for founders and investors to continue the conversation over drinks.
“Our Startup x Investor Day is all about breaking down barriers between founders and investors,” says Gabbi Richardson (pictured left), founder of Yachting Ventures. “We’re building an open, community-driven space where startups can do more than just pitch — they can gain real insight into what investors are looking for. Our goal is for every founder to leave with genuine, lasting connections that help them grow.”
Philip Easthill, secretary-general of EBI, says: “Innovation and entrepreneurship are at the heart of Europe’s boating sector. Through our collaboration with Yachting Ventures for the Blue Innovation Dock at boot Düsseldorf, we aim to connect visionary founders with investors who can help turn their ideas into sustainable growth. The Startup x Investor Day has become a key moment at BID to highlight how the industry is evolving towards a more innovative and sustainable future.”
Startup competition applications
Five startups will be selected to present their products and solutions to a panel of experienced investors and industry experts, evaluated on uniqueness, market potential, scalability and sustainability impact.
The competition is an invaluable opportunity for startups seeking funding to pitch their ideas at the largest yacht and watersports show in the world. The show typically receives around 200,000 visitors from 120 countries and has more than 1,500 exhibitors from 67 nations.
The winning startup will receive a free stand at boot Düsseldorf in 2027 and significant media coverage across both the Yachting Ventures, EBI and boot Düsseldorf media channels.
Applications opened on 27th October 2025 and close 4 December 2025. Interested startups can apply online or send an email to Yachting Ventures for more information.
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