Yachting Ventures and European Boating Industry (EBI) are excited to announce the expansion of their successful partnership at boot Düsseldorf 2025, with the introduction of a full ‘Startup Day’ on Tuesday, January 21st, 2025. This dedicated day will provide an unparalleled platform for innovative startups to showcase their solutions to key players in the leisure marine industry.
boot Düsseldorf, the world’s largest yacht and watersports exhibition, attracts more than 214,000 visitors and hosts over 1,500 exhibitors from 67 countries across 16 exhibition halls. The Blue Innovation Dock (BID), a key sustainability forum launched in 2023 by EBI and boot Düsseldorf, has quickly become a focal point of the event, promoting advancements in innovation, sustainability, and ocean protection within the leisure marine sector.
Building on Previous Successes
Following the overwhelming success of pitch competitions at the Blue Innovation Dock in 2023 and 2024, Yachting Ventures and EBI are responding to industry growth by expanding the program into a full-day event. This expanded collaboration aims to offer more opportunities for startups to connect with investors and industry leaders, emphasising the growing importance of innovation and sustainability in the yachting sector.
The Blue Innovation Dock brings together leading experts and stakeholders to discuss sustainability in boat building, propulsion systems, marina management, and marine tourism. With the full-day ‘Startup Day,’ Yachting Ventures and EBI are further committed to supporting emerging businesses and fostering cutting-edge solutions that will shape the future of the industry.
Startup Day Program Highlights
The 2025 edition of ‘Startup Day’ will begin at 1:00 PM with a keynote address, followed by the highly anticipated Startup Pitch Competition from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM. Five startups will have the opportunity to present their innovations to a panel of industry experts and investors. Investors will also engage in reverse pitches, offering startups unique insights into investor priorities, helping them tailor their approach and better align with what investors seek.
The program will conclude with a panel discussion on current investment trends and challenges. Afterward, participants can join the “Startup Happy Hour” at the BID Lounge, offering valuable networking opportunities and a prime opportunity for connecting with investors, founders and key players in the leisure marine startup ecosystem.
Call for Startups to Apply to Pitch
Yachting Ventures and EBI invite startups to apply for the pitch competition, where they will be judged on criteria including uniqueness, market potential, scalability, and sustainability impact on the leisure marine industry.
The winning startup will be awarded a complimentary stand at boot Düsseldorf 2026, providing increased exposure and brand recognition. Additional benefits include extensive media coverage through Yachting Ventures and Boot Düsseldorf’s channels.
Startups are defined as companies that have been operating commercially for less than five years and/or have an annual turnover of less than €1 million.
Applications open today, Monday 4th November. Interested startups can apply here. The application deadline is on the 4th December.
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