The Yachting Ventures community is home to a new generation of ambitious startup founders leading the way in leisure marine. Founders Under 33 highlights young entrepreneurs, diving into their journeys and predictions for the future. This week, we feature Henry Hooper, founder of Metarina.

What was the “aha” moment that led you to start your company?

From a young age, I was drawn to the idea of building something—bringing together a team to solve a meaningful problem. This wasn’t just an innate interest, it was shaped by role models in my immediate surroundings who were doing exactly that. Seeing them in action made it feel natural, even inevitable, that I would one day do the same. I didn’t initially realise this would lead to founding a company, but the drive to create and lead was always there.

The true aha moment, however, came when I returned to university after a couple of years of experience across businesses of all shapes and sizes. Studying at ESADE Business School in Barcelona provided not just the hard skills needed to start a business, but, more importantly, the confidence to take that leap. It was there that everything crystallised—the ambition, the skills, and the belief that now was the time to build something impactful. That experience gave me the clarity and conviction to turn vision into reality.

What has been your biggest challenge as a young founder in this industry?

Many industries have embraced rapid innovation cycles, often rewarding young, ambitious founders who bring fresh perspectives and a willingness to challenge the status quo. However, in a more traditional industry—one still in the early stages of transformation—credibility is not granted as readily. The biggest challenge has been earning trust and demonstrating that our vision is not just well-intentioned but also sustainable and lasting. This takes time, patience, and consistent results.

That said, what makes this industry so inspiring is the sheer scale of impact that remains possible. We’re not just talking about incremental improvements but rather meaningful, structural change. For those new to the space, that is exciting. For those who have spent years operating in established ways, it can understandably feel like a significant shift. Bridging that gap—showing respect for the industry’s history while also championing its future—has been both a challenge and a responsibility.

Where would you be without your business?

While I sometimes imagine myself in a different context or setting, the truth is that if I weren’t building this business, I’d be building another one. This isn’t a one-off endeavour but part of a broader drive to create something meaningful. I’ve worked on projects and ventures before, and I know I will again—whether in parallel or in the future.

What truly motivates me is the process itself: bringing together a passionate team, solving complex problems, and creating something that has a lasting impact. That’s what I find most fulfilling. It’s never just about the specific idea or industry but about the challenge of building, improving, and making a difference. So, while the setting might change, the drive to build something meaningful will always remain at the core of what I do.

Any advice for young aspiring entrepreneurs?

A lot of guidance exists on whether a business idea is viable, scalable, and financially sound. But what’s often overlooked is an equally important question: why are you starting this business in the first place? The motives behind launching a company matter just as much as the business model itself, because this is a long-term commitment—years of dedication, challenges, and trade-offs.

So my advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is not just to test and iterate on the business idea but to also reflect deeply on personal motivations. Why does this venture matter to you? Who do you want to build it with? How does it fit into your life in a way that remains sustainable over time? A strong foundation isn’t just about market fit, it’s also about ensuring that the drive behind it will endure, making the journey fulfilling rather than just demanding.

What are you most looking forward to in 2025?

I’d probably answer this the same way every year, but 2025 carries that familiar sense of being on the verge of something transformative—crossing a major hurdle to solidify a truly sustainable business. There’s always this feeling of being close to a breakthrough, yet never quite reaching the point of complete satisfaction, because by the time you get there, your sights are already set on the next challenge. And in many ways, that’s what keeps you going.

That said, this year feels particularly pivotal. The team is onto something big, and we’re eager to prove it. The momentum we’ve built is undeniable, and 2025 is about turning that into something tangible, lasting, and undeniable. It’s about making the impact we’ve been working towards—not just in theory, but in real, measurable terms. We’re ready to make it happen.

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