Our Startup Spotlight series introduces you to the creative minds in our community, sharing their unique stories and ideas. This week, we put the spotlight on Dmytro Kuzub, co-founder of Yacht Cabin, who are simplifying crew finding for the sailing community, by connecting private boat owners with verified volunteer crew through their innovative matching platform.

What’s your story? How did you come up with the idea for your business?

Yacht Cabin started as a side project between sails — one of those ideas you casually throw around over a beer in a marina… until you realise it actually solves a real problem.

We kept noticing how many skippers were sailing with empty cabins, while at the same time, countless adventurers and wannabe crew were posting in random Facebook groups, desperately trying to hop on board. The need was there — just no one had built the bridge.

Why does the industry need the solution you’re providing?

To test if we were onto something, we started a small Facebook community. Within days, people were sharing trips, others were asking to join, and the comment sections were livelier than the VHF during anchoring hour.

That’s when we realised: crew-finding doesn’t need to be chaotic. It can be simple, smart, and even a bit fun. So we built Yacht Cabin — a platform where boat owners can find reliable volunteer crew, and curious sailors can discover unforgettable trips. Think of it as ridesharing… but with salt in your hair.

What have you enjoyed most about starting your own company?

We’ve launched other companies before, but this one hits differently. Maybe it’s the sea breeze, or maybe it’s the fact that we’re working on something that blends adventure, community, and actual global impact.

There’s something magical about turning unused cabins into a new form of mobility. Boats that would’ve sailed half-empty now become homes for stories, friendships, and the occasional shared bottle of rum. That’s what keeps us going.

What challenges did you have to overcome at the beginning?

Classic marketplace dilemma: no supply without demand, and no demand without supply. In the early days, we had to do everything by hand, such as  manually onboarding users, nudging skippers, matchmaking between crew and captains. It was slow, clunky… and exactly what we needed to learn what worked.

What’s next for your business? Where do you see it in 3-5 years?

We envision Yacht Cabin becoming a go-to platform for ridesharing on the water.

There are thousands of boats sailing every day with unused space. At the same time, there are millions of people who dream of sailing but think it’s either too expensive, too exclusive, or too far-fetched.

In 3–5 years, we want to change that — by turning boats into access points for a new kind of slow, shared, sustainable travel. One that doesn’t just move people — but connects them.

Any advice for entrepreneurs just starting out in this space?

Build fast, break assumptions faster. And don’t wait until your logo is perfect — your first 50 users won’t care.

With AI tools and no-code platforms, launching is cheaper than ever. The real cost? Not launching at all.

Also, talk to users.

And a fun one—what’s a quote or some words that you live by?

“Keep moving toward your goal — but don’t forget to enjoy the way there.” It’s something sailing teaches you quickly: the wind doesn’t always blow your way, and sometimes the detour is the best part of the journey.