Five-week accelerator combines fundraising support, investor access and a showcase opportunity at the Genoa Boat Show.

Yachting Ventures and Ocean One Ventures have announced the launch of the Summer Fundraising Bootcamp, a new accelerator programme designed to help startups prepare for and accelerate their fundraising efforts ahead of the autumn investment season.

Taking place from 3 August to 4 September 2026, the programme will support a cohort of up to 10 early stage companies from across the leisure marine industry, combining fundraising strategy, investor readiness, one-to-one coaching and direct access to investors.

Applications are now open and will close on 17 July, with the final cohort confirmed by 24 July.

The programme has been developed to address one of the biggest challenges facing founders: turning investor conversations into investment commitments.

Over the course of the programme, participants will work through a structured fundraising sprint covering investment strategy, pitch refinement, financial modelling, investor outreach, data room preparation and due diligence readiness.

Alongside group workshops and practical fundraising exercises, founders will also receive personalised coaching from the teams at Yachting Ventures and Ocean One Ventures, helping them build a clear fundraising strategy and prepare for active conversations with investors.

As part of a new collaboration between Yachting Ventures and Genoa Boat Show, accelerator participants will receive priority access to a curated Startup Zone, providing the opportunity to exhibit alongside innovative marine businesses and gain visibility at one of Europe’s most established boating events from 1-6 October 2026.

The Startup Zone will form part of a wider innovation-focused zone bringing together startups, universities, training organisations and emerging talent, creating opportunities for networking, partnership development and commercial conversations with visitors from across the global leisure marine industry.

“We speak to founders every day who are building exciting businesses but struggling to navigate the fundraising process,” said Gabbi Richardson.

“This programme is designed to give startups the tools, structure and investor access they need to raise capital more effectively, while creating accountability and momentum through a focused five-week sprint.”

“As someone who came to this industry through sailing, I’ve seen first-hand how much untapped potential exists in maritime leisure — and how few structured pathways there are for founders to turn that potential into fundable businesses,” said Dietlind Wittig, Managing General Partner and Co-Founder of Ocean One Ventures.

“Programmes like this are exactly what the next generation of marine-industry founders need: real investor access, real feedback, and real momentum, in time for the autumn raise.”

Applications will be reviewed by representatives from Yachting Ventures and Ocean One Ventures, alongside an independent advisory board comprising experienced investors, founders and industry experts.

The Summer Fundraising Bootcamp is open to both hardware and software startups operating within the leisure marine sector. The programme is designed for founders planning to raise investment during the second half of 2026 or early 2027 and looking to strengthen their investor proposition, build fundraising momentum and expand their industry network.

Applications are now open.

For more information and to apply, visit this link.