Yachting Ventures’ startup pitch competition will return to Metstrade this November, offering five startups the opportunity to pitch their innovations live to a panel of industry experts and investors.
For the first time, Yachting Ventures will also be showcasing two Startup Pavilions at Metstrade – with one focused on the leisure marine sector, and a second hosting superyacht startups, with solutions for yachts over 24 metres in length.
Organisers say this expansion reflects Metstrade’s ongoing commitment to championing innovation and entrepreneurship, with a total of 25 startups set to exhibit during the three-day event. Metstrade will take place 18 to 20 November 2025 at the RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre and remains the world’s leading B2B trade exhibition for marine equipment, materials, and systems, with over 1,400 exhibitors and 19,000+ visitors expected to attend this year.
Earlier this year, Yachting Ventures also confirmed it will partner with the International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition & Conference (IBEX) to host its second Startup Pitch Competition in Tampa, Florida, following its initial edition in 2024.
How to enter the startup competition at Metstrade
The startup pitch competition will take place on the final day of the show, Thursday 20 November 2025 from 14:45–16:15 in the Metstrade theatre. The session will spotlight five selected startups as they showcase their products, pitch their businesses, and connect with potential investors and strategic partners.
Startups interested in pitching at Metstrade 2025 are invited to apply via online. First access will be granted to startups exhibiting in the Startup Zones.
Pitches will be judged on criteria such as originality, scalability, market potential, and industry impact. In addition to the exposure and investor access, the winning startup will have the option to either participate again as a startup in 2026, or register for a stand at Metstrade 2026 with a special discount. All participants will benefit from widespread media coverage across Yachting Ventures and Metstrade channels.
Gabbi Richardson, founder of Yachting Ventures, says: “We’re excited to bring the pitch competition back to Metstrade this year, especially with our expanded footprint across both the leisure and superyacht sectors.
“The results speak for themselves, real investments have been made in previous years, and this competition continues to open doors for transformative collaborations. It’s a brilliant opportunity for start-ups looking to gain visibility and traction within the industry.”
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
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