Yachting Ventures and European Boating Industry (EBI) will once again present the Startup x Investor Day at boot Düsseldorf 2027. Bringing founders, investors and industry leaders together, the event returns to the Blue Innovation Dock on Tuesday 26 January 2027 and aims to create opportunities for leisure marine founders to meet investors face-to-face, showcase their businesses and explore the realities of fundraising and growth.
The 2027 programme will combine founder insights, startup pitches and investor perspectives, alongside additional networking opportunities.
Founder keynote from Jack Molyneux of IDOSY
The day will open with a keynote from Jack Molyneux of IDOSY, who will share lessons from his founder journey and the company’s recent raise.
Drawing on his experience building a business in the yachting sector, Molyneux will offer a practical perspective on navigating fundraising and developing relationships with investors.
Commenting on his participation in the event, Molyneux says: “Not every investor will be the right fit, and that’s fine. The ones who matter are those who share your vision and will back you through the challenges as well as the wins. I’m looking forward to sharing what I learned along the way, and hopefully helping other founders go into their next raise with more confidence and clarity.”
Helping marine startups
Following the keynote, selected startups will take to the stage for a pitch competition, presenting their businesses to a jury of investors and industry experts.
The programme will also feature investor reverse pitches, giving founders a chance to hear directly from investors about their interests, priorities and approach to assessing opportunities.
A founder panel will explore the challenges and decisions involved in growing a leisure marine business, bringing practical experience into the conversation.
For 2027, the organisers are developing a format that brings networking to both ends of the programme: a coffee networking session before the main event and a reception afterwards.
The two sessions are intended to provide greater flexibility for attendees navigating busy show schedules, while creating more time for introductions and follow-up conversations.
Gabbi Richardson (pictured left), founder of Yachting Ventures, comments: “Our Startup x Investor Day is a great way to kick off the new year, bringing founders, investors and industry leaders together to build connections and create momentum for the months ahead. We’re seeing more startups than ever before entering the leisure-marine sector, making these opportunities increasingly valuable.
“Our collaboration with EBI has gone from strength to strength over the years, and we’re excited to build on that success in 2027, with more time for conversations and relationships that continue beyond the show.”
Philip Easthill, secretary-general of EBI, says: “Innovation in our industry also depends on giving new companies the right opportunities to grow. Access to investment, industry expertise and established businesses can make a real difference for startups looking to bring their ideas to market. Through the Startup x Investor Day, we want to facilitate those connections and make the Blue Innovation Dock a place where new ideas can develop into concrete business opportunities.”
Startup pitch competition – applications open
Applications for the 2027 pitch competition are now open and will close on 4 December 2026, with selected startups confirmed before Christmas. The competition offers an opportunity to gain visibility, receive feedback and start conversations with investors and industry partners.
Founders developing products and services for the leisure-marine sector are invited to apply.
A £550 participation fee applies to each selected pitching startup. Further details on the jury, competition and wider programme will be shared ahead of the event.
Interested startups can apply to pitch online. For more information, contact gabriella@yachtingventures.co.
Earlier this year, Yachting Ventures launched its Fundraising Feed – a platform that provides investors with a centralised view of companies actively raising capital across the marine innovation ecosystem.
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