Applications are open for the 2027 Startup x Investor Day at boot Düsseldorf, giving emerging marine businesses a chance to present to investors and industry partners during the international boat show in Germany.
The event takes place on Tuesday 26 January at the show's Blue Innovation Dock. Organised by Yachting Ventures and European Boating Industry (EBI), it brings together founders developing products and services for recreational boating, investors, and established industry figures for a day of presentations and discussions.
Selected companies will pitch to a panel of investors and marine industry specialists. The programme also includes reverse pitches, where investors explain what businesses and technologies they want to support, allowing founders to assess fit before approaching them. Reverse pitches featured in the 2025 and 2026 editions. A founder panel will examine decisions involved in growing a marine business.
For 2027, organisers are developing additional networking sessions before and after the main programme to create more opportunities for introductions. The exact arrangements have yet to be announced.
Jack Molyneux of IDOSY will open the programme with a presentation on building a yachting business and raising investment, drawing on his company's recent fundraising experience.
"Not every investor will be the right fit, and that's fine," Molyneux said. His session will cover how founders identify suitable investors and develop relationships with them. An investor with relevant industry contacts, manufacturing experience or a useful distribution network may bring practical advantages beyond capital alone.
The £550 participation fee applies only to startups selected to pitch, not to all applicants. Founders must also weigh travel, accommodation, equipment transport and time away from their business. The event does not guarantee investment.
Applications close on 4 December 2026, with successful applicants expected to be confirmed before Christmas. The 2027 judging panel and full competition arrangements have not yet been announced.
Yachting Ventures runs other startup-investor events across the industry calendar. It has run the Start-Up Pavilion at IBEX for three years, and maintains a partnership with Metstrade, having organised the North American Stage there in 2026.
New Zealand marine businesses could use the Düsseldorf event to explore European investment and commercial partnerships. The organisers' published invitation does not specify a European incorporation requirement, although overseas applicants should confirm eligibility before making travel arrangements.
European compliance requirements, product support, distribution arrangements and manufacturing capacity would still need attention for any company considering market entry.
