Yachting Ventures announced the judging panel for this year’s IBEX Startup Pitch Competition, which brings together investors, startup advisors and marine industry leaders to evaluate emerging companies. The competition will take place Oct. 6 during the International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition & Conference in Tampa, Fla., and allows startups to pitch to an audience of investors, media, corporate partners and industry professionals.
This year’s judges include:
- Matt Vranich, senior advisor at BCE Consulting and a former commercial executive at Navico and Brunswick Corp.
- Brian Karas, an angel investor and startup advisor who was an early employee at HubSpot and Lookout
- Jeremy Fritzhand, vice president of platform and member engagement at Florida startup hub Embarc Collective
- Les Ares, general manager of Freedom Boat Club Tampa Bay & Central Florida
- Drew Orvieto, director of marine solutions at Siemens Energy
- Brian Hunter Hardman, an M&A professional at Edison Business Advisors and a licensed yachtmaster and former yacht captain
“We’re incredibly proud of the caliber of judges joining us this year,” Yachting Ventures founder Gabbi Richardson said in a press release. “Each brings a unique perspective, from investing in startups and scaling global businesses to developing technology. For founders, this is about much more than competing for a prize; it’s an opportunity to present their business to people who can genuinely influence the next stage of their growth.”
The competition is part of the broader Yachting Ventures Start-Up Pavilion, which gives emerging companies dedicated space to exhibit, build commercial relationships and enter the market.
The application period for the IBEX Pitch Competition will close Aug. 31. Apply here.
