Yachting Ventures has opened applications for its Pitch Competition, set for Oct. 6 during the International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition Conference. Five high-growth start-ups raising investment in the marine sector will be selected to pitch live to a panel of investors, OEMs and industry experts.
Priority will be given to companies exhibiting in the Yachting Ventures Start-Up Pavilion, though a limited number of places will be offered to other start-ups. Applications for the Start-Up Pavilion are open and reviewed on a rolling basis.
“IBEX has become one of our flagship events for connecting start-ups with the North American marine industry,” Yachting Ventures founder Gabbi Richardson said in a statement. “Every year, we’re seeing stronger founders, more investor interest and greater engagement from the wider industry.”
IBEX show director Mary Velline added that the Start-Up Pavilion and Pitch Competition give emerging companies a platform to “introduce fresh thinking, gain insight from marine industry and investment leaders, and connect with the manufacturers, investors and partners who can help move their ideas forward.”
Selected start-ups will present to judges with backgrounds spanning venture capital, technology, manufacturing and entrepreneurship, with pitches evaluated on uniqueness, market potential, scalability and relevance to the marine industry. Judges will be drawn from Florida’s investor and marine innovation community, including Tampa Bay Wave, Embarc Collective, Florida Funders, Ocean Azul Partners, Fuel Venture Capital and Miami Angels. Start-ups also receive direct judge feedback, introductions to investors and partners, media coverage and increased visibility in the North American marine market.
Apply to the Start-Up Pavilion here. IBEX is scheduled for Oct. 6-8 at the Tampa Convention Center in Florida.
