Growing up on the island of Mallorca in Spain’s Balearic Islands, Gabriella Richardson had yachting in her life from her earliest days. She was also a child of entrepreneurs. After college, she was a charter broker at TJB Super Yachts and Camper & Nicholsons International in London. She then took a job at a legal technology startup. During the pandemic, she returned to Mallorca and launched Yachting Ventures, a startup accelerator focused on supporting and building innovative startups in the recreational boating sector.
Since its launch, Yachting Ventures has provided funding, connections, a platform, and access to established companies and investors through pitch events, workshops and networking opportunities. Richardson has recently been spending time in Dubai, which she considers a hot spot for marine innovation and funding. Her company hosts startup pavilions for clients at major trade events, has more than 160 members in its professional community and has seen major funding rounds for many of its clients.
Soundings Trade Only caught up with Richardson to discuss the hurdles, motivations and milestones of building Yachting Ventures. This interview has been edited for clarity and space.
Tell us about your background.
While I always wanted to start my own business and was constantly having business ideas as a teenager, I was also very academic in school, so decided to study law and philosophy at the University of Liverpool. After I graduated, I moved to London and jumped into the yachting world as a charter broker, first with TJB Super Yachts and later with Camper & Nicholsons. While I enjoyed the lifestyle and the travel, I wanted something with a bit more adrenaline and something with entrepreneurial energy, so I switched it up and joined a venture-capital-backed legal tech startup that was primarily automating all the legal documents associated with closing a round of funding. That was my first taste of startup life and the whole startup ecosystem, and I absolutely loved it.
When Covid-19 hit, I jumped on a plane and headed back to Mallorca to be with my family. With more time on my hands, and once again being at home surrounded by my entrepreneurial parents and siblings, I decided to launch Yachting Ventures as a startup accelerator focused on the yachting industry. We were backed by the industry from day one, and the whole concept took off. However, I still had to finish my legal training at a law firm that I’d committed to, so I continued building Yachting Ventures on the side for two years. Once I qualified, I went all-in on my startup.
What about your boating history?
Growing up in Mallorca, boating was a huge part of my life. Weekends were often spent out on the water, and many of my childhood friends shared the same love for the ocean. A large portion of my childhood friends actually went on to work as crew on superyachts, and I followed suit during one of my university summers. I worked aboard a 30-meter (98-foot) Ferretti, cruising the Balearic Islands and exploring Sardinia, which was an unforgettable experience and gave me a solid foundation of the practical side of the industry.
Even when I lived in London and was training to be a lawyer, I still found ways to stay connected to the sea by visiting the South Coast. The Isle of Wight and the waters around Lymington became my favorite spots to sail.
Now that I’m back living in Mallorca, boating continues to bring me peace and balance. We often race in the various regattas held in the Balearics each summer, or simply spend a Friday afternoon or evening anchored in a quiet bay, unwinding for the weekend. Every summer, we charter a sailing yacht or catamaran with family and friends to explore the Balearic Islands together. It’s not just a tradition, but a chance to reconnect with the ocean and everything I love about being on the water. It also reminds me of the importance of the work we’re doing, particularly supporting impact-driven startups and technologies that will play a key role in preserving our oceans for future generations.
How did you get the idea for Yachting Ventures?
Moving from yachting to the startup world made me realize there was a significant gap in the industry when it came to supporting startups and helping them access funding. When we entered the market, the concept of startups in the yachting industry wasn’t even on the radar. There were no platforms or forums where innovative companies could pitch their ideas to investors, and very little conversation around fostering entrepreneurship within the sector.
We saw this as a huge missed opportunity. The yachting industry has so much potential for innovation, yet it lacks the mechanisms to encourage and support new ideas. Traditional ways of doing business dominated, and the flow of capital into early-stage companies was almost nonexistent.
What would a marine startup typically do before Yachting Ventures was around?
Without Yachting Ventures, leisure marine startups would face a much harder and more fragmented journey to find the support they need. First, there would be no central platform where founders could connect with industry-specific investors or mentors. Instead, they’d likely need to rely on generic startup networks that don’t have the nuanced understanding of the marine space. This mismatch often leads to wasted time and missed opportunities, as traditional startup ecosystems don’t always align with the unique challenges and opportunities of our world.
Second, networking would be much more difficult. Without a dedicated hub like Yachting Ventures, founders would have to piece together relationships on their own, attending scattered events, cold-emailing potential investors and hoping to stumble across the right connections. This kind of fragmented approach can slow down progress and leave many promising ideas without the backing they need.
Finally, finding targeted resources like pitch opportunities, industry insights and tailored advice would be almost impossible. Marine startups would have to rely on trial and error, which could lead to missed chances to scale and grow at critical stages.
What does the process look like for a startup that is interested in securing seed funding?
Step one is to validate the business idea. Startups need to ensure their idea addresses a clear problem in the marine industry and has potential market demand. This involves conducting research, defining the target audience and validating the solution through feedback from potential customers or stakeholders.
Step two is to prepare a solid business plan. Investors want to see that a startup has a clear vision and strategy. Founders should create a business plan that outlines their product or service, market opportunity, revenue model and growth potential. This plan should include financial projections, showing how the business will scale and generate returns.
Step three is to refine the pitch. A strong pitch is crucial for attracting investment. Startups should craft a compelling pitch deck that highlights their mission, problem-solution fit, traction and team expertise. This deck is what investors will use to understand the opportunity and decide whether to proceed.
Step four is to join our community. At Yachting Ventures, we help startups get investor-ready. Startups can join one of our growth workshops or fundraising boot camps, where we work closely with founders to refine their messaging, strengthen their business models and prepare for investor interactions.
Step five is to show up where it matters. Attend industry events and boat shows. These aren’t just networking opportunities; they’re your chance to be seen by investors, clients and the press. Exhibit with us to be in the spotlight alongside other startups.
Step six is to attend pitch events. We host more than 10 pitch events per year, giving startups the opportunity to present their ideas directly to investors. These events are tailored to the yachting and marine industries, ensuring that startups are speaking to people who understand and are interested in the space.
Step seven is to build relationships with investors. After pitching, startups often begin conversations with interested investors. This involves due diligence, where the startup provides detailed information about its operations, financials and growth plans. Founders should be ready to answer tough questions and demonstrate why their business is a strong investment opportunity.
What kinds of services does Yachting Ventures offer clients?
We offer a creative agency. From public relations and branding to videography and social media, we help startups craft a compelling story that resonates with investors, partners and customers. We make sure startup messaging is consistent across all platforms and events, and we focus on authenticity, transparency and relatability. We also offer a media platform. We’re all about sharing the latest in marine innovation and tech through real stories from startups. Those interested in innovation and tech in this space can follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram, and sign up for our monthly newsletter.
We collaborate with major boat shows and industry events globally to create startup pavilions that are 360-degree marketing opportunities rather than just exhibition space. Some key 2025 events will be at boot Düsseldorf, the Palma Superyacht Village, the International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference, Metstrade and the Abu Dhabi International Boat Show.
Our members also gain access to our community through workshops, resources and a network of like-minded founders. Being associated with Yachting Ventures is increasingly recognized as a badge of credibility. Investors are starting to see us as a trusted source for identifying top startups in the marine industry.
How many startups is Yachting Ventures currently working with?
Yachting Ventures is currently working with more than 160 members in our community. In 2024, we had 63 startups exhibit at our various event collaborations globally, and we provided a platform for 53 founders to pitch their ideas to our investor network.
Who works with you on your staff?
Lucy Wright is our head of growth. She brings a creative background in copywriting, film production and content creation. She works closely with companies to deliver effective marketing campaigns. Lucy also has firsthand experience in the yachting industry as a crewmember, which gives her a unique perspective when supporting startups in the space. She leads campaigns, social media, events, editorial and videography efforts for Yachting Ventures and the startups we support.
Hannah Postma is our leader on content and strategy. She has a lifelong connection to boating and expertise in content writing, and has contributed to the success of crowdfunding campaigns for the savvy navvy boating app. She is the driving force behind our content campaigns, helping businesses communicate their messages effectively. She focuses on brand-building and providing investor communication support for startups that are launching fundraising efforts.
Oli Parnis England is our community manager. Originally from Malta, Oli spent summers skippering boats around the Mediterranean. With experience in both a branding agency and a venture capital firm, he is dedicated to building connections within the Yachting Ventures community. Oli focuses on delivering network opportunities, educational resources and promotional support to help our members succeed.
Can you share a few success stories?
Metarina has joined us at several events and raised investment from one of the investors we invited to the pitch competition at Metstrade in 2023.
Floatist has been a member for a few years now. It has exhibited at the Palma International Boat Show twice, exhibited at Metstrade, been featured in editorial campaigns and participated in panel discussions. It has raised a six-figure funding round to scale the business.
ZeroJet has been an active part of our community since May 2020, exhibiting at the Abu Dhabi International Boat Show, collaborating on press and editorial campaigns, and participating in panel discussions at Metstrade. It has also raised a Series A funding round.
What sort of startups do you see most commonly in the marine industry?
We primarily see tech startups, companies building their own intellectual property in-house. This can include software and hardware solutions, but a key factor is that their offerings must be highly scalable. We typically define a startup as a company that has been operating commercially for less than five years or has an annual turnover of less than €1 million ($1.036 million).
One of the biggest strengths of our network is its diversity, both in terms of geography and the types of products being developed. We work with startups from over 25 countries, and they’re tackling a wide range of challenges in the leisure marine sector.
For instance, on the hardware side, we see innovations like next-generation propulsion systems and alternative fuel technologies aimed at improving efficiency and sustainability. On the software side, startups are developing solutions like booking platforms, and crew management and augmented reality tools to streamline operations and enhance customer experiences.
What advantages does a startup in the marine industry have now compared with an established company?
Startups in the marine industry have distinct advantages, especially when it comes to agility, innovation and fresh perspectives. While established companies benefit from scale and resources, startups excel in areas where quick adaptation and technological advancements are key. Their flexibility allows them to swiftly respond to market trends. Larger companies often face challenges due to rigid structures.
Many startups are driven by a specific problem to solve, which fuels their focus on innovation. They’re developing cutting-edge technologies, like alternative propulsion systems and digital platforms, that established players may struggle to create due to legacy systems.
With a closer connection to customers and smaller teams, startups can quickly understand and address pain points, allowing for more tailored offerings. As the marine industry faces increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices, startups are leading the way with solutions like alternative fuels, electrification and carbon footprint reduction, outpacing slower-moving, risk-averse companies.
Startups attract talent and investors eager to be part of innovation, creating a dynamic environment that drives progress. In areas like digital transformation and sustainability, startups are often ahead of established companies.
Tell us about your recent move to Dubai from Mallorca.
I haven’t relocated to Dubai full time, but I’ve been working here due to the increasing focus on the Middle East as a key market for growth. We’ve seen a notable rise in interest from startups eager to explore opportunities in the Gulf Cooperation Council region, driven by the demand for advanced technologies and sustainable marine solutions. Many of these startups are looking to participate in our startup pavilions at major regional events like the Abu Dhabi International Boat Show and GCC Smart Yachting Days.
What are the primary factors affecting marine industry startups right now?
The biggest challenge for startups in 2025 will be standing out and being seen, heard and remembered in an increasingly crowded market. As more solutions and technologies flood the leisure marine sector, competition will intensify. Startups will need to go beyond just having a great product. They’ll need to master the art of brand-building, storytelling and differentiation.
With so many companies vying for attention, it will be harder than ever to get noticed by investors, partners and potential clients. The ability to clearly articulate their unique selling propositions; showcase and quantify their environmental, social and governance impact; and position themselves as “ones to watch” will become essential for survival and growth. Startups that fail to communicate their story effectively risk being overshadowed by louder, more visible competitors, even if their product is superior.
What is the financial atmosphere for startups?
The global startup scene in 2024 shifted from rapid growth to a more cautious approach. The flurry of investment in tech startups that dominated during the pandemic boom slowed down significantly. In fact, in the third quarter of 2024, global venture-capital investment in tech startups dropped 21% compared to the same time the previous year. This drop reflects wider economic factors, market uncertainty and investors being more cautious.
For early-stage startups, especially those in the preseed or seed stages, things are tougher and more competitive. Investors are being pickier, carefully evaluating both the potential of business ideas and the strength of founding teams. Startups that can show product and market fit early, even in its simplest form, are in a better position to get noticed. Being able to
demonstrate real progress and demand, like customers, revenue or user engagement, can greatly improve a startup’s chances of securing early-stage funding.
For later-stage startups in Series A and beyond, investors are more insistent on the path to profitability, and there is less appetite for startups that aren’t showing signs of sustainable growth. On top of that, startup valuations are becoming more grounded and realistic.
Are there any regions where marine startups are especially strong?
About 60% of the startups we work with are based in Europe, with 30% in the United States and the remaining 10% spread across regions like Australia and New Zealand. In Europe, the marine startup scene is thriving, driven by a strong focus on sustainability and green technologies. This is largely due to European Union regulations and increasing environmental awareness, as well as access to capital through EU-backed initiatives and maritime-focused venture funds. Countries like Spain, Italy and France have well-established maritime ecosystems and a deep-rooted boating tradition, which provides a solid foundation for innovation.
In the United States, particularly in Florida, New York and California, as well as in Canada, marine startups are gaining momentum. This is especially true in the tech and sustainability sectors, with a vibrant venture capital scene supporting green technologies and digital transformation in the industry.
