Yachting Ventures (YV), a global hub for startups and scaleups in the leisure marine industry, has expanded its services and now supports startups with branding, marketing, strategy, events and fundraising.

YV is also currently gearing up to raise a fund dedicated to leisure marine, enabling direct investments into the most promising startups within the community. YV says the fund will capitalise on inbound deal flow and provide ‘smart money’ that goes beyond financial investment, offering sector-specific insights and connections.

As a first step towards raising the fund, YV will soon be launching a closed deal flow platform for accredited investors to review vetted investment opportunities.

Commenting on the expansion, Gabbi Richardson, Yachting Ventures‘ CEO, says: “Some founders just focus on building a great product and then expect customers to turn up at their door with a cheque. Focusing on product is important, but it’s equally as important to invest in optimising communication channels and marketing efforts to ensure that your startup thrives in this increasingly competitive market.

“Your commercial success will partly hinge on your ability to build a buzz, and get people excited about your story and vision. This is particularly true for those raising investment.”

Yachting Ventures says its YV Community (pictured top), designed specifically for founders in the marine startup space, has grown to encompass over 140 members globally since its founding in 2020.

Ripple Boats Launch Cannes

Ripple Boats launch at Cannes 2023

While the service offering will now be more formalised, the YV team has already been executing on growth support, most recently supporting Ripple Boats at the Cannes Yachting Festival.

Nathaniel Frithiof (COO at Ripple Boats) comments: “YV brought valuable industry insights, connected us with media and industry, and injected creativity and a can-do attitude that perfectly complemented our launch efforts. Our launch simply wouldn’t have gone as smoothly without their help.”

To facilitate these expansion efforts, YV recently appointed Lucy Wright as head of digital and content.

Lucy comments: “I am excited to be working with such an inspiring team and community of ambitious entrepreneurs that are actively seeking to improve the yachting and leisure marine environment. I look forward to working on projects that showcase the talent and drive within our community and to grow along with the company.”

Lucy Wright

Lucy Wright

Partnerships with industry events YV has recently organised several pitching competitions and innovation zones at various boat shows globally, including Palma Superyacht Village, Abu Dhabi International Boat Show and METSTRADE.

Yachting Ventures is also involved in the pitching competition at the 2024 edition of boot Düsseldorf.  Applications are currently open and will close on 11 December 2023.

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