woman in black polo neck speaking at conference

The International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) will host a Start-up Pavilion and Yachting Ventures plans a pitching competition during the event, which runs 1-3 October 2024, at Tampa Convention Center.

The Start-up Pavilion was introduced at sister show METSTRADE in 2023 and will feature 12 emerging startups showcasing their innovations for the recreational marine industry.

The startups in the pavilion have been selected by Yachting Ventures, which will also host a new pitching competition at IBEX. This competition aims to showcase new innovations and provide startups with opportunities to connect with industry experts, investors, and potential partners.

Lucy Wright, head of growth for YV, says: “Our team reviews [pitching] applications based on a number of factors, including founding team experience & expertise, product/service, timing, and unique differentiators (amongst other things).”

The pitching competition is open to any marine startup as long as it is raising funding.

Selected by Yachting Ventures, four or five startups will present their products to a panel of investors and industry leaders. Judges from Tampa’s investor ecosystem will evaluate the pitches based on criteria such as uniqueness, market potential, scalability, and impact on the leisure marine industry.

The pitching competition will take place on the second day of the show, Wednesday 4 October, on the Main Stage from 2-3:30pm. Yachting Ventures will source judges from Tampa’s local investor ecosystem.

The competition aims to provide startups with opportunities to connect with industry experts, investors, and potential partners.

IBEX 2024

IBEX is North America’s premier technical trade event for the recreational marine industry. The event will host over 700 exhibiting companies and expects an attendance of 8,000 industry professionals, providing a key platform for networking and business development.

One business women in lemon coloured blazer and one woman in a pick blazer

Lucy Wright and Gabbi Richardson from Yachting Ventures

Regarding the Start-up Pavilion at IBEX, Wright says: “All spaces are taken for IBEX, but the best way for startups to have a chance at participating is to join our community . . . as community members get first access to the spots.

“We decided to collaborate with IBEX as it is the top B2B show in the US, and the Start-up Pavilion offers an invaluable opportunity for startups to tap into the US market for recreational marine in a cost effective way.”

Tampa is a renowned hub for startups in the US, presenting many opportunities for new businesses. IBEX seeks to strengthen the recreational marine start-up ecosystem by providing the pavilion platform for the 12 startups to network and gain visibility.

Yachting Ventures founder Gabbi Richardson comments: “We are excited to return to the US after our debut pitching competition at the Miami Boat Show earlier this year, and we see lots of potential in this market for the startups in our ecosystem. IBEX presents a fantastic opportunity for emerging businesses to tap into the thriving US market and gain invaluable feedback from industry professionals and potential investors.”

Reflecting on previous startup platforms at boat shows, Wright says: “There have been many new relationships built between startups and potential partners and investors at Start-up Pavilions in the past, including two investment opportunities that came directly from startups who pitched at METSTRADE.”

Prices to be part of a Start-up Pavilion differ depending on the event, but the IBEX participation is priced at $1,750 (excl VAT).

Marine start-up competition

Marine startups that are raising finance are invited to apply to pitch at IBEX 2024. The winning startup will receive potential funding and significant media coverage across both Yachting Ventures and IBEX media channels.

The application deadline is August 31, 2024: apply through Yachting Ventures. The selection process will involve a thorough evaluation by the Yachting Ventures team, who will shortlist the most promising startups to participate in the competition.

More information about pitching is available via emailing Yachting Ventures. Continue reading Yachting Ventures’ latest news.

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