First Startups Announced for Metstrade 2026 as Fort Insurance Confirmed as Official Sponsor

Yachting Ventures has announced the first group of startups that will exhibit across its two dedicated Startup Areas at Metstrade 2026, taking place in Amsterdam from 17-19 November.

Located in Hall 5, the Metstrade Startups Area will showcase emerging companies developing innovative products and technologies for the wider leisure marine industry.

The first confirmed exhibitors are:

• Vital Lyfe

• SWAY
• Northern Light
• TONJO
• Kaiman Marine
• WOW – Works on Water
• Primum
• FETCH
• NZeroWax
• SensiBlue
• Cadentia Technologies
• Boot Experte Costa Brava
• Marine Management
• OZ venture - Sea Mop

Meanwhile, the Superyacht Startups Area in Hall 8 will provide a dedicated platform for early-stage companies developing solutions specifically for the superyacht sector.

The first confirmed exhibitors are:

• Sea·it
• Zeafarer
• Massive Marine
• The Galley Table
• MAIT Tech
• Leak Stop Gun

Together, the two areas will bring startups directly into the heart of the world’s leading B2B leisure marine equipment show, connecting founders with manufacturers, distributors, investors, shipyards, yacht managers and other key industry decision-makers.

Tessa Meijer, Exhibition Manager at Metstrade, commented:

“The rapid growth of our startup programme over recent years has been remarkable, and the level of interest we have already received for 2026 demonstrates the appetite for innovation across the marine industry.

“At Metstrade, we are committed to supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs as they bring fresh thinking, new technologies and solutions that will help shape the future of yachting and the wider marine industry. We look forward to welcoming this first group of exhibitors to Amsterdam in November.”

Fort Insurance confirmed as Official Sponsor

Alongside the first exhibitor announcement, Fort Insurance has been confirmed as the Official Sponsor of both the Metstrade Startups Area and the Superyacht Startups Area.

The sponsorship extends Fort Insurance’s partnership with Yachting Ventures and reinforces its long-term commitment to supporting innovation and emerging talent across the leisure marine industry.

Hugo Jacquot, Founder of Fort Insurance, said:

“Having been involved with initiatives such as Young Professionals in Yachting for many years, I have seen first-hand the importance of supporting the next generation of talent and businesses in our industry.

“The yachting sector thrives on strong relationships, fresh ideas and a willingness to innovate, all of which are values we share at Fort Insurance. This is why we are proud to continue our partnership with Yachting Ventures and support the startup programme at Metstrade, helping emerging marine businesses connect with the wider industry and realise their potential.”

“We’re incredibly grateful to Fort Insurance for once again supporting the full startup programme at Metstrade,” said Gabbi Richardson, Founder of Yachting Ventures.

“Building a startup is never easy, and having an established company such as Fort Insurance actively invest in the next generation of marine businesses sends a powerful message. Its support helps us give more founders the platform they deserve at the most important B2B event in the marine calendar.”

Limited exhibition spaces still available

Only a couple of exhibition spaces remain in both the Metstrade Startups Area and the Superyacht Startups Area.

Eligible startups interested in exhibiting are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Once the remaining spaces have been allocated, applicants will be added to a waiting list and contacted if a place becomes available.

For more information, please contact gabriella@yachtingventures.co or apply directly at: https://www.metstrade.com/zones/startups