Third year running: Yachting Ventures continues Startup success at Metstrade, now also featuring Superyacht Startups

Yachting Ventures will return to Metstrade in November 2025, marking its third year of participation in the world’s leading B2B trade show for the leisure marine industry. 

Building on the success of previous years, the 2025 edition will introduce a new Superyacht Startups space alongside the existing Metstrade Startups space, offering expanded opportunities for early-stage companies in the marine industry to showcase their innovations.

A global platform for marine innovation

Metstrade is the largest trade exhibition for marine equipment, materials, and systems, attracting thousands of professionals from across the leisure marine sector. Hosted annually at the convention centre RAI in Amsterdam, the event serves as a central hub for networking, knowledge sharing, and business development. The 2025 edition will take place from 18–20 November. 

Startup representation expands with superyacht focus

In total, 25 startups will be selected to exhibit, 15 in the traditional Metstrade Startups space and 10 in the new Superyacht Startups space. The new space will be dedicated to technologies and solutions designed for vessels over 24 metres in length, including products and platforms targeting operational efficiency, digitalisation, and sustainability within the superyacht sector.

Yachting Ventures, a media and events platform supporting startups in the leisure marine sector, will manage both spaces at Metstrade. The expansion reflects increased demand from early-stage companies, and a growing appetite for innovation within the superyacht segment.

Opportunities for visibility and engagement

Both startup spaces will feature dedicated lounges for networking, live demonstrations, and presentations. Selected companies will have the opportunity to exhibit throughout the three-day event, participate in panel discussions, and take part in the ever-popular pitching competition on the final day.

In previous years, the Metstrade Startups space has featured startups developing propulsion systems, clean energy alternatives, digital platforms, and service-based technologies. Past participants have reported valuable exposure, investor interest, and partnership opportunities as a result of their involvement.

The addition of Superyacht Startups will enable more targeted engagement between exhibitors and stakeholders from that segment, while maintaining the broader focus on innovation across the leisure marine sector.

The pitching competition will feature 4–5 selected startups from both the Metstrade Startups and Superyacht Startups, each presenting their products and solutions to a panel of industry leaders and investors. The judging panel will include national and international investors with sector expertise, who are actively looking for new investment opportunities in the marine industry.

Industry commitment to emerging talent

Gabbi Richardson, Founder of Yachting Ventures, commented:
“After two successful years, we’re pleased to expand with dedicated spaces for both Metstrade and Superyacht Startups. This format allows us to better address the distinct challenges and innovation priorities in each segment, while continuing to support early-stage companies entering the market.”

Niels Klarenbeek, Director Metstrade, commented:
“At Metstrade, innovation starts small but grows rapidly, every startup here is shaping the future of the maritime industry. This year, the event is bigger than ever. Following the success of previous years, we are excited to introduce a dedicated location where startups in the superyacht industry can showcase their latest inventions and products.’’

The initiative reinforces Metstrade's continued commitment to showcasing new technologies and supporting entrepreneurship in the leisure marine industry. It also reflects the sector’s increasing openness to collaboration with young, agile companies developing next generation solutions.

Startups interested in applying to exhibit at either the Metstrade Startups or the Superyacht Startups can register their interest via this form. 

The deadline to apply is 15th August and applications are accepted on a rolling basis.