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Yachting Ventures announces lineup of startups and investors for IBEX Start-Up Pavilion 2025

Yachting Ventures and IBEX are pleased to announce the lineup of startups for the second edition of the Start-Up Pavilion, taking place this October in Tampa, Florida. Seven recreational marine startups will showcase their products and solutions at the event.

As part of the collaboration, Yachting Ventures will again host its pitching competition during the show, inviting investors from Florida’s startup ecosystem to attend and judge the pitches.

Highlighting innovation

IBEX is North America’s premier technical trade event for the recreational marine industry, offering companies opportunities to expand networks, explore partnerships, and increase visibility. The event is also a platform for highlighting innovation and new ideas in the sector.

The Yachting Ventures Start-Up Pavilion is a prime example of IBEX’s commitment to innovation and will serve as a hub for showcasing advanced marine technology throughout the three-day show.

With its new centralized location, participating startups will benefit from increased exposure, engagement with industry experts and investors, and the chance to compete in the pitching competition.

A previous exhibitor reflected: “IBEX 2024 was such a great experience for STRAVION as a startup. The exposure at the show and with Yachting Venture’s network resulted in an incredibly wide variety of industry contacts and was invaluable. STRAVION are now full-time exhibitors on the main floor.” Tom Frane, STRAVION.

This year’s Start-Up Pavilion will be located just outside the first-floor exhibit hall.

Which startups can you expect to see at the IBEX Start-Up Pavilion 2025?

• Cohesive Robotics build AI-enabled automation solutions for high-mix production environments, tailored for the needs of small and medium sized manufacturers.
• iWarranty iWarranty is an integrated SaaS platform digitising warranty management and making repair services accessible to the masses to reduce e-waste.
• OceanVault has spent the past few years developing a cutting-edge hardware-only security system for high-value marine assets, engineered to defeat the tools and tactics marine thieves use.
• BoatPlanet is on a mission to connect a nationwide community of boaters to local marine professionals who offer expert advice and service.
• Doubledashllc is building ‘Pontoon Trailer Outriggers’, a universal attachment that should be compatible with almost all existing Center-Lift style pontoon trailers.
• 3D Boats is developing a cutting-edge technology that offers manufacturers, dealers, and enthusiasts a unique solution for showcasing boats online with sophistication and ease.
• Neptune-pv is aiming to provide portable solar PV kits ranging from 400 watts, up to 2000 watts, offering a source of clean energy, hence less reliance on fuel burning sources of power.

The pitching competition

Yachting Ventures has invited a panel of Florida-based investors to judge the pitching competition, each bringing valuable expertise and perspectives. This provides startups with the opportunity to gain feedback from active investors and industry leaders, with the potential to secure future investment.

“The pitching competition is fast-paced and exciting, and always gains a positive response, so we’re excited to be putting it back on the main stage this year.” commented Mary Velline, IBEX show director.

Startups pitching include; iWarranty, OceanVault, BoatPlanet, Doubledashllc, and 3D Boats.

Which investors will be judging?

Mike Brooks is the principal of Norcon Consulting Group LLC, who provide businesses with the expertise to power digital transformation.

John Minor is the CEO of Tocaro Blue, who transform traditional off the shelf marine radars into machine learning-powered vessel control and navigation systems.

Tim Holcomb is the CEO of Embarc Collective, a tech startup platform for early-stage tech founders ranked as the top startup program in North America.

Drew Orvieto is the Director of Marine Solutions at Siemens Energy, one of the world’s leading energy technology companies.

Brian Hardman is a business owner and advisor for Edison Business Advisors, who assist business owners and investors to acquire a business by matching their financial strength and business acumen.

David Abrams is the co-founder of Luma Society, a strategic advisor, investor and the co-founder of Demio.

The pitching competition will take place on Wednesday 8th October from 4 – 5:30pm on the Main Stage. IBEX will take place October 7-9, 2025 in Tampa, Florida USA. To learn more about this year’s event visit: ibexshow.com. For more information about the Start-Up Pavilion at IBEX, please email: gabriella@yachtingventures.co