The largest chain of marinas in the Mediterranean provided significant support to the fifth edition of the eminently unique regatta that combines entrepreneurship and sailing, which was attended this year in Split by the president of the ACI Board, Kristijan Pavić

Startup Europe Regatta, the most important conference for emerging companies in Croatia, once again gathered in Split young entrepreneurs, investors, VC funds and many European accelerators with a strong local network. Last week, this well-established conference hosted many lecturers, panelists and guests, including representatives of significant investment funds, in the Split environment. On this occasion, during the three days of the event, young companies had the opportunity to meet experts such as Robert Bruckner from Trace Capital, Kristijan Asani from the Slovenian VC fund Silicon Gardens, as well as representatives of the EEN network and NOR Capital. In addition, experienced entrepreneurs, researchers, scientists, investors, domestic and foreign businessmen and IT experts participated, which successfully connected the Regatta with the key strengths that Croatia offers on the global market. By handing over top ClubSwan 36 sailboats and sharing rich nautical experience, ACI d.d. gave this regatta an important boost and once again proved its role as a key domestic actor for connecting nautical with tourism and economy.

A local manifestation with a regional weight

The Startup Europe Regatta, which took place for the fifth year in a row, has officially ended in Split, bringing together the IT industry and sailing. The first day of the conference was reserved for creating contacts, investments and partnerships. The focus was mainly on the startup competition in which almost 30 young companies participated in the fight for the main prize of 8,000 euros. Despite the strong competition, three startups from Split – DotYourSpot, Metabelly and Parklio, managed to win the main prizes and thereby once again confirmed the seriousness, competence and outstanding quality of local companies. The second day of the conference gave rise to constructive discussions and conclusions on panels on topics such as Metaverse and Web 4.0., Green transition and Fintech, and the panelists also touched on ways of investing for entrepreneurs and attracting talent, as well as new staff. The highlight of the second day was Peter Hopwood, the world famous presenter who had the opportunity to announce the winner of the competition.

All roads lead to the sea

On the last and third day of the conference, the event moved from the Split waterfront straight to the sea, where a tense sailing race awaited them. After facing the challenges of the business world, startups also experienced challenges at sea, and it is no secret that the skills needed to successfully master the forces of the sea and nature are very applicable in all other areas of life, including in business. Competitors thus got the opportunity to test and strengthen team spirit and adaptability to new and unknown circumstances. During the regatta, 12 sailboats sailed in the waters of Split, where four ClubSwan type sports sailboats, which were ceded by ACI Sail, shone in particular. The entire event was followed by the president of the ACI Management Board, Kristijan Pavić, who expressed his great satisfaction with the event itself, as well as with the opportunity for ACI’s participation in the form of providing sailboats and exchanging nautical knowledge and skills. “Such events that bring together the business community, especially young entrepreneurs and startups with the aim of further development and strengthening of local and regional competitiveness, are highly desirable throughout Lijepa naša, and especially on the Adriatic, which we have convinced ourselves offers much more than seasonal tourism. Thanks to what we have seen for many years now, we are aware that our coast is full of young, smart and capable people whose ideas, projects and business ventures have a long-term perspective and global quality. If we add to that story the spirit of sports competition and sailing, which requires skills that can and should be transferred to personal and professional life, we have a recipe for a top event that can also become a destination brand of the Republic of Croatia, and for that Split proves to be an ideal location thanks to its nautical heritage, entrepreneurial scene and urban business infrastructure”, he said.

Photos: Digitalna Dalmacija