The marinas services industry in Europe involves a range of companies providing critical services to boaters and the recreational boating community. These services include boat rentals, marina management, maintenance, and logistical support. As demand for leisure boating increases, innovation becomes key, evident through emerging tech solutions like booking apps and sustainable docking systems. The industry is rapidly adapting to environmental regulations and consumer preferences, enhancing the overall experience for users. With its scenic coastlines and rich maritime heritage, Europe remains a hub for boating enthusiasts, offering growth opportunities and a vibrant marketplace for new ventures.


This article highlights 19 notable investors in the marinas services sector from across Europe. Among them are venture capital firms, corporate investors, and private equity players, showcasing a blend of financial approaches. Centered in dynamic cities like Paris, London, and Copenhagen, these firms vary in size and focus. Several, such as CVC Capital Partners and Paris Business Angels, have ramped up investments in 2024, aiming to capitalize on the lucrative boating market. Founded between the 1980s to the present, they have collectively made a significant impact on marine enterprises in recent years.


Top 19 Marinas Services Investors in Europe


1. Ldc

  • Website: ldc.co.uk
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1981
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 15
  • LinkedIn: ldc

Lloyds Development Capital (LDC) is a private equity firm based in London, England, that specializes in providing growth capital and strategic support to mid-market businesses across various sectors. Founded in 1981, LDC is part of Lloyds Banking Group and focuses on fostering long-term partnerships to drive business success. Notably, LDC has made significant investments in the marinas services sector, including the acquisition of British Waterways Marinas Limited (BWML) in December 2018, which highlights their commitment to this industry. Additionally, LDC has invested in Idwal Marine Services to support the development of its technology platform, further indicating their engagement in marine-related services. These transactions reflect LDC's strategic approach to investing in businesses that align with their growth ambitions, particularly within the marinas services context.


2. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération


Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a venture capital investor based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2015. As a public entity and financial institution, Bpifrance supports entrepreneurs and businesses both in France and internationally. They provide a range of services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments, with a mission to foster entrepreneurship and innovation through coaching and partnerships. In the context of marinas services, Bpifrance has been involved in notable transactions such as Izysea, which raised $586,690 in a seed round in November 2023, and SailEazy, which secured $1,928,905 in a seed round in October 2018. Additionally, they participated in the venture round for Catlante Catamarans in October 2023, further demonstrating their engagement in the maritime sector.


3. Fabricom AS

  • Website: endur.no
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Stavanger, Rogaland, Norway
  • Founded year: 1992
  • Headcount: 501-1000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: fabricomas

Fabricom AS, operating under the umbrella of Endúr ASA, is a corporate investor based in Stavanger, Norway, specializing in marine infrastructure and aquaculture solutions. Founded in 1992, the company has established itself as a key player in constructing and maintaining marine structures. In 2021, Endúr ASA acquired Marcon, a Swedish marine infrastructure group, for an enterprise value of SEK 460 million, enhancing their capabilities in the marine services sector. Additionally, in December 2023, Endúr ASA participated in a financing round for GeoSalmo, an Icelandic company focused on innovative fish farming solutions, further solidifying their commitment to the marine and aquaculture industries. Their diverse portfolio and strategic investments position them as a relevant investor in the marinas services industry.


4. Permira

  • Website: permira.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1985
  • Headcount: 501-1000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: permira

Permira is a London-based private equity firm founded in 1985, specializing in private equity and credit solutions. The firm partners with management teams and entrepreneurs to drive growth and create long-term value across various sectors, including technology, consumer, healthcare, and services. Notably, Permira has made strategic investments in the marinas services context, such as its significant investment in Click&Boat, which aims to enhance its global market position in boat rentals and related services. Additionally, Permira's acquisition of Ferretti Group, a prominent player in the luxury yacht manufacturing sector, further underscores its commitment to the maritime industry. These transactions reflect Permira's strategy to transform businesses into market leaders, including those within the marinas services space.


5. Paca Invest


Paca Invest is a corporate real estate investment firm based in Le Lavandou, Provence-Alpes-Côte D'Azur, France. The firm specializes in property acquisition and management services, catering to both individual and business investors in the region. They offer comprehensive market analysis, property selection, and legal advice to facilitate informed investment decisions. Notably, Paca Invest has been involved in significant transactions within the marinas services context, including a venture round investment in Navily, which raised $1,156,350 in June 2018, and a seed round investment in SailEazy, which raised $1,928,905 in October 2018. These investments highlight Paca Invest's engagement with companies that provide essential services to the boating community, further establishing their relevance in the marinas services industry.


6. Paris Business Angels


Paris Business Angels is an investment network based in Paris, Île-De-France, founded in 2004. They specialize in supporting startups and entrepreneurs through funding and mentorship, providing both capital and expert guidance to foster business growth. Their investment model emphasizes community involvement and collaboration among investors and entrepreneurs. Notably, they have made significant investments in the marinas services context, including Iguana Yachts, which raised over $1.6 million in a venture round in 2014 and $440,209 in a seed round in 2012. Additionally, they invested in GlobeSailor, which raised $244,531 in an angel round in 2010, a company that operates in the yacht rental space. These transactions highlight their active role in the maritime sector, particularly in innovative boating solutions and services.


7. Cvc

  • Website: cvc.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: cvc-capital-partners

CVC Capital Partners is a prominent private equity investment firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 2005. The firm specializes in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure, managing approximately €193 billion in assets for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors. Notably, CVC has made strategic investments in various sectors, including a significant acquisition of D-Marin, a premium yacht marina operator with operations in Greece, Croatia, and the UAE. This acquisition, announced on January 16, 2020, reflects CVC's strategy to establish a leading global premium marina operating company. Additionally, CVC is involved in other sectors, such as their recent investment in Hempel, a Danish paints and coatings provider, but their commitment to D-Marin highlights their active role in the marinas services industry.


8. Informa

  • Website: informa.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1998
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: informa

Informa plc is a corporate investor based in London, England, founded in 1998. It operates as a publishing group and business intelligence provider, offering a range of services including publishing, business intelligence, and event management. Informa has made significant strides in the marinas services industry through its acquisitions, particularly in 2017 when it acquired Yachting Promotions Inc. (YPI) for $133 million. This acquisition added five yacht shows to its portfolio, establishing Informa as the largest yacht show organizer in the world. Additionally, Informa's acquisition of the Show Management/YPI division further emphasizes its focus on marine events, allowing it to leverage expertise in this niche market to expand its international opportunities. Through these transactions, Informa connects businesses and customers with specialized knowledge and networking opportunities in the marine sector.


9. NextStage AM

  • Website: nextstage.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 2002
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: nextstage-am

NextStage AM is a private equity investment management firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2002. The firm specializes in capital development and private equity, supporting growth entrepreneurs by managing investment funds and providing advisory services. Their clientele includes individual and institutional investors looking to invest in promising growth companies. Notably, NextStage AM has been involved in significant transactions within the marinas services context, including the acquisition of a majority stake in Dream Yacht Charter (DYC) in 2017, which operates in the yacht chartering space. Additionally, they participated in a post-IPO equity raise for Fountaine Pajot, a manufacturer of cruise catamarans, further indicating their engagement in the maritime sector. NextStage AM emphasizes creating a sustainable investment ecosystem through responsible investment practices, aligning with the growing trend of sustainability in the marinas services industry.


10. Groupe Beneteau

  • Website: beneteau-group.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Saint-Gilles-Croix-De-Vie, Pays De La Loire, France
  • Founded year: 1884
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: groupe-beneteau

Groupe Beneteau, founded in 1884 and based in Saint-Gilles-Croix-De-Vie, France, is a leading corporate investor in the leisure boating sector. The company specializes in manufacturing high-quality boats and providing leisure habitat solutions, catering to both individual consumers and businesses in the leisure and tourism industries. In recent years, Groupe Beneteau has expanded its portfolio through strategic acquisitions, including the acquisition of Polish shipyard Delphia Yachts, which enhances their yacht manufacturing capabilities. Additionally, their joint acquisition of Dream Yacht Charter and Navigare Yachting highlights their commitment to expanding into the yacht chartering space, which is closely related to marina services. This diversification into related sectors positions Groupe Beneteau as a relevant investor in the marinas services context.


11. MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company


Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A. (MSC) is a logistics company specializing in shipping and transportation services, founded in 1970 and headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. With over 10,000 employees, MSC operates globally, providing tailored logistics solutions across various industries, including agriculture, automotive, and pharmaceuticals. In 2023, MSC made a significant move in the marinas services context by acquiring an equity stake in Boluda Group's port towage services subsidiary, Boluda Towage. This acquisition highlights MSC's strategic interest in enhancing its maritime service offerings, particularly in port operations, which are integral to marina services. Through such investments, MSC aims to strengthen its position in the logistics and maritime sectors, further diversifying its service portfolio.


12. Nordic Eye Venture & Growth Capital

  • Website: nordiceye.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Copenhagen, Denmark
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: nordic-eye

Nordic Eye Venture & Growth Capital is a venture capital firm based in Copenhagen, Denmark, founded in 2016. The firm specializes in investing in growth companies within the technology and lifestyle sectors, providing capital and strategic support to startups to help them scale and achieve market fit. Nordic Eye focuses on high revenue potential and collaborates closely with its portfolio companies to drive growth and successful exits. Notably, they participated in a Series A funding round for Boatsetter, which raised $3.3 million on June 21, 2018. Boatsetter is a platform that connects boat owners with renters, thus operating within the marinas services context. This transaction highlights Nordic Eye's engagement in the boating industry, further supporting their relevance in the marinas services sector.


13. IDC Ventures

  • Website: idcventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Copenhagen, Denmark
  • Founded year: 2019
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: idcvc

IDC Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Copenhagen, Denmark, founded in 2019. The firm specializes in fintech and marketplace investments, partnering with family offices and professional investors to provide diversified investment opportunities. IDC Ventures is known for its active portfolio management and advisory services, leveraging an extensive network and expertise to drive growth in innovative companies. One of their notable transactions includes a Series A investment in Boatsetter, which raised $3.3 million on June 21, 2018. Boatsetter operates in the marinas services industry by facilitating boat rentals, showcasing IDC Ventures' engagement in this sector.


14. August Equity

  • Website: augustequity.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2001
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: augustequity

August Equity is a private equity investment firm based in London, England, founded in 2001. The firm specializes in managing investments in service-oriented businesses across various sectors, including healthcare, education, business services, and technology. August Equity partners with experienced management teams to drive growth and innovation, providing capital and strategic support to enhance their portfolio companies' operations. Notably, they acquired Boat International Media Ltd in December 2006 for approximately $57 million, which is a significant player in the luxury yacht and boating media space. This acquisition highlights their involvement in the maritime sector. Additionally, they acquired Safety & Survival Systems International in December 2014, which, while not directly related to marinas, indicates their broader interest in safety and survival systems that could be relevant to maritime operations.


15. Portugal Ventures


Portugal Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Porto, Portugal, founded in 2012. The firm specializes in investing in startups with global ambitions, primarily located in Portugal. They provide capital and strategic support to help these startups grow and scale their operations across various sectors, including technology and health. Notably, Portugal Ventures has invested in Algrave Sun Boat Trips, a company that offers boat trips in the Algarve region, which is closely related to marina services. Additionally, they have invested in Tripwix, a platform that connects travelers with local experiences, which may also intersect with marina services in terms of leisure and tourism activities. Through these investments, Portugal Ventures plays a crucial role in fostering entrepreneurship and economic development in sectors that can complement marina services.


16. Rancilio Cube SICAF


Rancilio Cube SICAF S.p.A. is a venture capital firm based in Milan, Lombardy, Italy, founded in 2013. The firm specializes in providing investment opportunities in international venture capital, focusing on both direct investments in growing companies and investments in top-tier VC funds. Notably, Rancilio Cube SICAF participated in the seed round of Sailogy, which raised $1,000,000 in September 2015. Sailogy is a platform that connects boat owners with customers looking to rent boats, directly linking it to the marinas services industry. Additionally, they invested in Parquery, a company that raised funds in 2017, although its relevance to marinas services is less clear. Overall, Rancilio Cube SICAF's involvement in Sailogy highlights their potential interest in the marinas services sector.


17. ThinCats

  • Website: thincats.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Birmingham, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: thincats

ThinCats is an alternative finance provider based in Birmingham, England, specializing in offering funding solutions to mid-sized businesses across the UK. Founded in 2011, the company provides long-term debt funding ranging from £1-20 million, catering to various financial needs such as growth, acquisitions, refinancing, and restructuring. ThinCats aims to build long-term relationships with its clients, ensuring they have the necessary financial support to thrive. Notably, ThinCats has invested over £10.4 million in The Marine & Property Group Ltd, the largest marina business in Wales. This funding is intended to consolidate existing loans and support further expansion, including acquisitions and diversification into activities such as dredging. This transaction highlights ThinCats' commitment to the marinas services sector and their role in facilitating growth within this industry.


18. Criteria Venture Tech


Criteria Venture Tech is a venture capital firm based in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain, founded in 2007. The firm specializes in providing patient capital to deep tech startups, focusing on long-term investments that enable entrepreneurs to grow their businesses sustainably. Criteria Venture Tech aims to foster impactful outcomes across various technology sectors. Notably, they have invested in Nautal, a company that raised $1,113,896 in a venture round on August 11, 2016, and $303,323 in a seed round on February 18, 2015. Nautal operates within the boating and marina services industry, highlighting Criteria Venture Tech's engagement in this sector, despite their broader focus on technology.


19. Market One Capital

  • Website: moc.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: m1c

Market One Capital is a venture capital firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 2017. The firm specializes in investing in innovative startups across various sectors, including FinTech, HealthTech, and AgriTech. They provide financial backing and strategic support to help these businesses grow and succeed in their respective markets. Notably, Market One Capital participated in a seed round investment for Nautal, which raised $2,584,359 on September 26, 2018. Nautal operates in the boat rental and marina services space, showcasing Market One Capital's engagement in the marinas services industry, alongside their broader investment strategy.



Marinas Services Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
LdcLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200198115
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
Fabricom ASStavanger, Rogaland, Norway501-100019921
PermiraLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)501-100019858
Paca InvestLe Lavandou, Provence-Alpes-Côte D'Azur, France1-100
Paris Business AngelsParis, Île-De-France, France1-1020046
CvcLuxembourg1001-5000200516
InformaLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)10001+19984
NextStage AMParis, Île-De-France, France11-5020020
Groupe BeneteauSaint-Gilles-Croix-De-Vie, Pays De La Loire, France5001-1000018841
MSC Mediterranean Shipping CompanyGeneva, Geneva, Switzerland10001+19704
Nordic Eye Venture & Growth CapitalCopenhagen, Denmark11-5020160
IDC VenturesCopenhagen, Denmark11-5020192
August EquityLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-5020010
Portugal VenturesPorto, Porto, Portugal11-5020126
Rancilio Cube SICAFMilan, Lombardy, Italy1-1020130
ThinCatsBirmingham, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020112
Criteria Venture TechBarcelona, Catalonia, Spain11-5020075
Market One CapitalLuxembourg11-5020177


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