Venturelab Sailing Trophy 2026 connects entrepreneurs and investors in Barcelona

On Sunday, March 1st, the seventh edition of the Venturelab Trophy brought together entrepreneurs, investors, and partners on the Mediterranean coast, officially opening the Venture Leaders Mobile 2026 roadshow. Hosted at the historic Real Club Náutico de Barcelona, founded in 1876, the event once again combined competition, exchange, and preparation ahead of one of the technology industry’s most important weeks.

On Sunday, before the Mobile World Congress, members of the Swiss National Startup Team joined investors and Venturelab partners to form competing crews for the annual Venturelab Sailing Trophy in Barcelona. With the support of Rolf Auf der Maur, Partner at VISCHER, participants raced aboard two boats, VISCHER and HM Hospitales, tacking through shifting winds and technical manoeuvres along Barcelona’s coastline. Beyond the regatta itself, the Trophy created a high-trust, informal environment in which founders and investors could exchange insights, refine their pitches, and initiate meaningful relationships before the intensity of the week ahead.



Sailing reflects many aspects of building a company. Strategy must adjust to changing conditions, communication on board determines performance, and timing can influence the outcome. During the regatta, participants experienced these parallels first-hand. Decisions had to be made quickly, responsibilities were clearly defined, and each crew member’s contribution determined the overall result. The format echoes Venturelab’s broader mission since 2004: Building world-class startups, Swiss-made.

Following the race, participants reconvened at the Real Club Náutico for a networking lunch and a Pitchfest session. The Venture Leaders presented their companies, outlining their technologies, market strategies, and long-term vision for their growth and impact in the industry.


Lara Amini, co-founder and CBO of LOXO

With the regatta concluded, the Venture Leaders Mobile 2026 team now heads into meetings, investor conversations, and industry events at the Mobile World Congress. 

Check www.venturelab.swiss/trophy for more information and updates on the Venture Leaders Mobile 2026 and follow them in Barcelona at MWC and 4YFN with #VleadersMobile on social media.