We sat down with Nicola Kienzle founder of Metarina to talk about the journey to date and plans for the future of the business.
How did you come up with the idea for the business?
The idea for Metarina was born while I was working as a captain and mate on yachts in the Mediterranean and Caribbean. I noticed that the communication between boaters and marinas was predominantly manual and lacked digital solutions.
Recognising the problem, we identified the inadequate tools marinas had to communicate berth availability and services to potential customers. Motivated by this, Henry, Leon and I developed an intelligent marina management software that enables seamless interaction between marinas and boaters, effectively addressing these challenges.
Why does the industry need the solution you're providing?
Firstly, our intelligent marina management software bridges the gap between boaters and marinas, streamlining communication and increasing overall efficiency. By digitising and automating processes, we eliminate manual and time-consuming tasks, enabling marinas to allocate berths more effectively and provide timely updates on availability and services. This not only improves the boating experience for customers, but also optimises marina operations, resulting in increased revenue and customer satisfaction.
Ultimately, our solution is revolutionising the industry by introducing modern technology and facilitating seamless interaction, addressing the long-standing need for efficient communication and management within the boating community.
What have you enjoyed most about starting your own business?
One of the most enjoyable aspects of starting Metarina has been seeing the impact of our software on our customers. Seeing their positive experiences and receiving valuable feedback has been incredibly rewarding and has fueled our motivation to continually improve and innovate. In addition, the journey of growing our team to a group of 12 talented individuals has been an exciting and fulfilling journey, fostering teamwork and a shared vision.
What challenges did you face at the beginning of your journey?
Navigating the conservative mindset prevalent in the nautical industry proved to be a major challenge for Metarina at the beginning of our journey. Convincing stakeholders to embrace innovative approaches and modern technology, while preserving the essence of traditional operating methods, required careful communication and strategic balance. Overcoming resistance and fostering a culture of openness and adaptability were crucial in our quest to drive positive change and establish ourselves as a strong force in the industry.
Any advice for entrepreneurs starting out in this space?
In the nautical industry, it's important for entrepreneurs to build strong relationships with customers to understand their needs, preferences and pain points. This can be achieved through regular communication, attending industry events and asking for feedback.
In addition, keeping up to date with the latest trends, technologies and regulations in the nautical sector can provide valuable insights for entrepreneurs looking to make their mark in the sector. Finally, building a trusted network of suppliers, partners and industry experts can help navigate the unique challenges and opportunities in our industry.
What are your plans for the future of the business? Where do you see the business in 3-5 years?
Metarina has big plans for the future of the company. In the next 3-5 years we plan to expand our reach beyond the Mediterranean and target additional markets worldwide. Our goal is to establish Metarina as the leading provider of intelligent marina management software worldwide, empowering marinas and boaters alike with our innovative solutions.
We also aim to continually enhance our software, incorporating the latest technologies to further streamline operations and provide even greater value to our customers. By leveraging these advances and expanding our market presence, we strive to strengthen Metarina's position as a pioneering force in the nautical industry.