Master's in Venture Capital and Nautical Startups
This master's opens the door to investment and innovation in the nautical and maritime sector. You will learn to identify, assess and support disruptive nautical startups and to structure and manage specialized investment funds: market analysis, technical, legal and financial due diligence, valuation with DCF, multiples and real options, funding rounds and hybrid instruments, SPVs and joint ventures, fund governance and risk management, ESG criteria, portfolio construction, return metrics such as IRR, MOIC and TVPI, and exit strategies, applied to segments ranging from marine technology to nautical tourism and logistics.
Prior knowledge check
These are the skills this program gives you. Tick the ones you already master and we will tell you which part of the syllabus is for you.
You are starting from scratch in this subject. The program is designed precisely for that.
What is the Master's in Venture Capital and Nautical Startups?
This master's looks at nautical innovation through the eyes of the investor. You will begin with the types of capital funds active in the sector and advanced due diligence; move on to innovative funding instruments, capital structures, valuation models and funding rounds; analyze the global nautical market, scalability, disruptive technologies and exit strategies; study the legal, tax and financial structuring of investment vehicles such as SPVs and joint ventures; assess the technology behind nautical startups, from IoT and digital twins to hybrid propulsion and intellectual property; and then work on portfolio management, return metrics, tax planning, deal negotiation, tokenization and blockchain, corporate governance, ESG and the startup ecosystem, from accelerators and venture building to the investor pitch.
What sets this master's apart: rather than focusing on how to found a startup, it trains you to evaluate, finance, structure and govern investments in nautical startups and to design the funds that back them, with a strong emphasis on due diligence, valuation and exits; and in the Final Project you combine both sides by building the business plan of a sustainable nautical startup together with the design of the strategic capital fund that would finance and scale it.
Program highlights
- Types of capital funds in the nautical sector: venture capital, private equity, specialized funds, business angels, family offices and crowdequity.
- Technical, legal and financial due diligence of nautical startups: prototypes, patents, maritime regulation and founding teams.
- Valuation with DCF, sector multiples, real options, intangible assets and Monte Carlo simulation, and structuring of seed to Series C rounds.
- Legal, tax and financial structuring of investment vehicles: SPVs, joint ventures, shareholder agreements, convertibles and mezzanine debt.
- Portfolio management, return metrics (IRR, MOIC, TVPI), fund governance, risk management and ESG criteria.
- Exit strategies through trade sales, M&A, buyouts, SPACs and IPOs, and the nautical startup ecosystem from acceleration to the investor pitch.
Syllabus of the Master's in Venture Capital and Nautical Startups
11 modules. Select a module to see its content.
Advanced investment strategies and due diligence in capital funds for nautical startups
- 1.1. Structure and types of capital funds in the nautical sector: venture capital, private equity, specialized funds and crowdequity
- 1.2. Advanced quantitative analysis: financial models adapted to nautical startups, DCF valuation, comparable methods and sector multiples
- 1.3. Assessing inherent risk: a specific risk matrix for investments in nautical technology and development
- 1.4. Technical due diligence: in-depth review of prototypes, intellectual property, patents and onboard technology
- 1.5. Specialized legal and regulatory review: maritime regulations, licenses, certifications and compliance in international markets
- 1.6. Governance and corporate structure: analysis of shareholder agreements, ownership structures and investor protection clauses
- 1.7. Qualitative assessment of the founding team: skills, experience in the nautical industry, entrepreneurial track record and capacity to scale
- 1.8. Exit strategies: IPOs, mergers, strategic acquisitions and secondary sales for nautical startups
- 1.9. Design and application of customized KPIs for maritime startups focused on growth and sustainability metrics
- 1.10. Case studies and simulations: analysis of real investments, due diligence practice and preparation of detailed reports for investment committees
Innovative financing and specific valuation models for startups in the nautical sector
- 2.1. Overview of financing in the nautical sector: specific features and inherent challenges
- 2.2. Innovative financial instruments: nautical crowdfunding, green bonds, operating leases and adapted mezzanine financing
- 2.3. Assessment and design of optimal capital structures for technology-based nautical startups
- 2.4. Technical and financial due diligence: critical aspects of nautical projects and smart vessels
- 2.5. Advanced valuation models: discounted cash flow (DCF) with sector adjustments and probabilistic scenarios
- 2.6. Valuation based on intangible assets: patents, know-how, commercial agreements and intellectual property in nautical startups
- 2.7. Comparative analysis of specific valuation methods: sector multiples, value in use and real options
- 2.8. Incorporating climate and sustainability factors as risk and value variables
- 2.9. Structuring investment rounds: seed, Series A/B/C and exit strategies in the nautical context
- 2.10. Negotiation tools with specialized investors: venture capital funds, business angels and family offices focused on the maritime sector
Nautical market analysis, startup assessment and exit strategies for investments in the maritime sector
- 3.1. Dynamics and segmentation of the global nautical market: trends, emerging niches and growth drivers specific to the maritime sector
- 3.2. Advanced methods for the quantitative and qualitative valuation of nautical startup opportunities: financial, technological and business model assessment
- 3.3. Tools and techniques for due diligence in nautical investments: legal, regulatory and compliance analysis in international maritime settings
- 3.4. Predictive models of scalability and inherent risks in nautical startups: macro and microeconomic variables, competition and barriers to entry
- 3.5. Strategic design of investment portfolios for capital funds specialized in maritime projects: diversification, asset correlation and mitigation of sector risks
- 3.6. Assessing disruptive technologies in the nautical industry: autonomous vessels, clean energy, digitalization and smart management systems for investment decisions
- 3.7. Growth and consolidation strategies for nautical startups: negotiation, strategic alliances and operational optimization to maximize long-term value
- 3.8. Planning and executing exit strategies in maritime investments: trade sale, IPO, mergers and acquisitions, and monetization of intangible assets
- 3.9. Key performance indicators (KPIs) and financial metrics for monitoring investments in the nautical sector: EBITDA, burn rate, runway and valuation multiples
- 3.10. Case studies and comparative analysis of successful and failed exits in the nautical startup ecosystem: lessons learned and best practices for professional investors
Legal, tax and financial structuring of nautical investment vehicles (SPVs, joint ventures, contracts and governance for the blue economy)
- 4.1. Legal foundations of investment vehicles in the nautical sector: company types, bylaws and applicable regulations in the blue economy
- 4.2. Structuring and setting up special purpose vehicles (SPVs) for nautical projects: advantages, risks and regulatory compliance
- 4.3. Key tax aspects for nautical funds and SPVs: direct and indirect taxation, double taxation and international tax planning
- 4.4. Design and formalization of strategic joint ventures in the maritime field: essential clauses, capital contributions and profit sharing
- 4.5. Specific contracts for investing in nautical startups: due diligence, investment agreements, partners' agreements and shareholder agreements
- 4.6. Advanced corporate governance models for nautical investment vehicles: control bodies, specialized committees and decision-making protocols
- 4.7. Financial instruments and capital structures: equity, mezzanine debt, convertibles and exit mechanisms in nautical capital funds
- 4.8. Maritime regulation and its impact on the financial operation of investment vehicles for the blue economy
- 4.9. Integrated management of legal and tax risks: compliance, regulatory reporting and mitigation in nautical funds and SPVs
- 4.10. Case studies and analysis of successful investment structures in nautical startups and projects focused on sustainability and innovation
Applied innovation and technology in nautical startups: bringing disruptive solutions on board for the blue economy
- 5.1. Foundations of technological innovation in the nautical sector: principles, trends and disruptive opportunities in the blue economy
- 5.2. Emerging technologies applied to nautical startups: IoT, artificial intelligence, big data and digital twins to optimize marine operations
- 5.3. Design and development of technology solutions for smart vessels: automation, hybrid propulsion systems and marine renewable energy
- 5.4. Integrating advanced sensors on board: real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance and improved operational safety
- 5.5. Digital platforms for nautical fleet management: management software, operational data analysis and traceability across the value chain
- 5.6. Blockchain and smart contracts in financing and fund management for nautical startups: transparency, legal certainty and efficient transactions
- 5.7. Innovative business models and technological scalability: case studies and agile methods for creating high-impact nautical startups
- 5.8. Rapid prototyping and technology validation: simulation tools, CAD/CAE modeling and testing in controlled environments
- 5.9. Intellectual property strategies for nautical technology: patents, trade secrets and confidentiality agreements
- 5.10. Technical regulations applicable to innovation in the nautical sector: certifications, type approvals and international standards for safe technology adoption
Advanced investment strategies, financial assessment and legal management in nautical funds and startups
- 6.1. Advanced foundations of capital funds: types, legal structures and investment vehicles specialized in the nautical sector
- 6.2. Applied financial analysis: discounted cash flow (DCF) modeling, valuation using nautical market multiples and adjustments for sector risk
- 6.3. Comprehensive due diligence: financial, technical and operational aspects of nautical startups, including technology validation and maritime regulatory compliance
- 6.4. Diversification and portfolio reallocation strategies: dynamic portfolio management in highly volatile, low-liquidity environments
- 6.5. Hybrid and structured instruments: mezzanine, convertible debt and preference clauses to optimize investment in emerging nautical projects
- 6.6. Analysis of legal and contractual risks in capital funds and startups, with emphasis on investment contracts, intellectual property and international maritime regulations
- 6.7. Advanced compliance and corporate governance management: internal policies, codes of conduct and audits for nautical funds and startups
- 6.8. Quantitative return assessment: metrics such as IRR, MOIC and TVPI for investments in nautical ecosystems and maritime innovation
- 6.9. Strategic tax planning: optimal tax structures, internationalization of funds and tax incentives linked to nautical innovation and development
- 6.10. Negotiating and closing investment deals: key clauses, equity split, preferential rights and conflict mitigation in high-impact technological and regulatory settings
Integrated investment strategies, financial assessment and legal innovation in the nautical sector for capital funds and blue economy startups
- 7.1. Investment dynamics in the nautical sector: global market analysis and emerging trends in the blue economy
- 7.2. Advanced financial models for valuing nautical startups: relative valuation, discounted cash flow (DCF) and real options methods
- 7.3. Diversification strategies for capital funds focused on maritime innovation and clean technologies
- 7.4. Structuring investment funds specialized in nautical assets: legal vehicles, compliance and corporate governance
- 7.5. Sector-specific risk analysis: asset volatility, environmental impact, international regulations and reputational risks
- 7.6. Comprehensive due diligence for nautical startups: technology, market, intellectual property and legal conformity under national and international frameworks
- 7.7. Legal innovation in the blue economy: smart contracts, tokenization of maritime assets and use of blockchain for traceability and financing
- 7.8. Tax optimization in nautical investment: international tax structures and bilateral agreements applicable to funds and startups
- 7.9. Scaling and exit strategies for maritime startups: mergers, acquisitions, SPACs and initial public offerings (IPOs) on specialized markets
- 7.10. Case studies and benchmarking of successful capital funds that integrate technological innovation and sustainability in the blue economy
Corporate governance and risk management strategies in capital funds for innovative nautical startups
- 8.1. Foundations of corporate governance: structure, principles and best practices applied to capital funds for nautical startups
- 8.2. Ownership and control models: analysis of boards, specialized committees and executive roles in nautical investment
- 8.3. Regulation and compliance: financial, environmental and sector-specific regulations for nautical startups
- 8.4. Advanced risk management strategies: identification, assessment and mitigation of financial, operational and technological risks in nautical investments
- 8.5. Implementing internal control systems: audits, continuous monitoring and reporting mechanisms for capital funds in nautical startup ecosystems
- 8.6. Comprehensive due diligence: rigorous legal, financial and technical analysis to ensure the viability and scalability of emerging nautical projects
- 8.7. Reputational and market risk management: tools to anticipate crises and strengthen the trust of investors and specialized stakeholders
- 8.8. ESG (environmental, social and governance) impact assessment: integrating sustainability criteria into the governance and decision-making of nautical innovation funds
- 8.9. Designing policies for talent management and retention of key teams in funded nautical startups
- 8.10. Case studies and simulations of corporate governance and risk management: application to real scenarios of capital funds in the nautical industry
Financial innovation, market assessment and exit strategies in nautical sectors for capital funds and sustainable startups
- 9.1. Foundations of financial innovation in the nautical sector: historical evolution, disruptive trends and their impact on capital funds and startups
- 9.2. Advanced market assessment models for nautical startups: quantitative and qualitative analysis, segmentation and sector benchmarking
- 9.3. Methods for valuing intangible assets in nautical startups and technologies: intellectual property, know-how and specialized human capital
- 9.4. Analysis of the nautical investment ecosystem: key players, capital flows and governance structures in venture capital funds
- 9.5. Financial, legal and technical due diligence frameworks applied to capital funds and startups in the nautical field; specific risks and mitigation
- 9.6. Developing sustainable growth strategies: ESG metrics focused on innovation and responsibility in nautical ventures
- 9.7. Designing and optimizing diversified investment portfolios in capital funds focused on nautical technologies and marine sustainability
- 9.8. Complex financial models to forecast returns and cash flows in nautical startups: Monte Carlo simulation and scenario analysis
- 9.9. Strategic exit planning: IPO, strategic sale, mergers and acquisitions, and buyouts in the nautical and technology context
- 9.10. Implementing advanced metrics to assess post-exit impact: social, environmental and economic returns of innovative nautical investments
The nautical startup ecosystem, acceleration and growth
- 10.1. Map of the nautical startup ecosystem
- 10.2. Technology trends in the nautical sector
- 10.3. Acceleration programs and venture building
- 10.4. Market and product validation
- 10.5. Key startup metrics
- 10.6. Growth and scaling strategies
- 10.7. Internationalization of nautical startups
- 10.8. Alliances with established companies in the sector
- 10.9. Managing the founding team
- 10.10. Pitching and presenting to investors
Final Project
- 11.1. Conceptual framework and rationale of the project: definition, objectives and context of the sustainable nautical ecosystem
- 11.2. In-depth analysis of the nautical market: current trends, investment opportunities and competitive diagnosis of the sector
- 11.3. Assessment of applicable technology and innovation: integration of clean technologies, digitalization and automation in nautical startups
- 11.4. Strategic design of the business model: value propositions, customer segmentation, distribution channels and cost structures
- 11.5. Developing the advanced financial plan: projections, profitability analysis, investment scenarios and venture capital fund structures
- 11.6. Architecture and design of the strategic capital fund: selection, investor fundraising, due diligence and co-investment strategies
- 11.7. Implementing ESG (environmental, social and governance) strategies specific to the nautical sector
- 11.8. Scaling and international expansion strategies: legal, tax and operational analysis in global markets
- 11.9. Advanced risk management models: mitigation, sensitivity analysis and financial stress testing applied to nautical startups
- 11.10. Operations plan for sustainability: green supply chain, ecological certifications and control of environmental impact
Duration and format of the Master's in Venture Capital and Nautical Startups
It is 1,500 hours. Tell us how many you can study each week and we will tell you when you will really finish.
This is the pace at which most students finish. It fits well with the installment plan.
Academic leadership and faculty
The Navalis teaching team: working professionals who teach and supervise the programs.
Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic Director and Head of Quality Assurance
Eng. Diego CifuentesSenior Lecturer in Naval Welding and Non-Destructive Testing; Head of QA/QC for Welded Joints
Capt. Javier Abaroa (MCA)Senior Lecturer in Ship Handling, Electronic Navigation (ECDIS/Radar/ARPA) and GMDSS; STCW Compliance and Bridge Resource Management Coordinator
Dr. Pau FerrerSenior Lecturer in Naval Architecture and Simulation; Director of the Hydrodynamics and CFD Laboratory
Dr. Nuria LlobregatSenior Lecturer in Marine Meteorology, SAR and Operational Safety; Navigation Risk Management Coordinator
Eng. Javier BañulsSenior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering, Automation and ETO Engineering; Electronic Integration and Engine Alarms Coordinator
Eng. Sofía MarquinaSenior Lecturer in Materials, Composites and Corrosion Protection; Coordinator of the Advanced Paints and Coatings Line
Eng. Tomás RieraSenior Lecturer in Propulsion, Alternative Energy and Hybrid Systems; Energy Performance and Vibration CoordinatorObjectives of the Master's in Venture Capital and Nautical Startups
Career opportunities after the Master's in Venture Capital and Nautical Startups
Questions about the Master's in Venture Capital and Nautical Startups
Investing in nautical and maritime startups: how to find, assess, value, finance, structure, govern and exit investments, and how to design the capital funds that back them.
That kind of program is built around founding and growing a startup. This one takes the investor's point of view, with a strong focus on due diligence, valuation, deal structuring, fund governance, portfolio management and exits.
Yes. Understanding how investors analyze and value a company helps founders prepare funding rounds, negotiate terms and pitch, and a module is dedicated to the startup ecosystem, acceleration and the investor pitch.
Marine technology and smart vessels, clean propulsion and marine renewables, digital fleet platforms, nautical tourism and boat rental, marinas, maintenance services and maritime logistics.
Basic knowledge of financial analysis and company valuation is helpful; the program develops DCF, multiples, real options and return metrics step by step, and the admission interview helps confirm that your profile fits.
Yes. You study SPVs, joint ventures, shareholder and investment agreements, convertible and mezzanine instruments, international tax planning, compliance and the maritime rules that affect nautical investments.
Through case studies, simulations and investment reports in each module and a Final Project in which you build the business plan of a sustainable nautical startup together with the design of the fund that would finance it.
A master's degree issued by Navalis Institute as its own qualification, together with the financial models, due diligence reports and plans you produce during the program, which you can use as a professional portfolio.
More programs in Innovation and startups
Admission process
No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enroll in the same session.
- Profile: aimed at investment professionals, nautical entrepreneurs, executives of established nautical companies, lawyers and consultants working with venture capital, and graduates in finance, business or engineering; a degree in business administration, economics, engineering, law or a related field, or demonstrable professional experience in finance, investment or entrepreneurship, is recommended, and familiarity with the nautical sector, startups and company valuation is an advantage.
- Language: sufficient command of English to follow the classes and the technical documentation.
- Technical resources: a computer with a stable internet connection, an up-to-date web browser, spreadsheet software for financial modeling and a PDF viewer.
- Admission: online application, review of your profile and a short interview with the academic team.
- 01ApplicationYour details, background and documents.
- 02Instant reviewWe check that everything is complete and in order.
- 03EnrollmentChoose full payment or instalments and reserve your place.
Admission is provisional until the committee validates the documents provided. If you do not meet the requirements, the full amount is refunded.
Ask us before you enroll
Leave your details and admissions will write to you to answer any questions. If you are already sure, you can apply and pay in the same session.