Baltimore Based Startup, Dockshare, Joins Innovative Maritime Accelerator Program of Global Interest

BALTIMORE, MD (February 28, 2023) – What started out as a silly and slightly frustrating situation back in 2019 for Nate and Gina Young has now turned into a national business that is quickly gaining momentum. Cofounders of Dockshare came up with the idea after having a difficult time finding a place to dock their boat in Ocean City, MD. Since that day, they have built the leading platform that connects boaters with waterfront property owners that want to rent out their docks. 

Dockshare saw significant growth in 2022, and that growth does not appear to be slowing down. After a rigorous application process, Dockshare was selected as one of just seven startup maritime companies to join the Maritime Blue Innovation Accelerator, based in Seattle, Washington. The highly competitive, impact-focused, and mentor-based program aims to connect founders with new, global resources and scale their work to diversify the maritime industry workforce, contribute to economic growth, improve ecological health, and build thriving communities.

“We’re thrilled to be part of this cohort,” says cofounder, Nate Young. “It’s an honor to be collaborating with, and learning from, industry leaders and innovators. And it’s exciting to be the only company selected from the East coast.”

Nate recently embarked on a cross-country road trip to Maritime Blue’s headquarters in Seattle, Washington to be present during the entirety of the four-month program. Nate’s wife and Dockshare’s cofounder, Gina Young, is staying in Baltimore with their teenage daughters. “It’s a little overwhelming knowing that he’ll be on the west coast until June, but it’s overwhelming in a good way. We can’t wait to connect with others in this industry, particularly others that share our values in sustainable and responsible economic growth.”

At first glance, Dockshare appears to be another cool sharing app, similar to other sharing platforms like Swimply, Turo, and RVShare. But Dockshare goes beyond that with their mission. They aim to expand access to waterways, which is a growing concern, not only right here in Maryland, but worldwide.

“Over 98% of shorelines in the Chesapeake Bay, and over 75% worldwide, are privately-owned,” says Laura Scharle, Dockshare’s Marketing and Community Relations Specialist. “When so many shorelines are private, that greatly diminishes the opportunity for others to enjoy the water. And when people can’t get to the water, they’re not going to care about it or work to protect it.”

“It’s an incredible opportunity, not to mention a crazy adventure to temporarily live (on a boat) in Seattle,” says Nate. “The mission behind Maritime Blue could not be a better fit for Dockshare and we’re beyond excited to see where this program takes us.”

About Dockshare

Dockshare connects boaters with private dock owners who want to rent their docks while safely earning extra income. It is a convenient and flexible way for boaters to access private dock listings and have the freedom to dock whenever they want. In the past, boaters have relied on social media, message boards, phone calls, and newspaper ads to access private boat dock rentals. Dockshare is a safe and secure, easy to use, and mobile-friendly platform. Go boating, paddle boarding, canoeing, or kayaking even if you don’t live by the water – Dockshare caters to all types of watercraft. Dockshare cares about boaters and dock owners’ liability. The company encourages anyone listing on the platform to have insurance that covers their personal watercrafts, docks, and/or property. Learn more at https://dockshare.app.

About Washington Maritime Blue

Washington Maritime Blue is a non-profit, strategic alliance formed to accelerate innovation and sustainability in support of an inclusive blue economy. With a mission to implement Washington State’s Strategy for the Blue Economy delivered by Governor Jay Inslee’s Maritime Innovation Advisory Council, we are a partnership between industry, public sector, research & training institutions, and community organizations. Maritime Blue works to create a world-class, thriving, equitable and sustainable maritime and ocean industry through knowledge sharing, joint innovation, entrepreneurship, commercialization, business and workforce development. Learn more at https://maritimeblue.org/.