Life on the water

Nicolas Derouin has always loved the water. As Co-Founder and CEO of Arkup, a company redefining what it means to live and work at sea, he left his native France for South America before arriving on Florida’s sun-drenched shores, where he and his business partner launched a vision of a waterborne future.

This vision – of floating communities and livable yachts that combine luxury and sustainability – pushes the concept of blue development into uncharted waters.

A different kind of venture

Before Arkup, Derouin spent much of his early career immersed in the practical world of logistics and service industries in Brazil. However, it was his lifelong passion for the ocean and sustainable design that steered him toward a very different kind of venture.

“My background is engineering, and I love everything related to the ocean, sustainability, design and architecture,” he explains to The CEO Magazine.

In 2016, he made the move to Miami, a city known for its vibrant waterfront scene, to launch what would evolve from a floating restaurant concept into a full-blown revolution in on-water living.

The original spark for Arkup was a desire to create unique experiences: a floating restaurant that offered breathtaking views of Miami’s coastline was initially pitched; however, as the idea matured, it expanded into designing sustainable floating homes and livable yachts.

“The main idea was to provide stability over the water for floating structures that are self-sustained and mobile,” Derouin says.

Today, Arkup’s product lineup features two models: the Arkup 75, designed as a sprawling, luxurious floating villa – ideal for those who desire expansive living areas, off-grid capabilities and a traditional, high-end yacht feel – and the Arkup 50, a more compact, agile model with a glass house concept and modular configurations.

Market research

With the Arkup 75, Derouin initially targeted a niche market of ultra-luxury homeowners seeking a pretty, mobile retreat. However, market feedback spurred the evolution to the Arkup 50, a model that has proven its product-market fit by selling over ten units and laying the foundation for broader blue development projects.

These projects range from eco-resorts in the Caribbean to floating communities integrated within existing marinas. As cities worldwide grapple with rising sea levels and urban congestion, Arkup’s adaptable floating platforms offer a compelling solution.

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“For nearly four decades, Kaptain has been known for crafting high-end European windows for luxury projects. When we met Arnaud and Nicolas, we immediately saw the opportunity to bring elegance and high performance to Arkup’s groundbreaking floating villas. Our collaboration caught the attention of discerning builders and homeowners. When premium windows are required, Kaptain delivers.” – Hercules Kapetanios, Chief Sales Officer (CSO) – Export Director, Kaptain Doors

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By leveraging the flexible platform of the Arkup 50, Derouin sees opportunities to adapt the design for commercial ventures as well, with plans underway to secure United States Coast Guard certification for applications like floating restaurants, clubs and wellness centers.

Essential partnerships

Central to Arkup’s success is its network of strategic partnerships. Derouin emphasizes long-term collaboration with design firms like Kaptain and Netherlands-based Water Studio, as well as with vendors committed to technological innovation.

“It’s about working together, developing products, refining designs and ultimately delivering a superior, sustainable experience to our customers,” he explains.

These partnerships go beyond design, incorporating advancements in renewable energy systems, smart home technology and seawater filtration, ensuring Arkup’s floating structures remain off-grid while maintaining comfort and convenience. This philosophy not only fuels the development of Arkup’s offerings but also builds enduring relationships that extend from clients to industry partners.

Looking ahead, Derouin envisions Arkup leading a broader shift in the marine and luxury industries. As electrification and sustainability become increasingly central to yacht design, Arkup is setting new standards in livability and technological integration.

With an increasing number of yacht owners seeking eco-friendly alternatives to conventional fuel-dependent vessels, Arkup’s solar-powered, self-sufficient designs offer a glimpse into one possible future of yachting.

“The global idea is to provide new ways to live, work and play on the water,” he asserts.

Beyond luxury applications, Derouin is also exploring how Arkup’s innovations could be applied to disaster relief and emergency housing, offering resilient, floating solutions to communities affected by climate change.

His message to aspiring entrepreneurs is clear: persist with passion and innovation, even when the path is uncharted.

“Keep working and believing in your passion and your dreams. It’s not always simple, but if you’re dedicated to your craft and your vision, there is a high chance you’ll be successful,” he says with a smile.