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A new AI-powered digital assistant created specifically for marinas has launched in Turkey. Founded at the end of 2024 by computer engineer and licensed captain Doğancan Uluğ and three partners, VELA is set to reshape marina management and communication. After gaining professional experience in Miami and London with a US-based tech company, Doğancan merged his passion for the sea with technology to launch VELA.
VELA is not a one-size-fits-all tool – it’s a custom-trained AI agent tailored to each marina’s specific needs. The process begins with gathering comprehensive data about the marina: frequently asked questions, pricing models, local amenities, and even social media content. From this, VELA creates a customised chatbot that can engage in intelligent, human-like conversations across multiple platforms including WhatsApp, websites, Instagram, and Facebook.
One of VELA’s first features to attract attention was its chatbot-based reservation system, which has drastically reduced response times – from 3-12 hours to just 15 seconds. It automates bookings, manages customer queries around the clock, and significantly eases the workload for marina staff.
Founder Doğancan Uluğ highlights the features that attract the most attention: emergency alerts and mass notifications, multilingual support in 132 languages, and direct booking with special request handling via WhatsApp
As of June 2025, over 10 marinas are actively using VELA, including Marintürk Göcek, Port Azure Göcek, and IC Çeşme Marina in Turkey.
In Europe, the focus is on Turkey, Croatia, Italy, and Spain – four regions with dense marina networks. Plans are also underway to establish a UK-based office and expand operations into the British market. In the US, the company aims to partner with 100 marinas by the end of 2025, with a focus on Florida, California, and the Caribbean.
Behind Vela, a team of 12 professionals – including AI engineers, software developers, product managers, and customer success experts – power the development and deployment of the AI agent. The team is also investing in future talent, welcoming over 10 summer interns.
