# Vela

Startup profile on Capital Atlas: https://capitalatlas.ai/startups/vela

- Industry: Ship Building & Repair
- Headquarters: France
- Website: www.vela-transport.com
- Total disclosed funding: $0.5M
- Latest round: Seed (Nov 5, 2026)
- Investors on record: 2

## About

Founded in 2022 and based in France, Sail For Goods SAS, doing business as VELA, operates as a wind-powered boat maker. The company was founded by its president, Pierre-Arnaud Vallon, Michael Fernandez, Francois Gabart, Pascal Galacteros, and Thibault Charles. In September 2024, VELA raised USD 43 million in venture funding co-led by 11th Hour Racing, Bpifrance Investissement, and Crédit Mutuel Capital Privé.

VELA designs, builds, and operates cargo ships powered primarily by wind energy. The company develops fast-sailing ships for cargo transportation between Europe (France) and the USA. The firm’s wind-powered ships reduce carbon emissions compared to traditional fossil fuel-powered vessels.

The company plans to utilize the September 2024 funding raised to build its first sailing cargo trimaran and strengthen its sales and operations teams in France and the US.

## Funding rounds

- Seed, Nov 5, 2026, $0.5M — Rebel Fund, Y Combinator

## Investors

- Rebel Fund (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/rebel-fund) — Seed
- Y Combinator (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/y-combinator) — Seed