A tailwind. This is how the marketplace of nautical experiences Popey has been going since Emiliano Bar and Daniel Cleffi launched it to the market in January. The company received an injection of US$ 120,000 to improve and multiply its range of services and continue gaining space in the waters of the region (with a model similar to Uber on the streets).
Thus, after a couple of months of negotiation, at the end of May it was confirmed the integration to the company as a partner of an Argentine investor linked to the nautical sector of that country. "His contribution will be doubly strategic, because in addition to the money he incorporates knowledge in a market in full growth," said Bar, who is also CEO of the company.
The executive revealed that to improve the user experience will make changes to the website to highlight the cities and major offers.
In terms of functionality, the focus will be on improving security for both owners and users. "For example, we will add an insurance where the owner will decide if he wants to insure his boat. In fact, we will highlight the offers that have insurance so that users can choose them in the first instance," he said.
Increasing the supply of services and activities will be the third area to improve. The goal in this first stage is to quadruple the current offer and position itself "as the largest fleet in the region," he said.
Neighbors at the helm
In just a few months of operation, the platform has already attracted more than 500 users who have chosen from among some 100 offers of experiences. According to Bar, 60% of the operations correspond to Argentina, the country where the business is growing the most. This is logical, because that country has a strong nautical activity all year round, while in Uruguay it declines in the winter, he said. The points where Popey was most used were Punta del Este and Buenos Aires. According to Bar, to enhance the platform in Argentina will surely be used when tourists come to Punta del Este and vice versa.
At present, the most demanded activities have been the rental of sailboats and motorboats with skipper for trips and cruises, yacht parties (birthdays, farewells, business), fishing trips and kitesurfing and surfing lessons.
"Many of those who opt for these services are people who have sailed for the first time, with no sailing experience, who take advantage of Popey's services with skipper included. For example for creative outings, companies for events with their clients, groups for bachelorette parties, young people to celebrate birthdays and parties, and families for outings. Also for classes and fishing," he explained.
Bar also revealed that the proposal has already transcended the region. "We have received interest from Ireland, Spain, France, Chile and Peru to take the brand to those countries, but the goal this year is to make Popey the leading platform for nautical experiences and tourism in the region and then reach new countries," he concluded.
Source: El País
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