Why We're Building Vela

We love South Africa — the energy, the people, the deals that pop up on marketplace groups when you least expect it. But let's be real: sometimes people can't be totally trustworthy.

You know the story: someone posts a bargain on Facebook Marketplace or chats with you on WhatsApp, and suddenly you're asked to send money first. You drop the cash — and poof. The phone disappears, the "seller" ghosts you, and your R750 is gone with the wind.

That's why we're building Vela. Because buying and selling shouldn't feel like walking through a minefield. Vela puts a safety net under every exchange: money is held securely until you have the item in hand — no cash-up-front roulette.

Buyers get peace of mind — you only release payment once you've received and inspected your item.

Sellers get fairness too — funds are guaranteed once delivery is confirmed.

No need for a new app. Vela works through WhatsApp and Marketplace links you already use.

Built-in dispute resolution so that if something goes wrong, you're not left arguing alone in DMs.

Because at the end of the day, we believe buying and selling should build community — not distrust. Apply a little common sense, a little tech, and maybe a little cynicism (just enough) — and hopefully fewer South Africans end up thinking their "once-off bargain" was a scam.

Vela: safe trades, happier people, fewer morning-after regrets.