Dockwa, a leading marina management software company serving the recreational boating industry, has secured a strategic growth investment from PSG, a growth equity firm focused on software and technology-enabled services businesses. The transaction is expected to support Dockwa’s next phase of expansion as it broadens its offerings beyond marina management software and develops new technology solutions for participants across the marine economy.
Sterlington announced that it advised Dockwa’s management team on executive compensation arrangements related to the investment. The law firm’s role focused on supporting management through the transaction process as the company positions itself for continued growth.
Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Newport, Rhode Island, Dockwa has become a prominent technology provider within the marina industry. The company serves nearly 4,000 marinas and works with 97% of the top 95 U.S. harbors. Its platform helps marina operators manage reservations, streamline operations, improve customer experiences, and enhance revenue generation through digital tools designed specifically for the boating sector.
The investment from PSG comes at a time when marinas and marine businesses are increasingly adopting technology solutions to improve operational efficiency and better serve customers. As boating participation and waterfront recreation continue to evolve, marina operators are seeking software platforms that can help modernize traditionally manual processes and provide greater visibility into business performance.
Dockwa plans to use the investment to accelerate its transformation from a marina software provider into what it describes as a full-stack operating system and intelligence layer for the marine economy. The company intends to expand its capabilities through the development of AI-native products and data-driven tools designed to serve a broader range of stakeholders.
According to the announcement, these future offerings are expected to support marina operators, insurers, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and institutional investors that have exposure to the marine sector. By combining operational software, analytics, and artificial intelligence capabilities, Dockwa aims to create a more connected ecosystem for businesses operating throughout the marina and recreational boating industries.
The transaction also reinforces PSG’s focus on partnering with software companies that have established market positions and opportunities for continued innovation. Growth capital from PSG is expected to help Dockwa invest in product development, expand its platform capabilities, and strengthen its position within the marina technology market.
For Sterlington, the transaction adds to the firm’s experience advising clients in the marine and marina industries. The firm previously advised the management team of Safe Harbor Marinas, the largest marina and superyacht servicing business in the United States, in connection with its $5.65 billion sale to Blackstone Infrastructure. That transaction represented one of the largest deals in the marina sector and highlighted growing investor interest in marine-related assets and infrastructure.
Sterlington’s team advising on the Dockwa transaction was led by Executive Compensation partner Jeremy L. Goldstein and M&A partner Christopher S. Harrison. They were supported by partners Michael Gilligan, Stuart Daroca, Kristy Fields, and Jake Ebers.
The investment marks a significant milestone for Dockwa as it seeks to expand its role within the marine economy and leverage emerging technologies to support marina operators and other industry participants. With additional capital and strategic backing from PSG, the company is positioned to pursue new growth opportunities while continuing to serve thousands of marinas across North America.
KEY QUOTES:
“Dockwa serves nearly 4,000 marinas, including 97% of the top 95 U.S. harbors.”
Dockwa
“The investment is intended to accelerate Dockwa’s expansion from marina software platform into a full-stack operating system and intelligence layer, powering AI-native products for marina operators, insurers, OEMs, and institutional investors in the marine economy.”
Dockwa
