AI Data Annotation Pioneer Launches New Consumer App Amidst Market Consolidation
Gökhan Urul, founder of the AI venture Ango AI, built a data annotation platform that was acquired twice, first by iMerit and then as part of iMerit's acquisition by EXL. The article highlights the rapid growth and consolidation in the…

New York, NY, August 3, 2026 — Gökhan Urul, an entrepreneur known for his work in the artificial intelligence sector, has launched a new venture focused on consumer-facing AI applications. This move follows the successful acquisition of his previous AI data annotation platform, Ango AI, on two separate occasions.
Ango AI’s platform, which specialized in data annotation for AI development, was initially acquired by iMerit. Subsequently, it became part of another acquisition when iMerit was acquired by EXL. These transactions underscore the significant growth and ongoing consolidation within the AI data labeling market.
The AI data labeling and annotation industry is a critical component of artificial intelligence development, providing the labeled data necessary to train machine learning models. This market is now valued in the billions of dollars, reflecting its increasing importance and the intense competition within the sector.
Following these acquisitions, Urul has shifted his focus to developing Ojaq, a consumer-facing AI companion app. Ojaq is designed to prioritize conversational AI capabilities and user privacy, addressing a growing demand for AI tools that are both sophisticated and secure for personal use.
The trajectory of Ango AI and Urul’s subsequent venture highlights a common trend in the technology industry, where successful startups are often acquired by larger entities, leading to market consolidation. This trend allows founders to reinvest in new areas, often leveraging their previous expertise to explore emerging opportunities in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
Story summarized from the original created by Alexa Domash on www.villagevoice.com, see more information here.