Generative AI Strategy & Innovation Leader
Founder @ YAPZEK.AI • Sr. Cloud/Solution Architect • Conversational AI • Microsoft Entra ID • Azure AI Studio
About Me
As the Founder of YAPZEK.AI and Generative AI Strategy & Innovation Leader, I orchestrate enterprise-scale AI transformations globally. Throughout my 25+ year technology journey, I've delivered leadership across a vast spectrum—from the world's most critical systems like Microsoft NYPD Domain Awareness System to OTT TV platforms at ARRIS/Pace PLC reaching millions of users.
Current Focus: Defining enterprise-level GenAI vision and strategies, ensuring responsible AI adoption, and developing real-time voice technologies (TTS, S2S, ASR) with conversational AI experiences. I create enterprise-scale value through .NET 8-based multi-tenant SaaS architectures, Azure security implementations, and API Gateway solutions.
Technical Depth & Business Leadership: Combining hands-on technical development with C-level strategic consulting, I have proven success in end-to-end delivery of complex systems from concept to production. Recent examples include Azure Key Vault integration across 100+ .NET applications at IEHP, and enterprise AI solutions with Microsoft Entra ID and Azure AI Studio at Persistent Systems.
Innovation Legacy: I pioneered Turkey's first online car evaluation platform (otomnekadar.com), early e-commerce solutions (fotobas.com), international exhibition technologies, and set-top-box TV applications—consistently anticipating and implementing technological trends.
Global Experience: From New York to Istanbul, working across Fortune 500 companies to startups, I've developed expertise in managing multi-disciplinary teams and transforming complex technical requirements into business value across diverse cultures and scales.
Career Highlights
Enterprise Experience
- YAPZEK.AI - Founder & GenAI Leader
- IEHP - Sr. Solution Architect
- Persistent Systems - MS Cloud Consultant
- Microsoft - Sr. Application Consultant
- ARRIS/Pace PLC - IT Consultant
Expertise Areas
- Generative AI Strategy & Implementation
- Real-Time Voice AI (TTS/ASR/S2S)
- Multi-tenant SaaS Architecture
- Azure Security & Key Vault
- Microservices & API Gateway
- Enterprise System Integration
Innovation Projects
- NYPD Domain Awareness System
- Pace App Café OTT Platform
- First Online Car Evaluation (Turkey)
- International Exhibition Technologies
- E-commerce & Digital Media Platforms
Professional Experience
Skills & Technologies
AI & Machine Learning
Cloud & Architecture
Development & Frameworks
Data & Integration
Design & Media
Certifications & Licenses
LinkedIn Learning (2021-2022)
- Cloud Architecture: Core Concepts (May 2022)
- Using Docker and .NET Core (May 2022)
- Agile Project Leadership (May 2021)
- Azure Administration: Deploy and Manage Virtual Machines (May 2021)
- Azure Administration: Implement and Manage Application Services (May 2021)
- Azure for DevOps: Continuous Integration (May 2021)
- Coaching Skills for Leaders and Managers (May 2021)
- Cybersecurity with Cloud Computing (May 2021)
- Microservices: Design Patterns (May 2021)
- Software Architecture: Breaking a Monolith into Microservices (May 2021)
- Software Architecture: Domain-Driven Design (May 2021)
- Ten Tips for the C# Developer (May 2021)
- Visual Studio Tips and Techniques for Developers (May 2021)
- Agile Product Owner Role: Foundations (Apr 2021)
- Cloud Architecture: Design Decisions (Apr 2021)
- Entrepreneurship Foundations (Apr 2021)
- Executive Presence on Video Conference Calls (Apr 2021)
- UX Deep Dive: Analyzing Data (Apr 2021)
Microsoft Certifications
- Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA) - May 2003 (ID: A837-6629)
- Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) - Oct 2002 (ID: A837-6633)
- Microsoft Certificate Validation - Aug 2002 (Transcript ID: 657969)
- Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) - Aug 2002 (ID: A837-6626)
Other Certifications
- Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS Solutions) - Aug 2020 - Aug 2022 (Expired)
Professional Recommendations
"I had the pleasure of working closely with Aka Akar, and I can confidently affirm that he is an indispensable asset to any team. Aka possesses a profound comprehension of system design, architecture, and problem-solving. His proficiency in DotNet development is genuinely remarkable. Aka excels in fostering effective collaborations, articulating intricate concepts, and proactively addressing challenges. His contributions have markedly influenced the outcomes of our projects. I enthusiastically endorse Aka to all those searching for a committed, adept, and forward-thinking architect and developer."
"Karay is an excellent, very skilled, very committed, very creative professional, which I have the pleasure to work with. He is also an excellent person, a very dear friend now. Karay has a very sharp mind, and he is a natural about thinking outside the box, for non-common situations that we deal with software engineering. He is a monster in this area. I miss the time we worked together and I hope we join efforts again in the future. Thanks for your professional commitment and thank you for being a good friend Karay."
"Karay is a master of development, Design, and architecture of multiple technologies. It was my pleasure that I got chance to work with him! He is excellent in technical things along with a good observation about clients requirements. He helped persistent multiple time in delivery of the project to the client. He was very kind and helpful in every situations! If Someone asks me the combination of well skilled, grace, intelligence, patience and hard work, the first name I would recommend is Mr. Karay. He has been incredibly loyal, reliable and responsible for many years. I've worked with a lot of developers/ Architects over the years but Karay is the real deal."
"I managed the work of Karay for 2.5 years and I will say he is a master of various technologies. Karay joined the project at a critical juncture where the team needed expertise in developing an intuitive user interface for the SharePoint Intranet portal. The client had complex functional requirements. The design and the working concept which Karay produced enabled 50K users to consume the intranet portal. The product designs were very intuitive and enterprise standard. Though he was planned for only UX work, he went the extra mile by learning the SharePoint REST APIs and developing working screens. At one point in the project, he became a go-to person for solving complex business needs. The work he produced had a 50K+ user base. Due to his skills, he was quickly able to move to other projects in the Organization. One of the best developers I have comes across. He is so passionate about solving issues, that I noticed him sometimes working day and night until he has resolved the issue. Very confident about his skills, very friendly, and always willing to help others, going the extra mile to successfully deliver. Someone you can rely on completely and an asset for any project."
"I have worked with Karay for over 3 years as a senior developer on multiple large projects that are both complex and time sensitive. I have relied on him to correct issues with code from others and deliver new solutions effectively and in very short timelines. Karay is often my 'go to' developer when I am in a tough spot (time and complexity of a problem), and I look forward to working with him in the future. I strongly recommend Karay as a reliable and knowledgeable senior developer."
"I worked with Karay for around 3 years. He is a very responsible guy at work and he also have a lot knowledge on computer graphic designed. I highly recommend him for any position on this field."
"I have worked with Karay in developing some of our digital projects which were the very first, that time. As a programer and designer Karay has shown great success in developing our first gamification project. He is one of the smartest people I've ever met, he has a great understanding of technology and practical sense. It's always fun to work with him."
Contact
Get in touch for projects, consulting, or partnership opportunities.
- Website: yapzek.ai
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/karayakar
- E‑mail: karayakar@karayakar.com
Focus Areas
AI-Friendly Format
KARAY AKAR - PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
=====================================
CONTACT:
Email: karayakar@karayakar.com
Website: yapzek.ai
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/karayakar
CURRENT ROLE:
Founder & Generative AI Strategy & Innovation Leader @ YAPZEK.AI (Mar 2025 - Present)
- Enterprise GenAI vision and roadmap development
- Responsible AI adoption across products/services
- Real-time voice AI technologies (TTS, S2S, ASR)
- Multi-tenant SaaS architectures (.NET 8)
- Azure security implementations
EXPERIENCE SUMMARY:
- 25+ years technology leadership
- Sr. Solution Architect @ IEHP (May 2024 - Apr 2025): Azure Key Vault integration for 100+ .NET applications
- MS Cloud Practice Consultant @ Persistent Systems (Dec 2021 - Apr 2025): Enterprise AI solutions
- Sr. Solution Architect @ OpsArc (Dec 2021 - May 2024): Multi-platform integrations
- Senior Application Consultant @ Microsoft (Feb 2015 - Dec 2021): NYPD Domain Awareness System
- IT Consultant @ ARRIS/Pace PLC (Apr 2010 - Aug 2015): OTT TV platform development
TECHNICAL EXPERTISE:
AI & ML: Conversational AI, Generative AI Strategy, Azure AI Studio, LLM Training, TTS/ASR/S2S
Cloud: Azure (Entra ID, Key Vault), AWS, Microservices, Domain-Driven Design, API Gateway (YARP)
Development: .NET 8/C#, ASP.NET Core, React, JavaScript, Three.js, Android, Docker
Data: Elasticsearch, SQL Server, MySQL, SSIS/ETL, WebRTC, Twilio, SharePoint REST APIs
Design: Adobe InDesign, UX/UI, Video Editing, Photography, Digital Multimedia
CERTIFICATIONS:
- LinkedIn Learning (18+ certs): Cloud Architecture, Azure Admin, Microservices, DDD, Agile
- Microsoft: MCDBA (2003), MCSA (2002), MCP (2002)
- CJIS Solutions: Criminal Justice Information Services (2020-2022)
KEY PROJECTS:
- NYPD Domain Awareness System: World's largest digital surveillance system
- Pace App Café: OTT TV platform for cable subscribers (YouTube, Facebook, Twitter apps)
- otomnekadar.com: Turkey's first online car evaluation platform (Renault partnership)
- International Trade Exhibitions: 14+ exhibitions, 200K+ email management
- E-commerce Platforms: Early Turkish online photo printing, food delivery
INNOVATION HIGHLIGHTS:
- Pioneered online car evaluation with patented algorithms
- Developed set-top-box TV applications before OTT became mainstream
- Created interactive exhibition platforms with virtual tours
- Built enterprise-scale surveillance and security systems
- Led digital transformation for major healthcare organizations
LANGUAGES:
- Turkish (Native)
- English (Professional)
EDUCATION & TRAINING:
- Self-taught technology leader with 25+ years hands-on experience
- Continuous learning through LinkedIn Learning, Microsoft certifications
- Industry conference speaker and technology evangelist