Nana Arkorful, the founder and CEO of Arke Inc., has navigated extraordinary personal and professional challenges. From surviving gun violence and teaching himself to walk again, to pioneering a sustainable transportation solution globally, his journey is a testament to resilience, innovation, and the drive to make a lasting impact.
Nana Arkorful's early life was marked by resilience. Born to a Fante father and an Ashanti mother who split when he was young, he and his brothers were sent to America with a guardian who became their angel, providing them a new perspective and opportunities.
Six months before attending Morehouse College, Nana was shot in the femoral artery and lost the ability to walk. This life-threatening event marked a significant turning point. Doctors told Nana he would never walk again. With no health insurance to cover physiotherapy, Nana took his recovery into his own hands. He climbed the hill at Morehouse daily, a symbolic and literal ascent to reclaim his strength and mobility.
The hill at Morehouse became a metaphor for Nana’s journey of recovery. Each step up and down the hill represented a victory over his physical limitations and a testament to his indomitable spirit. Nana faced severe PTSD, depression, anxiety, and paranoia following the incident. He continues to struggle with these issues but practices spiritual gratitude and fortitude to manage them.
His entrepreneurial dream began seven years ago when Nana and his father converted an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle to electric. This experience opened his eyes to the potential of electric vehicles. However, the high capital required for car conversions led him to explore electric bikes. Stuck in traffic for 8 hours in Accra, Nana envisioned a solution to the city's crippling congestion, emphasizing the importance of electric micro-mobility. This vision led to the founding of Arke Inc., with the mission to make the world more accessible through affordable electric bikes.
Nana faced numerous hurdles in the early days of Arke Inc., including financial constraints and market skepticism. Yet, his innovative spirit and determination drove him forward. Developing the beta product, securing funding, and joining Dream.org’s Climate Tech Launchpad cohort were key milestones that validated his vision and propelled Arke Inc. toward success.
Boss XL Mag - How did your personal experience with gun violence shape your entrepreneurial journey?
Nana Arkorful - My experience with gun violence instilled in me a profound sense of resilience and determination. It became a metaphor for the ups and downs I faced in the startup world, teaching me the value of perseverance and innovation.
Boss XL Mag - What were the biggest challenges you faced in your recovery?
Nana Arkorful - The biggest challenges included regaining my physical mobility, overcoming the psychological trauma, and navigating the healthcare system. The hill at my university became a symbol of my struggle and triumph in learning to walk again.
Boss XL Mag - How does your life story highlight the systemic barriers faced by Black entrepreneurs?
Nana Arkorful - My story underscores the lack of access to funding, mentorship, and networks that many Black entrepreneurs face. My experiences of discrimination and bias highlight the need for systemic change to support diverse voices in entrepreneurship.
Boss XL Mag - What are your future goals for Arke Inc. and his broader impact?
Nana Arkorful - We aim to expand Arke Inc.’s reach, making eBikes more accessible and affordable. We also want to support other Black entrepreneurs through mentorship and advocacy, working towards a more inclusive and equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Nana Arkorful’s story is one of hope, perseverance, and the transformative power of entrepreneurship. From surviving gun violence to pioneering a sustainable transportation solution, his journey exemplifies the human spirit’s ability to overcome adversity and achieve greatness.
Follow the 2024 Ford Fund Fellow Nana Arkorful at:
Instagram @arkeglobal
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