Raknida, a Nigerian art-tech platform, is set to transform how people experience and consume art with an innovative streaming approach. Founded by Anthony and Afoma Ezeokoye, Raknida's goal is to make art as accessible as music, challenging traditional methods of art consumption.
The platform has achieved a significant milestone, securing a 100,000 grant from Arch Grants, a non-profit organization based in St. Louis, USA. Raknida stood out among 574 applicants, becoming the only non-US startup selected. In addition to the financial support, Raknida also received the Entrepreneurship Excellence award.
Raknida's growth strategy focuses on global art markets, particularly the United States, China, and the United Kingdom, which account for the largest share of global art sales. While the platform aims to tap into these major markets, its core mission extends beyond commercial interests. The founders are committed to providing a digital stage for underrepresented artists globally, emphasizing that artistic marginalization is not confined to specific regions.
As part of the grant agreement, Raknida will relocate 51 of its operations to St. Louis, where it is already establishing connections with local art institutions, including the St. Louis Art Museum. This collaboration includes a recent African art exhibition hosted by the museum, aligning with Raknida's broader goal of promoting global artistic representation.
