Raknida, the art-tech platform, is breaking boundaries with its innovative approach to making art more accessible globally. In a bold move, the company announced the launch of its art-streaming platform, a first-of-its-kind concept that allows users to stream art just as they stream music. This revolutionary platform aims to democratize art, empowering underrepresented artists from around the world by bringing their creations to a broader audience.
In October 2024, Raknida’s founders, Anthony “Anth” Ezeokoye and Afoma “Oma” Ezeokoye, acknowledged the challenges of launching such a concept in Africa due to economic barriers, particularly in Nigeria. Their solution was to expand beyond Africa, targeting global art hubs with strong markets for art consumption. Their first step? The United States, one of the world’s largest art markets, thanks to a $100,000 grant from Arch Grants, a St. Louis-based startup competition.
Raknida’s success in securing the grant was no small feat. Out of 574 global applicants, it emerged as one of the 20 winners—and the only non-U.S. company in the cohort. Additionally, Raknida earned the prestigious Entrepreneurship Excellence Award, demonstrating its strong vision and the scalability of its innovative platform. This grant enables Raknida to relocate 51% of its operations to St. Louis, marking the initial phase of its global expansion, with plans to enter the UK and China—markets that accounted for 78% of global art sales in 2023.
As part of its U.S. strategy, Raknida is forming partnerships with leading art institutions, including art galleries in St. Louis, to create meaningful connections between artists and audiences. The company aims to leverage the U.S. market’s robust art ecosystem to grow its business and promote a diverse array of artists, remaining committed to its mission of uplifting underrepresented creators worldwide.
The art-streaming platform Raknida envisions is a game-changer for the $27 billion art industry. Similar to Spotify for music and Netflix for movies, Raknida’s platform will allow everyday people to enjoy art in digital formats, removing the exclusivity often associated with traditional art markets. With the global art-streaming industry already valued at $11 billion and projected to nearly double by 2032, Raknida is entering a market ripe for innovation and growth.
By prioritizing accessibility and inclusivity, Raknida is not only transforming how people experience art but also creating a digital stage for artists from diverse backgrounds. As the company prepares to disrupt a centuries-old market, it stays grounded in its vision: to ensure art is enjoyed not just by the elite, but by everyone.
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