Learn more about Yaovi Kpoga, the CEO & Founder of Roadies Labs, Inc.

Q&A With Roadies Founder Yaovi Kpoga

AlphaLab
3 min readAug 29, 2022

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Tell me about the moment that sparked the idea for your product?

While talking with my artist friends I heard about some of the struggles they had selling their work, and funding future art pieces. I wanted to find a way to help artists promote their work on a larger platform that helps them raise funds for future artwork.

Could you provide background on your education and how your research led to this idea?

Surprisingly, I majored in computer science and computer information systems. I previously worked on a similar platform for music artists and saw the impact of providing more autonomy to the artist and their creative process. With the current trends I was seeing, that merged tech and visual art, I thought there was a space in the industry that would be perfect for Roadies.

How did you explore creating your product?

I started looking into other platforms that were doing something similar, and seeing how I could adapt it into something that was not strictly digital and accessible for visual artists of all levels. I also met with artists, collectors, and galleries to gather advice on the art scene.

Why are you the best person to champion this product?

I believe that art is a cornerstone to communities and should be accessible for everyone. I hope to open up the world of art, and make it a more inclusive space for artists, and art enthusiasts.

Roadies is a web 3 platform that enables visual artists to offer AST (Art Security Token) shares of art by using the Algorand blockchain. Artists are provided with a new revenue stream and access to production capital by allowing their supporters to buy and trade shares in their favorite art. Investors are then able to buy and sell ASTs on a secondary market.

What were some aspects of the processes that surprised you?

Understanding the diversity of the creative process for artists, and the process art goes through from creation to collection. I had a steep learning curve since art is not my background, but I have really enjoyed learning the ins and outs of the art scene.

How did you make sure your product was a reflection of your target audience’s needs?

In addition to researching the current market online, I spoke with artists, collectors, and galleries, to get their advice. I wanted to understand what would be most helpful on our platform to be a solution for some of the struggles artists face.

How does AlphaLab help you reach your goals?

AlphaLab has been a wealth of knowledge and a valuable resource on structuring our company from the very early stages. Assisting with business development, community partners, mentorship, and their commitment and belief in the Roadies Labs vision.

What is next?

We are working on building a community of artists, investors, galleries, and collectors. In addition to completing the platform for our first pilot test of tokenized art, and creating events and spaces for artists’ work to be seen and sold.

Photo by Rodion Kutsaev on Unsplash

What is the most important thing for readers to know about what Roadies does and how that’s beneficial to users?

Roadies connects you to a world of art, by opening a new way for artists to connect with investors, collectors, and art enthusiasts. While building a new economy where investors directly support the artists they love.

How can consumers follow you?

You can find us on Discord, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

Artist can also connect with us www.roadieslabs.xyz

Outside of work, what do you like to do in your free time?

When I am not nerding it out you can find me spending time with family and friends. Traveling somewhere and exploring a new place. I enjoy going to comedy clubs.

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AlphaLab

AlphaLab is a nationally ranked early stage startup accelerator focused on helping founders achieve product-market fit and customer traction.