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Paul Ark (Polapat Arkkrapridi)
Venture Partner and Board Advisor
Paul Ark, also known as Polapat Arkkrapridi, is a prominent figure in the venture capital landscape, currently serving as a Venture Partner at The Radical Fund. This fund focuses on early-stage investments aimed at promoting climate resilience in Southeast Asia, supporting entrepreneurs who are developing solutions to address climate change challenges in the region.13
Professional Background
Paul Ark has over 25 years of experience in finance, strategy, technology, and business development. His career spans various roles across North, South, and Southeast Asia, including significant tenures in Silicon Valley and on Wall Street. He has been recognized as a Top FinTech Influencer in Asia by multiple organizations.12
Prior to his role at The Radical Fund, Ark held several key positions:
- Head of ESG at Gobi Partners: He was responsible for overseeing the fund's environmental, social, and governance strategies from October 2021 to December 2022.2
- Managing Director of Corporate Venture Capital at Digital Ventures Co., Ltd.: Here, he launched and managed a $100 million FinTech venture capital fund.2
- Entrepreneur In Residence at WeWork: He supported local ecosystem development through mentorship and educational initiatives.2
Education
Ark holds a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) from the Sasin Graduate Institute, where he focused on gender funding gaps within Southeast Asia's startup ecosystem.46
Current Focus
At The Radical Fund, which he joined in April 2023, Ark is dedicated to investing in scalable climate solutions tailored to the needs of Southeast Asian countries. The fund aims to transform the region into a leading climate venture economy by integrating climate mitigation with adaptation strategies.35
His extensive background and commitment to sustainability position him as a key player in fostering innovation and addressing pressing environmental issues in Southeast Asia.
