Arkade Lands First EIR, Touts Record-Breaking Year for Member Companies

Arkade, a Bentonville-based retail technology and supply chain greenhouse, has made significant strides in its first year. Founded by Are Traasdahl, Arkade provides growth-stage companies with a US base near Northwest Arkansas' network of major retailers, suppliers, and logistics firms.

The company now boasts 14 member companies, three program-level partners, and impressive numbers to show for it. In their first year, member companies raised $28.8 million, with an additional $15 million in the pipeline. They secured 10 pilots and contracts with retailers including Walmart, Tyson, and Home Depot, creating 15 jobs in the region.

To further support its growing ecosystem, Arkade has appointed serial entrepreneur John Collins as its first entrepreneur-in-residence. With two exits behind him, Collins currently serves as CEO of creatorXchange, an ad network connecting creators with paid distribution across social media. He expressed his enthusiasm for the role, stating that 'The Arkade community and space sits at the top of what I've been looking for.'