Suggestions
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.
Highlights
It’s been a real treat and privilege to participate in Money20/20’s #RiseUp mentorship program. The quality of organization, content, training, mentors, and above all mentees involved are top-notch, and will undoubtedly add value and provide an astounding resources to the amazing women selected for this year’s cohort. The conversations I’ve had to date with my mentees Aizhan Maulen and Dian Novia Indrianti have been both enjoyable and enlightening, and I look forward to working with them over the course of the program.
#GenderEquality #WomeninFinance
Having a festive chat on the #ClimateCrisis with my former fintech VC teammates over a birthday dinner.
Me: “As bad at the climate has been this past year, if we completely eliminate carbon emissions today, this is the best the climate will ever be in our lifetimes, and for your kids and grandkids too. Your kids’ grandchildren would be the first generation to experience the benefits of improved climate from the actions and sacrifices we make over the next 3 generations.”
Vorawan Wangpanitkul: “This is not fun, for real.” 😬😫😭
Niwatjana Kantipong: “And happy birthday, Mich!” 🥳
Me: “Yeah, happy birthday! This was my gift from me to you!” 🤣
#BirthdayBuzzkill
