At the heart of Patoko’s journey is its founder, Arbër Kadia, whose vision and determination drive the company forward. With experience across many fields and a strong commitment to using technology to make a difference, Arbër built Patoko on the idea that true innovation starts by understanding and meeting everyday needs. His diverse experiences – from sports and sales to politics and international collaborations – have given him a unique perspective on what people need and how technology can bridge gaps in service access. Through Patoko, Arber aims to not only make life easier for users but also create opportunities for local businesses, bringing lasting value to the community and reshaping service accessibility in the Balkans.
Building on early market success and insights from Silicon Valley advisors, Patoko is set to drive a digital transformation in the region. Rather than limiting itself to a single service, Patoko combines a wide range of essential offerings into one convenient platform. As it grows, Patoko ë aims to become a trusted name and a model for integrated services in emerging markets.
Tell us about yourself and your story; how did you end up where you are?
I’ve traveled a varied path, moving through careers in sports, sales, television, politics, communication, international projects, and eventually becoming a business owner. Each experience taught me something valuable, but my fascination with technology has always been constant. The potential of technology to simplify lives and make processes more efficient is what attracted me to this field. Patoko gave me the opportunity to bring together all my skills and experience into one meaningful project.
Patoko began with a simple idea: making it easier for people to book taxis. But as we developed, the vision grew – we saw a broader opportunity to create a super app, one that could unify multiple services on a single platform. Today, Patoko is Albania’s first super app, and we’re excited to expand this model throughout the Balkans, with ambitions to reach even further.
What’s your biggest lesson learned on this journey?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that execution matters more than anything else. You can have the best concept, but it takes the right people – whether a 10x engineering team or seasoned advisors – to bring that vision to life. Don’t be afraid to take calculated risks, but always stay grounded in your mission.
What separates Patoko from the competition?
Patoko is unique because it’s designed as an all-in-one solution. While many competitors focus on a single vertical, like ride-hailing or home services, we’re building a super app that covers multiple needs, from transport to home repairs, all accessible from one place. We also have the advantage of being the first mover in Albania, supported by Silicon Valley advisors who help us shape our direction strategically.
Any advice for young professionals or entrepreneurs?
Don’t wait for the perfect moment to start – there isn’t one. Start where you are, with what you have, and be relentless in your pursuit of progress. Surround yourself with people smarter than you, and always be willing to learn.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years, I see Patoko as a leading super app, not only in the Balkans but in other emerging markets as well. Personally, I hope to be mentoring the next generation of tech entrepreneurs, using my platform to inspire innovation in underserved regions.
What keeps you motivated every day?
The potential to make a real difference in people’s lives. Watching how our technology simplifies things for both consumers and merchants motivates me daily. It’s not just about business – it’s about solving real problems and improving lives.
What is your favorite quote of all time?
“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” – Peter Drucker. This quote embodies my belief that innovation comes from actively shaping the world around you, not waiting for change to happen.
What are the main factors that led you to where you are now?
Perseverance, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to solving real problems. Having a strong support network – whether from my team or advisors – has been essential in navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship.
Who is your role model or inspiration?
Elon Musk is a huge inspiration to me. His ability to think big and take massive risks to pursue transformative goals, where it’s with SpaceX and Tesla, inspires me. His resilience and boldness are qualities I strive to embody.
What are your top 3 core values?
Integrity, perseverance, and innovation. Integrity keeps you grounded, perseverance keeps you moving forward, and innovation ensures you’re always pushing boundaries
What were the key turning points in your life?
Our turning point was incorporating in the U.S., which opened funding opportunities and made Patoko a more scalable venture. Another was evolving Patoko from a simple taxi booking app into a comprehensive super app, transforming our business model entirely.
What personality traits make a good leader?
A good leader needs to be visionary, adaptable, and empathetic. You need the vision to guide the company, the adaptability to face challenges head-on, and empathy to understand and support your team.
What is the best and worst part of your job?
The best part is seeing an idea turn into a tangible product that impacts people’s lives. The hardest part is balancing the long hours and constant demands of running a startup with personal time, but it’s a trade-off I’m willing to make.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced, and how did you overcome it?
Our biggest challenge was expanding Patoko that hadn’t yet experienced such a comprehensive service. We overcame it by focusing on educating our users and merchants, building trust, and providing exceptional user experience. This experience taught me that patience and adaptability are essential when entering new markets.
What do you look for when outsourcing or hiring?
I look for people who are problem-solvers and share the same passion for innovation. Skills can be taught, but drive and curiosity can’t. Our 10x engineering team, for example, is filled with people who are constantly pushing boundaries and thinking outside the box.
How do you stay ahead in your industry?
We stay ahead by prioritizing constant innovation and listening closely to both our users and merchants. By integrating feedback and staying ahead of technological trends, we ensure that Patoko continues to offer cutting-edge solutions that exceed user expectations.
In what ways do you foster innovation and creativity within your organization?
We encourage an open culture where all ideas are valued, no matter who they come from. Regular brainstorming sessions, hackathons, and allowing the team to explore new technologies keep innovation flowing. We also empower our engineers to take ownership of their projects, which fosters a creative mindset.
How do you balance the pursuit of wealth and success with personal fulfillment?
For me, success isn’t just about financial gain – it’s about creating something meaningful and leaving a positive impact. Personal fulfillment comes from seeing the value we bring to people’s lives through our work at Patoko. Balancing this with personal happiness is a constant challenge, but staying connected with family, friends, and my passion for community building helps keep me grounded.
Name three books that changed your life and what you learned from them:
1. “Zero to One” by Peter Thiel – This book changed my approach to building a company. Thiel emphasizes innovation over competition. This idea of innovating rather than improving pushed me to make Patoko more than just another service app – it’s about pioneering a super app that brings multiple services into one space.
2.”The Hard Thing About Hard Things” by Ben Horowitz – Horowitz’s insights on the realities of entrepreneurship prepared me for the difficult moments in building Patoko, teaching me the importance of facing challenges directly. Another one is Ben Horowitz’s “The Hard Thing About Hard Things.” This book really showed me what it’s like to be a founder, especially when things get tough. It’s tempting to see entrepreneurship as glamorous, but Horowitz reveals the truth behind the tough decisions and challenges you encounter. My main takeaway is that no matter how hard the journey gets, facing those difficult moments is where real growth happens.
3. “The Innovator’s Dilemma” by Clayton Christensen – This book really shifted my mindset about disruption. It’s a great reminder that even if you’re succeeding now, you need to be prepared for change – or better yet, be the one driving it. That’s been a huge part of our strategy at Patoko. We’re constantly looking at how we can innovate and disrupt ourselves to stay ahead of the curve.
Each part of my journey has led me here, to a mission I deeply believe in. Patoko is more than just an app; it’s a step toward changing how we access and simplify essential services. My hope is that in the years to come, Patoko will help improve lives, drive greater innovation across the Balkans, and motivate other entrepreneurs to passionately follow their own visions.
www.linkedin.com/in/arber-kadia
www.home.patoko.com/
BY Jonida GJUZI
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