Kevin Sekniqi, the Albanian-American entrepreneur and co-founder of Ava Labs, has made his first investment through the K4S6 fund, acquiring equity in Patoko – The Everything App, Albania’s fastest-growing mobility and service-booking platform. This investment marks a pivotal step in fostering the local startup ecosystem and attracting global interest to Albania’s entrepreneurial landscape.
Sekniqi’s initiative, launched last year, aimed to identify and support high-potential startups in Albania. After an extensive selection process and numerous meetings with local founders, Patoko emerged as the first recipient of K4S6’s backing, proving that Albania’s startup ecosystem is maturing and gaining the attention of serious investors.
From idea to impact: Why this investment matters
This milestone is significant for two reasons.
First, the investor himself—Sekniqi, a serial entrepreneur, has built a unicorn startup in the U.S. and now reinvests in the next generation of innovators. His journey reflects the transformative power of startups: from an idea to global scale, and ultimately, reinvesting in the ecosystem that nurtured them.
Second, the startup’s vision—Patoko has rapidly evolved from a taxi-booking app into a full-fledged “super app,” offering a range of on-demand services tailored to Albania’s unique market dynamics. From rides to home services, Patoko is pioneering digital convenience in the region.
“Albania’s startup ecosystem is entering a new era,” said Kevin Sekniqi, founder of K4S6. “We took our time to assess the market, understand the business climate, and identify where we could make the most impact. Patoko stood out with its world-class execution, ambitious growth plans, and strong international team. This is the kind of startup that can scale rapidly with the right support.”
Patoko: Building Albania’s first “Everything App”
Founded with the vision of revolutionizing mobility and service accessibility, Patoko has quickly become a household name in Albania. Originally launched as a taxi-booking app inspired by Uber, it has expanded its scope to include a variety of service bookings, embodying the global trend toward super apps.
With Patoko, users can:
✔ Book a ride – Reliable taxi services at the tap of a button
✔ Get home services – Cleaning, plumbing, and more
✔ Reserve appointments – Nail salons, beauty services, and beyond
✔ Earn rewards – A built-in loyalty system for users
Currently, Patoko manages:
🚖 700+ taxis registered on the platform
📱 Thousands of service bookings per month
📈 A rapidly growing user base, with tens of thousands of people relying on the app in 2024 alone
‘’In 2024 alone, Patoko has served 194,000 travelers and users,’’ says Arber Kadia, CEO and co-founder of Patoko.
‘’We take pride in maintaining an outstanding track record of positive reviews from drivers and users—a standard we are committed to upholding as we expand our booking services. Our mission is simple—bring technology-driven solutions to everyday needs,” states Kadia.
“This investment accelerates our ability to scale, improve our technology infrastructure, and expand our service offerings. With Kevin and K4S6’s backing, we’re one step closer to making Patoko a global name.”
Scaling Beyond Borders
With this funding, Patoko is setting its sights on international expansion, already establishing a presence in the United States. The next phase includes:
- Enhancing AI-driven service matching for seamless bookings
- Expanding into new European markets
- Strengthening partnerships with local businesses
About K4S6: Investing in the Future of Innovation
K4S6 is an incubator and venture fund founded by Kevin Sekniqi, dedicated to supporting emerging startups in Albania and beyond. The fund provides financing between $25,000 and $250,000 per startup, focusing on high-impact, scalable businesses that can thrive in global markets.
Sekniqi, recognized in Forbes 30 Under 30, is a leading figure in blockchain innovation, having co-founded Ava Labs, one of the top blockchain technology companies worldwide. Through K4S6, he aims to bridge the gap between Albania’s startup scene and international venture ecosystems.
About Patoko
Patoko is Albania’s first super app, redefining urban mobility and service accessibility. From on-demand rides to home services and beauty appointments, Patoko provides a seamless experience through a single mobile platform. The company is committed to democratizing technology access and enhancing daily life for users while supporting local businesses.
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