Joseph Hurst-Croft (ARC Ride)
Overview
Joseph Hurst-Croft is a prominent entrepreneur and the CEO of ARC Ride, a company that has become a pivotal player in the electric mobility sector across Africa. Under his leadership, ARC Ride has focused on providing sustainable and affordable transport solutions, specifically targeting the mass transportation challenges in urban African settings. His work primarily involves the deployment of electric motorcycles and the installation of battery-swapping infrastructures, which aim to revolutionize how transport functions in rapidly growing cities like Nairobi.
Recent Developments
In recent years, Joseph Hurst-Croft has made significant strides with ARC Ride. Key developments include:
- 2025: ARC Ride secured $10 million in debt financing from Mirova, a Paris-based sustainable investment manager. This funding is aimed at expanding their battery-swapping network for electric motorcycles in Kenya. With this investment, ARC Ride plans to implement 600 battery-swapping cabinets and 25,000 batteries across Kenya. Hurst-Croft described this partnership as a "major milestone" in advancing electric mobility across Africa.
- May 2025: Earlier in the year, ARC Ride raised an additional $5 million to further extend its electric motorbike operations in Kenya, emphasizing their commitment to scaling sustainable transportation solutions.
- 2024-2025: ARC Ride has been actively engaged with international partners, such as the Japanese corporation Musashi, to drive the emobility revolution within Nairobi. Their collaboration highlights ARC Ride's dedication to integrating global technological support to enhance their local infrastructure.
- 2023: ARC Ride showcased its innovative E-mobility solutions to prominent figures, including UK officials and Kenyan leaders, at various prestigious events, boosting its visibility and emphasizing its commitment to environmental sustainability.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Joseph Hurst-Croft |
| Born | N/A |
| Nationality | United Kingdom |
| Occupation | CEO of ARC Ride |
| Known For | Innovating sustainable transportation solutions in Africa |
| Net Worth | N/A |
| Education | Politics with Geography, Loughborough University |
Early Life and Education
Joseph Hurst-Croft's educational background in Politics with Geography from Loughborough University laid the foundation for his unique perspective on combining sustainable practices with business models. His academic experience instilled a deep understanding of socio-economic factors, which later influenced his approach to addressing transportation issues in Africa. Hurst-Croft pursued opportunities in the private sector after his academic journey, clearly determined to use his knowledge to bridge the gap between sustainable energy solutions and economic growth in developing regions.
Career and Notable Achievements
Joseph Hurst-Croft co-founded ARC Ride as part of his broader vision through ARC Global. His career highlights include:
- Establishment of ARC Ride: 2004
- Focus on creating a Pan-African electric mobility company.
- Key Partnerships: Engaged with international corporations like Musashi to build critical infrastructure for electric vehicles.
- Implementation of Battery-as-a-Service Model: This innovative model allows users to swap batteries efficiently, reducing costs and increasing convenience.
- Impactful Funding Acquisitions: Secured multiple rounds of funding to expand ARC Ride's impact.
Current Work and Impact
Under Hurst-Croft's leadership, ARC Ride continues to play a critical role in transforming urban transport, specifically targeting the challenges faced by boda boda riders in Africa. His efforts are centered around reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable urban growth through efficient e-mobility solutions. ARC Ride's initiatives have significantly lowered the transportation industry's environmental footprint, each electric motorcycle cutting approximately two tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually.
Conclusion
Joseph Hurst-Croft's contributions to sustainable transport infrastructure through ARC Ride exemplify the potential of innovative business models in addressing global challenges. His vision and execution have laid a robust foundation for the future of urban mobility in Africa. As ARC Ride continues to expand its influence and reach, Joseph Hurst-Croft's leadership is poised to have a lasting legacy in redefining urban transport in developing economies. His work serves not only as a business success but also as a catalyst for socio-economic and environmental betterment.