A short story about us
For over ten years, Akra’s co-founders — Joseph, Tyrel, and Ben — have collaborated across IT and media projects, building a strong professional bond despite living in different parts of the world. Whether in the UK or the US, their shared vision and mutual trust laid the groundwork for something greater.
Over a decade of collaboration
A convergence of vision
Joseph and Tyrel established roots in Northwest Arkansas, growing their careers across startups, small businesses, and large enterprises. When Ben relocated to the region, a new opportunity began to take shape. As doors opened, they recognized that their diverse experiences formed a tightly woven foundation — a three-strand cord — uniquely equipped to help businesses stay resilient and adaptive in the age of AI disruption.
Joseph Paul Clifton
Co-founder, Product
Joseph stands at the intersection of innovative product management and advanced technology. With a strong foundation in leading cross-functional teams, he has seamlessly transitioned from developing scalable product strategies to pioneering the use of machine learning, data, and analytics into the burgeoning world of generative AI. Under his leadership, engineering teams have delivered rapid prototypes driven by real-time user feedback and executive vision, ensuring that every solution aligns with both customer needs and strategic goals.
Tyrel Denison
Co-founder, Engineering
Tyrel blends hands-on technical depth with strategic leadership honed over 15 years in the software industry. Starting as a multi-language developer, he has architected and delivered solutions across e-commerce, ERP, API integration, ETL, GIS, data science, and machine learning. As a director, Tyrel bridges the gap between engineering and executive vision—guiding teams to build secure, scalable systems rooted in solid architectural principles. His leadership is defined by fostering collaboration between engineering, product, and business stakeholders, ensuring that each initiative delivers measurable impact and aligns with broader organizational goals.
Ben Poffley
Co-founder, Design
Ben operates at the intersection of design, storytelling, and strategic impact. With over a decade of experience, he brings a rare blend of visual, motion, and product design expertise—shaped by a background in filmmaking and creative leadership. From founding a successful creative agency to shaping solutions for startups, non-profits and global enterprises, Ben thrives on turning complexity into clarity. His work is defined by deep collaboration, cross-disciplinary thinking, and a relentless focus on building experiences that move both users and businesses forward.
