OC Charles-Daniel Tchen (Xt, 2019) is building something rooted in heritage, ambition and a clear sense of direction.

After graduating, he moved into commodity trading, working between Africa and Europe before launching Gabon Cacao & Sugar Company, focused on sourcing and exporting cocoa from Central Africa. That experience, close to origin and close to the people, shaped what came next.

Together with his childhood friend William Bruce-Vanderpuye, who brings extensive experience in commodities trading, he co founded Sankofa Spirits.

Sankofa is not just another spirits brand. It is built on a simple idea. Go back, take what matters and bring it forward properly. The name itself comes from a West African symbol meaning “to go back and retrieve what has been forgotten.”

Their focus is palm spirit, something deeply embedded in West African culture but rarely positioned at a truly premium level globally. The ambition is to change that, without ever losing its roots. Every detail is deliberate. From sourcing to production to presentation, the objective is simple. Create a product that stands for excellence.

That same mindset carries into how the brand shows up in the world. Sankofa is positioning itself at the intersection of culture, sport and prestige, with a growing presence around high level boxing events and fight promotions. The vision is to align the brand with moments that represent discipline, intensity and elite performance. Not just participation, but presence at the highest level.

The approach remains consistent. Work closely with producers. Respect the process. Build something that feels considered and uncompromising.

Quality, authenticity, culture and legacy are not slogans. They are standards.

There is also a broader purpose behind it. Sankofa is about creating opportunities around the product, supporting local networks, encouraging craftsmanship and ensuring value flows back to where it begins.

With launch approaching, Charles-Daniel and William represent a new generation of founders. Internationally minded, culturally grounded and focused on building something that carries weight.

Still early. But built with intent, and held to a higher standard.