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Entrepreneurs’ Center (EC) Client, ARMA, a startup founded by twin brothers Xavior and Ilyaas Motley, is pioneering sprayable second skin technology that promises to revolutionize sectors from food and medicine to sports and space.
The Motley brothers, born and raised in Dayton, Ohio, graduated from Centerville High School as multi-sport athletes. ARMA’s inception dates back to 2018 when the Motley brothers faced the reality that their football careers would eventually conclude. Driven by a relentless entrepreneurial spirit, they started brainstorming daily, jotting down ten ideas each day on a whiteboard.
“After three intense days, the innovative concept of spray-on shoes emerged,” Xavior explains.
This idea was inspired by their experiences at Ohio University, where crowded events often led to damaged footwear. They envisioned a formulary that could be sprayed over shoes, creating a protective layer that could be peeled off later, leaving the shoes clean and preserved.
This idea evolved in 2020.
“Using the same foundational technology, we shifted our focus towards protecting athletes’ elbows and knees from turf burns—a common issue we experienced firsthand. However, the onset of COVID-19 highlighted significant flaws and gaps within the glove industry, from product quality to supply chain issues,” says Ilyaas.
ARMA’s sprayable second skin technology is revolutionizing the glove industry. Tailored specifically for football athletes, this technology enables the creation of custom-fit, durable, and sleek gloves that enhance player performance—almost like granting them a superpower during gameplay. ARMA’s advanced manufacturing techniques not only bring production to the U.S. but also reduce the carbon footprint and allow for rapid scaling compared to traditional methods. Addressing the shortcomings revealed by COVID-19 across various glove markets, including sports, medical, food, and industrial—valued collectively at $112 billion and responsible for over 700 billion wasted gloves annually—this technology presents a significant advancement.
“Covid revealed numerous shortcomings in gloves across the board, highlighting a universal issue that leads to environmental waste, an unsustainable supply chain, uncomfrontable user wear, and a lack of proper sizing to fit users.” Ilyaas points out.
In 2018, the Motleys began their journey with a vision set for 2043, dreaming of a future not just for their lives and business, but for the world at large. This vision encompasses space applications, novel ways of communication beyond phones or watches, and the enhancement of human capabilities through advanced sprayable technology.
“One challenging lesson I learned early on was the importance of tangible evidence when presenting visionary ideas,” Xavior recalls.
Despite their ambitious plans, the lack of physical prototypes or demonstrable results initially led many to look elsewhere. To overcome this hurdle, they shifted into what they call ‘ARMA mode.’ This meant being resourceful, leveraging limited resources, and tirelessly working to create something tangible from their ideas. “This approach not only helped in securing the necessary support but also in refining our vision into achievable steps,” he adds.
“Today, our primary focus is on the intricate engineering aspects of our business,” says Xavior.
Ilyaas, as the CTO, leads the development of several key components: the sprayable application device, their proprietary formulation, and the innovative design of their gloves. These elements are guided by one of their core values, “Mystery,” which encourages them to spark and invoke new ways of thinking, building, and creating through immense curiosity.
The Motleys are committed to contributing to Dayton’s economy and legacy of innovation.
“Keep Dayton’s economy in mind. Understand what The Wright Brothers did for the world, where EC is here to help realize entrepreneurs just like them,” Xavior emphasizes.
With their sights set on commercialization in the next few years, ARMA is open for investments and poised to make a significant impact.
ARMA’s journey is a testament to the power of innovation, resilience, and community support. From protecting shoes to advancing space exploration, Xavior and Ilyaas Motley are on a mission to change the world.
About ARMA
ARMA, founded by twin brothers Xavior and Ilyaas Motley in Dayton, Ohio, is a pioneering startup specializing in sprayable second skin technology. Their innovative solutions aim to revolutionize industries such as sports, food, medicine, and space by offering advanced protection for skin, fabric, and various objects. With a strong foundation in athletics and a commitment to engineering excellence, ARMA is transforming the $52 billion sports glove market and beyond. Their groundbreaking technology addresses critical flaws exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, offering a sustainable and efficient alternative to traditional protective methods of all glove types. As ARMA continues to innovate, it remains dedicated to contributing to Dayton’s rich legacy of innovation and economic growth. For more information about ARMA and its revolutionary products, visit their LinkedIn.
About Entrepreneurs’ Center
The Entrepreneurs’ Center (EC) drives economic growth and prosperity by championing entrepreneurship. With a mission to empower innovators, the EC annually collaborates with over 1,000 entrepreneurs, catalyzing the creation of businesses, job opportunities, revenue streams, and investments. Offering a suite of professional services, including business planning, mentoring, training, networking, commercialization, and capital investment, the EC serves as a beacon for both main street and technology enterprises. Anchored by a dedicated team of advisors, entrepreneurs-in-residence, and staff, the EC orchestrates world-class business acceleration programs in collaboration with corporations, academic institutions, and government entities, including the U.S. Department of Defense, from its headquarters at The Hub Powered by PNC Bank within the historic Dayton Arcade.
