Source: SILICON CARIBE
Techstars Atlanta and New Orleans, powered by J.P. Morgan, have announced three additional investments in Jamaican tech startups from the Kingston BETA community. This brings the total number of Jamaican startups receiving funding through Techstars to six, with a combined investment of JMD $111.6 million over the past twelve months.
Three Jamaican Startups Join Prestigious Techstars Atlanta Accelerator
Melissa Powell (POCMI), Monique Powell (QuickCart), and Raquel Seville (Dataffluent) have been selected for the highly competitive Techstars Atlanta Accelerator Program. Each startup will receive US$120,000 in investments and convertible notes, as well as access to Techstars’ renowned global network of mentors, investors, and resources to support their growth and scalability.
These three women-led startups will join a dynamic cohort, gaining invaluable tools and connections to take their ventures to the next level.
These startups were selected from 11 Jamaican tech startup applications submitted this year.
Last August, three other startups from Kingston BETA—Khary Sharpe (HeadOffice), Dylan Brennan (Cyphr), and Jermain Morgan & Rory Richards (GroceryList)—were accepted into the Techstars New Orleans Accelerator Program, representing the Fintech, MusicTech, and E-commerce sectors.
Ingrid Riley, Founder of Kingston BETA, shared her excitement:
“We are immensely proud of Melissa Powell, Monique Powell, and Raquel Seville for their groundbreaking work. Their selection into the Techstars Atlanta Accelerator underscores the incredible talent within the Kingston BETA community and highlights the growing global recognition of Caribbean tech innovators.“
TechStars is the largest pre-seed investor in the world and second in globally rankings reputationally, just behind Y Combinator.
About Kingston BETA
Kingston BETA is a peer-to-peer, community-driven network that, through its event series and global network, educates, inspires, and connects entrepreneurs to the people, programs, and resources they need to build tech-driven businesses. Over the years, Kingston BETA has become the hub of Jamaica’s tech startup ecosystem, fostering connections that drive innovation and investment.
Techstars: Championing Diversity and Innovation
Founders in the Techstars Accelerator Program will participate in a hybrid 13-week experience, starting with a retreat in Atlanta, Georgia, followed by virtual programming. This program will provide these entrepreneurs with unparalleled access to a global network, mentorship, and resources, in line with Techstars’ and J.P. Morgan’s commitment to supporting underrepresented founders. Beyond the accelerator, J.P. Morgan offers banking, wealth management, and other services to help these startups thrive, recognizing diversity and inclusion as essential drivers of innovation and economic growth.
Collaboration at the Core
This remarkable achievement is the product of persistent entrepreneurs and strong collaboration between two influential connectors—Ingrid Riley, founder of Kingston BETA, and Melissa Pegus, Managing Director of Techstars Atlanta and New Orleans and noted pre-seed investor. Their relationship, fostered by Silicon Valley entrepreneur Martin Babinec, founder of Entrepreneurs Across Borders, highlights the power of strategic partnerships to open global doors for Caribbean entrepreneurs.
Later this year, the Techstars founders will showcase their companies and innovations at DEMO Day in New York, presenting their progress to a global audience of investors and stakeholders.
Meet the Entrepreneurs:
- Monique Powell, Founder of QuickCart: QuickCart is an e-commerce and logistics company that helps merchants expand their sales while offering consumers the convenience of deliveries from local restaurants and stores.
- Melissa Powell, Founder of POCMI Inc.: POCMI is a SaaS marketplace revolutionizing global labor migration by streamlining the selection, relocation, and cultural immersion of foreign professionals for global companies.
- Raquel Seville, Founder of Dataffluent: Dataffluent equips financial analysts, investors, and decision-makers with advanced automation, intelligence, and visualization tools, enabling them to focus on strategic decision-making.
Upcoming Event: Kingston BETA
Looking ahead, Kingston BETA’s next event will be held on October 3, 2024, at the AC Hotel in Kingston. Themed “Done Deal: How the Power of Community and Networks Creates Startup Investments”, this event will provide attendees with an opportunity to meet the Techstars ATL & NOLA entrepreneurs and hear firsthand how community-driven networks can lead to successful startup funding.
Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to network, learn, and be inspired by the brightest minds in tech!
About Kingston BETA
Kingston BETA is the leading tech event series in the Caribbean, serving as a hub for entrepreneurs, innovators, and investors from Jamaica and the region. Since its inception, Kingston BETA has connected the local tech ecosystem with global opportunities, driving growth and innovation for Jamaican startups.
THE AUTHOR: Ingrid Riley
