Techstars Atlanta and New Orleans, powered by JP 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 $120,000 in investment and convertible notes, as well as access to Techstars’ renowned global network of mentors, investors and resources to support their growth and scaling.
These three women-led startups will join a dynamic group, gaining invaluable tools and connections to take their ventures to the next level.
Last August, three more 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 Fintech, MusicTech and E -sectors of trade.
Ingrid Riley, Founder of Kingston BETAshared her excitement:
“We are incredibly proud of Melissa Powell, Monique Powell and Raquel Seville for their groundbreaking work. Their selection in the Techstars Atlanta Accelerator highlights the incredible talent within the Kingston BETA community and highlights the growing global recognition of Caribbean tech innovators.“
TechStars is the largest pre-investor in the world and the second in the global ranking in terms of reputation, right after Y Combinator.
About Kingston BETA
Kingston BETA is a peer-to-peer, community-driven network that, through its series of events and global connections, educates, inspires and connects entrepreneurs with the people, programs and resources they need to build technology-driven businesses. Over the years, Kingston BETA has become the heartbeat 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 13-week hybrid experience, beginning 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 JP Morgan’s commitment to supporting underrepresented founders. Beyond the accelerator, JP Morgan provides 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 Core
This remarkable achievement is the product of tenacious entrepreneurs and strong collaboration between two influential connectors –Ingrid Rileyfounder of Kingston BETA, and Melissa PegusManaging Director of Techstars Atlanta and New Orleans and a noted early stage investor. Their relationship, fostered by the Silicon Valley entrepreneur Martin Babinecfounder of Entrepreneurs Across Borders, emphasizes the power of strategic partnerships to open global doors for Caribbean entrepreneurs.
Later this year, 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 by 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 simplifying 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.
Next Event: Kingston BETA
Looking ahead, the next Kingston BETA event will be held on October 3, 2024at the AC Hotel in Kingston. thematic “The Done Deal: How the Power of Community and Networks Creates Startup Investment”this event will provide attendees with an opportunity to meet 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 technology!
About Kingston BETA
Kingston BETA is the premier technology 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 technology ecosystem with global opportunities, driving growth and innovation for Jamaican startups.
