Four Jamaican entrepreneurs from three innovative tech start-ups have embarked on an exciting journey of growth and development, as they kick off their participation in the TechStars New Orleans programme.

This opportunity follows a substantial investment of US$120,000 each, for a 6 – 9 per cent stake in their businesses.

The recipients of this remarkable opportunity are Khary Sharpe, founder of HeadOffice; Dylan Brennan, founder of Cyphr; and Jermain Morgan and Rory Richards, co-founders of GroceryList.

In addition to the financial support, the selected start-ups will undergo a rigorous 13-week programme designed to foster growth, refine strategies, and enhance business acumen. Furthermore, they will gain access to an extensive network of seasoned investors, paving the way for potential future investments, strategic partnerships, and expert guidance.

Speaking with Our Today, Melissa Pegus, managing director of TechStars Atlanta and New Orleans, said: “At Techstars, we are committed to identifying game-changers, and these Jamaican Tech Start-ups stand as a prime example. Our investment signifies a shared belief in their vision and a strong conviction that their solutions will catalyse a new era of innovation and empowerment throughout the Caribbean.”

The driving force behind this achievement can be attributed to a blend of entrepreneurial passion, persistence, and strategic patience. The combined efforts of Techstars, Entrepreneurs Across Borders, and the Kingston Beta Network Effect have facilitated the funding and international exposure that these start-ups desperately needed.

Ingrid Riley, founder of SiliconCaribe and Kingston BETA, shared with Our Today her thoughts on the achievement by the young entrepreneurs. She said: “I am very happy and proud. Jamaica’s tech start-up ecosystem is 16 years old, and it is prime time to be birthing start-ups that can do great things locally and globally and we have more to come.”

“TechStarts Atlanta and New Orleans investing US$360,000 in three Jamaican start-ups is a big deal. This is what happens when seasoned investors with a global eye, spot great talent in Jamaica,” she continued.

Khary Sharpe’s HeadOffice is a super app designed to assist businesses in underserved markets by managing local taxes, customer relationships, and team operations. The start-up garnered substantial interest during the Beyond the Beach Tech Event, where Sharpe presented his groundbreaking solution.

Dylan Brennan’s Cyphr offers a platform for musicians and songwriters to easily record, collaborate, and increase their income. Brennan’s pitch and subsequent interactions at the Beyond the Beach event caught the attention of Pegus, ultimately leading to his inclusion in the TechStars programme.

Jermain Morgan and Rory Richards co-founded GroceryList, a comprehensive consumer platform that allows individuals in the USA, UK, and Canada to send groceries as remittances to their loved ones throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.