Techstars Atlanta and New Orleans Announce Additional Investments in Jamaican Startups

Three Jamaican Startups Join Prestigious Techstars Atlanta Accelerator

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.

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.

About the Startups

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.

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.

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.

Conclusion

The partnership between Techstars, J.P. Morgan, and Kingston BETA has paved the way for Jamaican startups to gain global recognition and access to funding. This collaboration highlights the importance of community-driven networks in driving innovation and economic growth.

FAQs

Q: What is the total number of Jamaican startups receiving funding through Techstars?
A: Six Jamaican startups have received funding through Techstars, with a combined investment of JMD $111.6 million over the past twelve months.

Q: What is the duration of the Techstars Accelerator Program?
A: The Techstars Accelerator Program is a 13-week hybrid experience, starting with a retreat in Atlanta, Georgia, followed by virtual programming.

Q: What services does J.P. Morgan offer to help startups thrive?
A: J.P. Morgan offers banking, wealth management, and other services to help startups thrive, recognizing diversity and inclusion as essential drivers of innovation and economic growth.

Q: When is Kingston BETA’s next event?
A: Kingston BETA’s next event will be held on October 3, 2024, at the AC Hotel in Kingston.