CEI Jamaica: Demo Day
Eight female-led Jamaican businesses to benefit from millions in funding and business support through Catalyst for Entrepreneurship & Innovation (CEI)
A partnership between DBJ, JTDA, and Nobellum
Kingston, Jamaica – June 11, 2025
While billions flow into startups globally each year, the Caribbean captures less than 1% of total venture capital. CEI Jamaica (Catalyst for Entrepreneurship & Innovation) — a bold new accelerator delivered in partnership with the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ), the Jamaica Technology & Digital Alliance (JTDA), and Nobellum — is working to change that by connecting Jamaican innovation with global investment.
This Saturday, June 14, eight high-potential, women-led startups from across the island will take the stage at CEI Jamaica’s Demo Day, hosted at the AC Hotel in Kingston. These founders will pitch for a share of $1 million JMD in non-dilutive pitch prizes, while unlocking access to long-term investment, mentorship, and market expansion support.
Solving a Core Problem: A New Pipeline for Capital and Innovation
CEI Jamaica was created to prepare founders for international investment and position Jamaica as a competitive destination for global capital. Many of the fund managers attending Demo Day have never previously considered investing in the Caribbean, and CEI Jamaica is socializing a new vision of what’s possible when the region’s talent is matched with international funding.
A New Blueprint for Cross-Border Investment
At its core, CEI Jamaica offers a new blueprint for how regions within the Caribbean can scale innovation through cross-sector collaboration.
Many of the investors participating in the programme are Jamaican-born professionals who built successful global careers and are now returning to help build infrastructure that connects Caribbean talent to international capital.
This approach — merging local expertise with global investor readiness — lays the foundation for a stronger, more inclusive innovation economy in the region.
Meet the 2025 CEI Jamaica Cohort
Each company was selected through a competitive process, requiring a minimum of $100K USD in annual revenue or intellectual property valued at $3 million USD. Over the last three months, they have undergone intensive investor training, strategic mentorship, and tailored business development support:
FLIK FX – Drone ad tech startup led by Canada’s first female swarm drone pilot
Caribbean Online Academy – Flexible edtech for regional learning
Valentine’s Intimates & More – Intimates brand for fuller-busted women
Stush in the Bush – Culinary and wellness brand expanding into Kingston
Financially Focused – Media and business consultancy for entrepreneurs
SmartTerm – Digital tools for Caribbean schools and ministries
Chef A-Peel – Ready-to-eat Caribbean foods made for modern markets
EduHub – Edtech platform that amplifies teaching
What Partners Are Saying
“The Demo Day is not just a pitch event — it’s a launch pad,”
— Melisa Ellis, Founder & CEO of Nobellum
“We believe these companies represent the future of innovation and impact across the Caribbean and beyond.”
“We’ve been inspired by the boldness and brilliance of these founders. Their ventures address real market needs and offer globally scalable solutions.”
— Alexia Beckford, Programme Manager at JTDA
“The Development Bank of Jamaica is committed to bridging the gap between Jamaican entrepreneurs and access to capital... Exposure and international best practices for the Jamaican MSMEs is important.”
— Christopher Brown, Programme Manager, BIGEE at DBJ
About Demo Day & the Canada–Jamaica Investor Trade Mission
This Demo Day also anchors the Canada–Jamaica Investor Trade Mission, which brings Canadian fund managers and investors to the island — many of whom are exploring regional investment for the first time.
The day features:
A fireside chat with international venture capitalists
A live pitch room with over 50 investors and funders in attendance
A dynamic startup showcase offering hands-on interaction with founders and their products
CEI Jamaica is part of Nobellum’s CEI Global Exchange and supports its broader mandate to launch 100 Black-owned businesses in STEM by 2025.
About Nobellum
Nobellum is a Canadian-based, female-led social and technology enterprise dedicated to empowering the Black business ecosystem. Its mission is to support Black innovators in launching and scaling sustainable ventures. By 2025, Nobellum aims to launch at least 100 Black-owned businesses in STEM.
About JTDA
The Jamaica Technology and Digital Alliance (JTDA) is the nation’s premier technology advocacy group, advancing innovation, digital literacy, and inclusive growth across the tech ecosystem.
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