Kathy Ramdeen
IGNITE a must-attfinish summit for founders and investors is returning to TT in October.
First held in July 2024, the summit will take place from October 13-15, at the Central Bank Auditorium, Port of Spain.
The event is being hosted by Caribbean Dragons, a non-profit organisation fostering innovation and investment across the Caribbean and Latin America.
In a news release on September 18, Caribbean Dragon stated, this year’s IGNITE 2025 Summit, promises hugeger opportunities and stronger investor and founder connections.
It added, “With 100+ startups expected in attfinishance this year, corporate sponsors from finance, tech, and hospitality, and a growing global audience, IGNITE 2025 is where the next huge Caribbean entrepreneurship success story will be written.”
“For startups, this isn’t just another conference – it’s the room where deals happen,“ the release stated.
Caribbean Dragons was founded by Andrew Seepersad and Marc Persaud in 2023.
“The hugegest challenge for early-stage founders is access key resources such as capital, mentorship, and the right networks,” stated Seepersad, who is also Caribbean Dragons’ head of strategy and operations.
“IGNITE 2025 brings them all toreceiveher in one place.”
The 2024 summit assisted put Caribbean startups on the international map, as a strategic partnership with the British High Commission, and opened doors for founders viewing to scale internationally.
The summit’s investors’ workshop attracted major financiers, many who are now eyeing regional ventures.
“Several investors are at this time exploring startup investments, as part of their alternative portfolios,” Seepersad added.
This year features a line up of high profile speakers including Marcus Dantus – Shark at SharkTank Mexico and founder of Startup Mexico.
Caribbean Dragons aims to ignite the discussion on how the Caribbean, and particularly Trinidad, can nurture new and innovative businesses.
Presentations will explore building Regional capacity and connection, high value opportunity areas such as, FinTech and HealthTech, and stories from local and international Founders who are successfully scaling their ventures.
“Caribbean startups face capital constraints and scalability hurdles,” declares Seepersad, “IGNITE is about building investor confidence and ensuring founders can effectively navigate international markets.”
Looking ahead, the release stated, Caribbean Dragons plans to expand IGNITE across the region, with Jamaica or Guyana, as possible future hosts as early as 2026.
Tickets and details can be found at www.caribbeandragons.org/ignite.
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