The Value with Kevin Valley

What happens when one of the Caribbean’s top data minds builds a tech platform instead of a consultancy? You get a masterclass in turning information into influenceIn this episode of The Value, Kevin Valley talks with Raquel Seville, founder of Dataffluent, about the role of data infrastructure in shaping how the region scales AI, drives smarter business decisions, and builds valuation-ready companies.They unpack why AI needs local data, how dashboards drive smarter business decisions, and what it takes to move from service provider to tech builder.Topics include:Data strategies for fundraising and valuationUsing AI agents in business workflowsBuilding scalable tools in small marketsLearn more about Raquel at dataffluent.com

Join host Kevin Valley as he dives into the remarkable entrepreneurial journey of Jay Jackson, an award-winning entrepreneur and author. Jay shares his evolution from corporate life to owning a real estate company and establishing RYSE Creative Village, a nurturing hub for creators in music, film, and gaming. Discover his passion for community development and empowering artists, the importance of faith, curiosity, and mentorship, and his vision to bridge the gap between creators and major platforms like Netflix. Tune in for motivational insights, practical advice, and Jay's exciting plans for national expansion of RYSE Creative Village and their empowering efforts through crowdfunding. 00:00 Introduction and Personal Journey 00:51 Welcome to the Podcast 01:06 Introducing Jay Jackson 02:26 Jay Jackson's Philosophy on Dreams and Passion 03:58 Jay Jackson's Early Career and Entrepreneurial Seed 04:27 The Turning Point: Delivery Job Experience 12:41 Venturing into Real Estate 17:42 Navigating the 2008 Financial Crisis 20:36 From Real Estate to Salon Ownership 24:14 The Power of Curiosity and Execution 27:56 Leadership and Team Building 32:01 Cubicle to CEO: The Book 42:19 Rise Magazine and Community Impact 44:32 Launching on a National Scale 45:08 Relocating to Atlanta 46:27 Final Event in Orlando 52:04 Building RYSE Creative Village 59:28 Acquiring the School Property 01:06:22 Curating Creativity and Business Savvy 01:13:25 Funding and Crowdfunding Campaign 01:20:33 Long-term Vision and Challenges 01:26:24 Final Thoughts and Advice

In this episode of The Value, Kevin Valley interviews Dareem Jeffrey, the entrepreneur behind EcoWash—a car wash business that uses just two litres of water per vehicle. Dareem discusses his journey from growing up in Trinidad to building a global business, overcoming significant challenges, and empowering youth through innovative business models. Listen in to learn about his unique approach to franchising, the importance of resilience, and the strategies that have driven EcoWash's expansion across multiple countries. Watch this episode on YouTube

Join us for an insightful episode of 'The Value' hosted by Kevin Valley, featuring Aldwyn Wayne, CEO and founder of WiPay Caribbean. Aldwyn shares WiPay's journey from its 2016 inception to its expansion across the Caribbean, West Africa, South America, and the U.S. Discover innovative solutions like Colour Bank and WeFets, and learn how WiPay navigated pandemic challenges and regulatory hurdles. Aldwyn emphasizes the importance of customer feedback, flexible product offerings, and viable execution in startups. Get valuable insights on the FinTech landscape, entrepreneurship, and investment opportunities in the Caribbean. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Discover Check and Payment Processing 00:59 Welcome to the Podcast 02:42 WiPay's Journey and Achievements 04:26 Expansion and Innovations 06:29 Impact of the Pandemic on Business 11:16 Challenges and Strategies in FinTech 21:15 Entering New Markets: Columbia and Ghana 41:58 Building Business Ecosystems 44:27 Acquisitions and Strategic Moves 44:56 Travel Company Acquisition 47:21 Microfinance Company Acquisition 48:53 Valuing Acquisitions 52:55 Understanding Market Needs 59:15 Grenada Bacchanal Explained 01:03:38 Future of Caribbean Fintech 01:13:47 Web3 and Digital Payments 01:16:11 Final Thoughts and Advice Links: WiPay website WiTravel Watch this episode on YouTube

In this episode, we are with Nicholas Rees; a digital payment specialist, chartered accountant, private equity investor, and two-time Olympian from the Bahamas. Nicholas discusses his PPP business model - People, Planet, Profit - and his multifaceted career journey from an Olympic swimmer to founding several businesses, including his successful digital payments platform, Kanoo. He elaborates on his family's storied history, educational background, and extensive entrepreneurial ventures, such as his innovative water company, Everfresh. Nicholas also provides insight into Kanoo's operations, its role in the Bahamian digital currency ecosystem, digital financial inclusion efforts, and strategic acquisitions, including the recent acquisition of Trinidad-based fintech, LUHU. He emphasizes the importance of technology investment in the Caribbean and shares valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in the region.   Chapters: 02:50 Nicholas Rees' Early Life and Family Legacy 06:31 From Swimming to Business: The Transition 08:28 The Struggles and Triumphs of Starting a Business 10:48 The Water Business: A Social Impact Story 16:05 Educational Pursuits and Career Milestones 24:57 The Birth and Growth of Kanoo 29:21 Kanoo's Vision and Future Plans 31:13 Empowering Businesses with Digital Tools 34:05 The Sand Dollar: Bahamas' Digital Currency 36:57 Challenges and Innovations in Digital Payments 40:03 Financial Inclusion in Remote Areas 45:05 Kanoo's Strategic Acquisitions and Partnerships 57:18 Investment Opportunities in Caribbean Tech 01:01:37 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 01:03:53 Conclusion and Farewell