When you think of Jamaica, your mind likely drifts to sun-soaked beaches, reggae music, and globally influential culture. But next week, Jamaica will become the backdrop for something even more powerful: a collision of bold ideas, smart capital, and entrepreneurship.
From May 1st to 3rd, Kingston will host Beyond the Beach: The Impact Investment Summit, a three-day experience designed to foster deep conversations, spark deal-making, and showcase the rising wave of innovation and entrepreneurship in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean.
At the heart of this global gathering is Entrepreneurs Across Borders (EAB), a nonprofit rooted in a simple but transformative belief: entrepreneurship is the fastest path to economic uplift.
A Mission to Catalyze Change — One Relationship at a Time
Founded by Martin Babinec—a tech entrepreneur and founder of publicly traded HR-tech company TriNet—and led by Executive Director Chris Cochran, EAB is on a mission to connect emerging entrepreneurs in developing economies to the relationships and resources they need to thrive.
EAB isn’t your typical nonprofit. Built by entrepreneurs, for entrepreneurs, its focus is all about people over paperwork. The organisation believes that when you unlock the right relationships, knowledge, and capital, you create ripple effects that uplift entire communities and economies.
That’s why EAB is bringing a delegation of 15 impact investors, successful tech founders, and seasoned ecosystem builders to Jamaica. Their goal? In partnership with the Ingrid Riley-led SiliconCaribe, over the last 2 years, to continue to make an impact on the vibrant Jamaican tech and entrepreneurship scene, build authentic connections, and ask a simple but powerful question to local founders: “How can I help?”
It has been that approach of partnership that has led to 6 startups getting over US$1million in funding, and now 6 startups are valued between US$3 million and US$8 million dollars.
More Than Just a Summit — It’s a Movement
The Beyond the Beach Summit isn’t your average conference. Designed as an “unconference” — meaning no stiff presentations or panels for panels’ sake — this experience is about real conversations, real connections, and real opportunities.
Attendees can expect:
✅ Candid conversations with global investors and seasoned tech entrepreneurs. ✅ Office Hours with the Kingston BETA Tech Entrepreneur Community — one of the Caribbean’s most active tech ecosystems. ✅ Live Startup Stage Pitches and feedback sessions. ✅ Curated networking designed to spark unexpected collaborations. ✅ Exclusive access to Kingston’s creative entrepreneurship, arts, and culture scene.
This is where capital meets community. Where bold ideas meet smart, experienced hands. And where the future of tech and entrepreneurship in Jamaica continues to get the spotlight it deserves.
Why Jamaica? Why Now?
Jamaica’s reputation as a tourist paradise often overshadows one of its best-kept secrets: the nation is also a growing hub for bold entrepreneurship, groundbreaking innovation, and world-class business talent.
From fintech startups and digital media businesses to software platforms and creative tech ventures, Jamaican entrepreneurs are building the kind of companies that shape industries. And global investors are starting to take notice.
Beyond the Beach aims to amplify that story and create lasting relationships that lead to real investments, collaborations, and growth.
Who You’ll Meet
This summit is designed for those who want to shape the future, not just talk about it. You’ll meet: