OKX and UB Ignite Host Fintech Pitch Competition

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NASSAU , BAHAMAS – On Thursday evening at the University of The Bahamas, a room filled with entrepreneurs, business owners and other persons in the private sector gathered to witness a fintech pitch competition.

However, business strategist for OKX Bahamas says it’s more than that.

Deno Cartwright – Business Strategy and Operations Director, OKX Bahamas

“It’s more than that.”

Following eight weeks of training and preparation, five finalists took the spotlight, presenting their business plans to a panel of judges.

In April, OKX Bahamas Fintech Company Limited opened the program, encouraging Bahamians between the ages of 18 and 40 to apply.

Receiving more than 120 applications, 30 participants were eventually selected for the program. The cohort included entrepreneurs from New Providence, Abaco, Grand Bahama, Exuma and Long Island.

The participants received training in business fundamentals, facilitated by the University of The Bahamas.

However, the institution served not only as a facilitator, but also as a partner through UB IGNITE.

OKX Business Strategy and Operations Director Deno Cartwright says the collaboration was a strategic one.

Deno Cartwright – Business Strategy and Operations Director, OKX Bahamas

“One, to build a strong talent pipeline for the fintech industry. Secondly, to equip entrepreneurs with the necessary fintech information to help to scale their businesses.”

And in the end, it was Financify owner Daquan Swain who took home the championship.

As for what he walked away with…

Deno Cartwright – Business Strategy and Operations Director, OKX Bahamas

“The first prize is $10,000 cash towards your business, as well as $7,500 in mentoring and advisory services that is sponsored by the University of The Bahamas. Second place is $7,500 in cash towards your business, along with $5,000 in mentorship through the University of The Bahamas. And then the third prize is $5,000 cash, with $2,500 in prizes from the University of The Bahamas.”

Cartwright says the program gave participants the motivation and support they needed to pursue their entrepreneurial goals.

He says the grand prizes were also deliberate, aiming to address one of the biggest challenges facing young entrepreneurs, access to support.

Deno Cartwright – Business Strategy and Operations Director, OKX Bahamas

“Because a lot of persons have dreams. The only issue is they don’t have the resources necessary to push their dreams forward. They don’t know, and when I say resources, I don’t just mean money. They don’t have the person that can come and provide advisory services, provide business coaching, or provide mentorship.”