Celebrating a Decade of Impact
Sandra A. C. Glasgow, C-Founder, FirstAngels Caribbean
As a co-founder of FirstAngelsJA, the journey to our 10th anniversary has been filled with challenges, triumphs, and invaluable lessons. On August 15, we hosted a private, “by invitation only” 10th anniversary dinner and the rebranding of FirstAngelsJA to FirstAngels Caribbean at the AC Hotel in Kingston, featuring the incredible Daymond John, American Angel Investor and star of ABC’s Shark Tank as our special guest speaker.
The Power of Mentorship: Joseph M. Matalon’s Lasting Legacy
Organising this milestone dinner for 100 entrepreneurs and business moguls was an exhilarating journey— one filled with joy, challenges, and deep satisfaction, and it has given me a moment to reflect on the incredible support system that has fuelled the journey of FirstAngels Caribbean —none more pivotal than the contributions of Joseph M. Matalon, our champion.
Joseph has been a cornerstone of our network, not just as an investor but as a true role model for young entrepreneurs. His commitment to fostering innovation is evident in every deal he supports, every portfolio company board he serves on, and every Founder he mentors. His guidance has been instrumental in helping our portfolio companies navigate the complex landscape of growth and scale, providing not just financial backing but also the wisdom that comes from decades of experience.
The role of a “champion” in an Angel Network is more than just making a financial investment; as Joe put it in his opening remarks, “it’s about inspiring other high network individuals to be a part of a movement that is bigger than yourself—something that not only has the potential to offer financial returns in the long term, but more importantly, can make a lasting impact on our Region”. It’s about being a Mentor – a beacon of what is possible with hard work and vision. Joseph embodies this role perfectly, and his impact on our Network has been profound.
As we celebrate this milestone, I am deeply grateful for Joseph’s leadership and the example he sets for all of us. His dedication to nurturing talent and driving entrepreneurial success is what makes FirstAngels Caribbean not just a network, but a family.
But running a successful network is really about finding good deals that will result in good investments. But finding good deals this is only the beginning. The process requires a keen eye for potential, coupled with the patience to sift through numerous opportunities to identify the gems. Once we’ve identified those promising ventures, coaching Founders to refine their pitch presentations is another crucial step, helping them tell their story in a way that resonates with investors, making their vision compelling and their value proposition clear.
If the Angels like the Founder and the business, then comes the due diligence—a meticulous process that requires careful evaluation of every aspect of a potential investment. Ensuring that all parties are informed and comfortable with the risks and rewards takes time, effort, and a lot of discussion amongst the Founders, the due diligence team and the potential investors. The goal is to complete deals that not only satisfy our Angels but also empower the Founders to grow and succeed.
Empowering Entrepreneurial Success: The FirstAngels Caribbean Journey
The journey of growth for our portfolio companies presents its own unique set of challenges, but the satisfaction of seeing Founders strive towards achieving their goals and dreams and knowing that we’ve played a part in their journey is unparalleled. As we celebrate our 10th anniversary, I gratefully acknowledge all the people and organisations that have helped us to get to this point and I’m excited for what the future holds!
