From Island Boy to Fintech Visionary - The Journey of a Bahamian Olympian with Nicholas Rees
The ValueJuly 02, 202401:04:33

From Island Boy to Fintech Visionary - The Journey of a Bahamian Olympian with Nicholas Rees

In this episode of The Value with Kevin Valley, 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, his educational background, and his 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.



Timestamps:

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