Program Overview
The 3-day event provided a rare opportunity for face-to-face collaboration as GIST brought together 10 regional investors from diverse cultures and time zones. The in-person format allowed investors to make decisions more swiftly and cohesively, and the shared experience fostered a deeper understanding among the group, enhancing their ability to support startups in meaningful ways.
The Launch of the Pacific First Investment Network (PFIN)
A major milestone of this event was the official launch of the Pacific First Investment Network (PFIN). Established after the initial forum in 2023, PFIN represents the Pacific region’s first dedicated angel investment network. Its mission is to provide crucial financial support to early-stage startups, particularly in sectors vital to the region’s growth, such as agriculture, STEM, and green entrepreneurship.
Throughout the event, experts like Eli Velasquez, founder of Capital Stack Investors, and Kent Matla, leader of Blak Angels in Australia, played pivotal roles in guiding both startups and investors through the intricacies of early-stage investment. Velasquez, who has been mentoring the Pacific First Investment Network (PFIN) since its inception, highlighted the unique potential of the Pacific Islands’ startup ecosystem. He stated, “The work being done here is extraordinary; we’re not just preparing companies for investment, we’re cultivating a culture of innovation.”
Instructors Lynn Allendorf and Dimy Doresca also contributed significantly, providing practical, hands-on guidance throughout the program. Their experience in global entrepreneurship and venture development was instrumental in helping participants navigate complex challenges and unlock new opportunities.
Throughout the forum, investors like Rajendra Singh and Linda Narakou, the newly elected Chair of PFIN, played pivotal roles in mentoring and advising startups. Singh noted that the intensive, immersive format “opened up a new world of opportunities,” while Narakou emphasized the dual role of investors as both financial backers and mentors. The newly elected Chair of PFIN expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative, noting, “This is more than just an investment network—it’s about building long-term partnerships that help startups thrive.”
Over three days, investors participating in the GIST program worked to finalize PFIN’s structure. They elected leadership, formed key committees, and conducted due diligence meetings as part of their official duties. The network, which unites private and public investors, aims to foster sustainable economic growth in the Pacific Islands by supporting businesses that align with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. The launch of PFIN marks a significant leap forward in building a sustainable innovation ecosystem in the Pacific, particularly for green entrepreneurship in sectors like agriculture and technology. It is an enormous accomplishment on the part of all involved, and its success has only just begun!
