From Mona High to Intelligen

THREE former Mona High School classmates are preparing to launch a technology platform they believe could help to simplify entrepreneurship in Jamaica, making it more affordable and less intimidating for small business owners. The platform, Intelligen , was developed by lifelong friends Negash Francis, Ganesh Nactie and Daniel Jarrett, and is designed to streamline key business functions, including company registration. The founders say the idea emerged from their own experiences navigating the challenges of starting and operating businesses in Jamaica, pointing out that administrative requirements can often be complex and costly for entrepreneurs. “We’ve all had experience with business before and realised that many of the processes are unnecessarily difficult for small business owners,” Francis, the company’s chief operating officer, told the Jamaica Observer . “What we wanted to do was simplify everything — from registration to taxes, accounting, HR [human resources] and marketing.” The platform aims to do that by converting complicated forms and procedures into a series of simple, user-friendly questions. Once completed, the system generates the required documents and helps users track important deadlines and compliance requirements through automated reminders and notifications. Beyond administration, Intelligen incorporates artificial intelligence-powered tools that allow businesses to create branded social media content, generate marketing materials, and manage aspects of their digital presence from a single platform. For Nactie, who works on social development and crime-prevention initiatives, the project is ultimately about removing barriers that often discourage people from pursuing entrepreneurship. “We want to make it easier for people to focus on growing their businesses rather than struggling with paperwork and processes,” he said. While the technology may be new, the partnership behind it is more than a decade in the making. The three founders first met as students at Mona High and remained close friends throughout their secondary education. Over the years, their careers took different paths, but they continued to share a common interest in business, technology and problem-solving. Jarrett, who serves as marketing and communications director, said the strength of the venture lies as much in the friendship as it does in the technology. “We’ve known each other since grade seven,” he told the Sunday Observer . “We went through high school together, built trust in each other, and learned each other’s strengths. That foundation is what made this possible.” Their backgrounds are equally diverse. Francis, who grew up in rural St Andrew and attended Red Hills Primary School, now works in the financial services sector. Nactie, who holds a master’s degree in chemistry, is involved in programmes aimed at reducing youth involvement in crime and violence. Jarrett, who hails from Trench Town, has built a profile in sports media, marketing, and project management. Each founder now oversees an area aligned with his expertise, with Francis leading strategy and product development, Nactie handling administration and operations, and Jarrett directing marketing and communications. The company plans to begin with a beta-testing phase involving approximately 100 businesses, allowing entrepreneurs to use the platform at no cost while the team gathers feedback and refines the product. The founders are targeting Jamaica’s vast small and medium-size enterprise sector, which they believe remains underserved by affordable business management solutions. While acknowledging that larger technology companies could eventually enter the space, Francis said the focus remains on building a product that delivers real value to local entrepreneurs. “Our priority right now is creating something that works well for Jamaican businesses,” he said. “If we build a strong product, the users will come.” For the founders, success will not be measured solely by subscriber numbers or revenue, but by the platform’s ability to help more Jamaicans formalise, manage, and grow sustainable businesses. As Intelligen prepares for launch, the trio is betting that a combination of technology, local insight, and a friendship forged in the classroom can help address some of the everyday challenges facing entrepreneurs and contribute to a stronger business ecosystem in Jamaica.