Ingrid Riley is the Caribbean’s original disruptor and award-winning tech startup ecosystem pioneer, event producer, event host, super-connector, and the visionary behind Silicon Caribe.
Silicon Caribe curates events and experiences for Caribbean tech’s most remarkable entrepreneurs, CEOs, tech professionals, and investors – all designed to gather, inspire, educate, and connect the Tech Community.
SiliconCaribe is the Caribbean’s leading producer of tech events. We’ve hosted over 300 events across 12 countries- from Jamaica, Bahamas, to Trinidad and Tobago, New York, Miami, to Nairobi, and written over 2000 stories about it all.
From Kingston BETA to Caribbean BETA conference, Startup Weekend Jamaica, AgriHack Caribbean, Caribbean Bloggers Week, Fintech FWD, Future of Caribbean Money Conference, Beyond the Beach Summit, and Invite-only Private Dinners. Coworking Popups, Trend Forums, Impact Tours, Tech Happy Hours. Workshops. Bootcamps. SiliconCaribe has consistently built spaces where knowledge is shared, talent is discovered, deals are made, digital culture grows, and innovation thrives.
We’ve helped entrepreneurs meet up with their peers, find co-founders, upskill, hire talent, connect to investors, get ecosystem player support, be accepted into global accelerators, and get millions of dollars in investment deals.
Her Impact at a Glance:
- Kingston BETA — the first and longest-running Caribbean tech event series and community.
- 300+ events in 10 Caribbean countries plus Miami, New York, Kenya, and London.
- 100,000+ people directly impacted.
- 3,000+ stories told about Caribbean tech, startups, and innovation.
- 4 micro-communities for entrepreneurs, women in tech, tech talent, and investors.
- US $1M in deals for 6 entrepreneurs in the last 18 months through partnerships with Entrepreneurs Across Borders and Techstars — with startups now valued between US $3M and US $8M.
- A vibrant network where entrepreneurs, talent, and industry leaders actively collaborate and do business together.
Ingrid is also Co-Founder of GridNet. Gridnet designs and curates media, marketplaces, and live experiences at the intersection of tech, wellness, culture, and entertainment.
We build and operate our own original, signature events, media platforms, and marketplaces, while working with brands, international nonprofits, development agencies, investors, and governments.
Through premium media content, curated marketplaces, and immersive events, we spark connection, build community, exchange ideas, drive business, and shape culture.
What I Believe
“We’re in an era of unparalleled economic opportunity driven by technology. Anyone, anywhere, can use the Internet, creativity, and time to create something transformative. For the Caribbean and the Diaspora, this is a unique chance to innovate, disrupt industries, influence culture, and build lasting wealth for many.
Areas of Expertise
Event IP Creation & Production
Creator of 300+ events such as meetups, conferences, startup stages, hackathons, and summits – transforming ideas into repeatable, brandable event IPs.
Community Building & Network Orchestration
Built and connected thousands across industries, founding the Caribbean’s first and longest-running tech community.
Trendspotting & Thought Leadership
Published thousands of articles, identified emerging digital and tech trends early, and advised ecosystems and leaders regionally and globally.
Storytelling & Media Creation
Crafted powerful narratives through articles, interviews, keynotes, and media platforms that shape conversations around innovation and culture.
Startup Ecosystem Development & Influence
Established credibility and trust, earning awards and global recognition for redefining how Caribbean tech and entrepreneurship are perceived.
Awards & Recognition
Caribbean Future Proofer – Pitch Magazine UK (2019)
Queen of Caribbean Tech – Caribbean Media (2012)
Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica Game Changer Award (2012)
Techlinks Caribbean Innovators Game Changer Award (2013)
Saw you on TVJ this morning provided an important contribution to the constructive discussion of Emancipation and Independence.