Amidst the sun-soaked landscapes of Trinidad and Tobago, where life pulsates to the rhythm of Carnival, you will find Tychon's three founders—Rawle Annandsingh, Kevin Blake-Thomas, and Darwin Feveck emerge. Defying the stereotype that dreams are confined by geography, these entrepreneurs are rewriting the startup narrative. While Trinidad and Tobago might not be the conventional birthplace of startups, in the hands of the dynamic trio, it has become the epicenter of groundbreaking innovation. "Think startups, think Silicon Valley, right? Well, think again. The world is our oyster, and guess what? It can be yours too!" they passionately declare. Infused with boundless energy and a Caribbean flair, they are here to prove that innovation knows no boundaries and that every corner of the world has the potential to birth the next big thing.

Their Start-Up Journey

The trio started their entrepreneurial journey together in 2015. They created a food tourism platform connecting globetrotting foodies with locals, offering authentic culinary adventures at their destination. In 2018, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) recognized it as one of the top start-ups. They built a membership of just over 20,000 members across 43 countries. "Then the worst happened—the pandemic hit, planes were grounded, people were fearful, no one was thinking about travel, and an entire industry halted. We were forced to pivot." shares Kevin.

The Pivot

They went back to the drawing board. Leveraging what they had learned from their first start-up and their vast tech backgrounds, they founded Tychon, a platform that utilizes AI-driven shoppable images. Unlike traditional ads, Tychon seamlessly integrates products into user-generated content, allowing consumers to explore and purchase items directly from the photos.

Kevin describes Tychon's innovation, stating, "We've developed an AI platform that seamlessly integrates brands and products into images, transforming them into interactive experiences. Consumers can now not only view but engage and make purchases directly. It's akin to the taggable products you find on Instagram; however, it's fully automated and our vision extends far beyond a single platform. We're bringing this dynamic experience to a broader audience across the entire internet, revolutionizing how people discover and buy products."

The inspiration came as the co-founders identified a significant challenge in digital advertising, with 40% of ad spending being wasted, primarily due to decreased accuracy in ad targeting and shifting consumer behavior. Tychon's technology analyzes and matches businesses' product inventory with niche creators, preserving the consumer's digital experience.

The company, which is backed by Techstars and recently attained official Shopify Partner status, aims to empower e-commerce stores. It envisions expanding into broadcasting as well, especially in live-streaming events like the Superbowl. The technology is set to launch in Q1 2024, with 800+ Shopify stores already lined up. And its founders have the expertise to make it happen.

Kevin Blake-Thomas: A Tech Luminary with a Bold Vision

In the ever-evolving landscape of tech, where innovation is the heartbeat, Kevin stands not just as Tychon's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) but as an entrepreneur on a mission. With a career spanning nearly two decades, Kevin is more than just an experienced leader; he's the captain steering Tychon from zero to one—a future defined by innovation and success.

Armed with academic accolades such as a master's degree in Data Science and an undergraduate degree in Computer Science and Business Management, Kevin's journey is an ode to his unyielding passion for building businesses that drive technological innovation to impact people and unlock new norms positively. His prowess in delivering successful go-to-market strategies and bespoke enterprise-grade SaaS solutions for Fortune 500 enterprise clients and tech-based start-ups has earned him immense respect in the industry.

During his tenure as the head of Digital Strategy and Innovation at the Caribbean's largest and leading tech powerhouse, Kevin played a pivotal role in groundbreaking digital transformation endeavors. His visionary initiatives and his knack for creating cutting-edge products solidify his qualifications in the tech space. He hopes his accomplishments inspire the next wave of dreamers from Trinidad and Tobago to strive for greatness in the technology industry.

Rawle Annandsingh: From Hospitality to Tech Innovation

Rawle became an entrepreneur at a very young age when, shortly after graduating from high school, he was called upon to run his father's automotive business, where he honed his sales and marketing skills. Later, upon graduating from University, he again dived into entrepreneurship, leading both sales and marketing teams at several startups, including shipping, in-store radio, and digital advertising. The latter two led him into the tech realm.

Rawle brings a customer-centric perspective to the Tychon team, given his tourism and hospitality management background. With over two decades of experience in customer-centric industries, including seven years in the hotel and restaurant sector, Rawle's expertise adds a valuable dimension to Tychon's endeavors.

As the Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) of Tychon, Rawle leverages his diverse career, drawing from various industries over the past two decades. Rawle's contributions extend beyond business, with altruistic service at Fatima Old Boys' Association (FOBA), his high school alma mater's alumni association.

Darwin Feveck: Technology Maestro with a Global Perspective

Darwin, Tychon's Chief Technology Officer (CTO), is an accomplished and seasoned professional with over 15 years in the field of Information Technology. His expertise lies in business/systems requirements analysis and software development. His educational background includes a Master's degree and a Double Major undergraduate degree in Computer Science, further solidifying his technical prowess and comprehensive understanding of the field.

From an early stage, Darwin exhibited a strong passion for technology, showcased by his self-taught proficiency in computer repairs and networking. This gradually evolved into a fascination with software development and computer security, ultimately leading him toward a career in the technology industry. Darwin's commitment to learning has been instrumental in shaping his expertise and success in the field.

His extensive background includes successful stints in a state-owned oil and gas company, delivering cutting-edge software solutions for refinery operations. Beyond this, Darwin has carved his path as an independent consultant, specializing in Web/Mobile solutions across Retail and FinTech. With a commitment to continuous learning, Darwin not only contributes to the technological landscape but also fosters collaboration and growth within his professional network.

Breaking Barriers and Inspiring the Local Ecosystem

Tychon's founders aren't just innovators; they're architects of possibility, showing that when one door closes, they open another. Their journey isn't just entrepreneurial success; it's an anthem for dreamers everywhere. In a world where limits are illusions, their mantra is to explore the boundless frontier of innovation.

Learn more about Tychon today.