Digital Jersey brought together people from Jersey’s startup and business community on the 8th September for Pizza + Pitches Night, the first of many events giving local founders the opportunity to pitch their businesses, gain feedback and compete for a prize package worth £3,000.
Eight businesses pitched on the night: Insert Affiliate, KinJourney, LinkLocal, Abacas, Solwave, Generational, Data Trust Company and Island Life, covering ideas ranging from AI and data governance to family support, employee benefits, compliance and local activities.
Michael Butler, founder of Insert Affiliate, was named the clear winner, receiving more than twice the final public score of the next-highest pitch and securing £1,000 alongside £2,000 in Google Cloud and Gemini credits. The final result was based 75% on the judging panel’s assessment and 25% on an audience vote.
The eight businesses pitching were:
- Insert Affiliate, founded by Michael Butler, enables iOS and Android apps to run their own affiliate and influencer programmes, tracking in-app purchases so creators can be rewarded for the customers they generate.
- KinJourney, created by Emma Louise Veitch, provides families managing additional needs, disability, health or ongoing support with a secure place to organise reports and everyday information, using technology to simplify complex documents and identify useful patterns over time.
- LinkLocal, founded by Cameron Pirouet, is a Channel Islands employee rewards platform connecting staff with offers and benefits from independent local businesses, with more than 85 merchants already live.
- Abacas, founded by Alex Sparrow, is an AI-supported compliance platform helping organisations manage multiple security, quality and privacy standards through one system, reducing the time and cost involved in certification and ongoing compliance.
- Solwave, founded by Stephanie De Jesus, brings Jersey’s fitness, hobby and activity providers together in one place, making it easier for Islanders to discover and book everything from Pilates and yoga to surfing, climbing and dance.
- Generational, founded by George McLeod, is launching a Jersey-regulated, technology-led trust company combining experienced human trustees with digital processes and AI-supported administration to make professionally managed trusts more accessible.
- Data Trust Company, founded by Simon Lofthouse, is developing a Jersey-regulated fiduciary governance model for sensitive data, providing independent oversight over when and how data can be used without needing to own or host the data itself.
- Island Life, founded by Darcy O’Neil, is a Jersey app bringing live buses, parking, tides, weather, activities, local businesses and Island information into one place, alongside an AI guide available in more than 40 languages.
Michael Butler said:
“It was brilliant to have Insert Affiliate recognised, particularly alongside such a strong and varied group of Jersey businesses. Getting the opportunity to pitch in front of experienced judges and the audience, and then receive that level of support for what we’re building, means a huge amount.
“The £1,000 will be used to [INSERT USE], while the Google Cloud and Gemini credits will help us continue developing the technology behind the platform. We’ve already seen strong growth this year, so this support comes at a really useful point for the business.”
The judging panel was made up of Lucci Levi, Innovation Manager at Impact Jersey; Charlie Miles, Innovation Manager at Digital Jersey; and Jenny Winspear, entrepreneur, psychologist and founder of Bridgit Pay.
Charlie Miles, Innovation Manager at Digital Jersey, said:
“What stood out was just how varied the eight pitches were. We had founders tackling very different problems, but they all shared the ambition to build something that can make an impact from Jersey.
“Pizza + Pitches was about much more than the prize. Putting your idea in front of a room, explaining why it matters and opening yourself up to questions and feedback is incredibly valuable for any founder. We want to create more opportunities for Jersey’s entrepreneurs to test their ideas, build their confidence and connect with people who can help them take the next step.”
The evening was designed to be an informal and supportive way for founders at different stages to put their ideas to the test, while giving Jersey’s wider business community an opportunity to hear directly from some of the people developing new products and services in the Island.
Digital Jersey will continue to support entrepreneurs and early-stage businesses through its startup activity, providing opportunities to develop ideas, access expertise and build connections across Jersey’s business community.
“What impressed me most wasn’t just the quality of the pitches, it was the willingness of founders to put themselves out there. Pitching your business, defending your thinking and opening yourself up to feedback takes courage, especially in the early stages.”
“Pizza & Pitches was designed to give founders a supportive environment to do exactly that. The prize was a nice bonus, but the real value came from the conversations, feedback and connections made throughout the evening.”
“If we’re serious about supporting startups, we need to create more opportunities for founders to test ideas, learn from others and build relationships with people who can help them grow. That’s what this event was all about, and it’s something we’ll continue to build on.”
