We’re talking all things digital and creative with Jess and Nic Le Merle, Co-Founders of Afundi.

Jess and Nic, both originally from South Africa, have an extensive background and significant range of knowledge within the digital space. Their talents range from brand development and positioning, digital consulting to website and app development allowing them to be frontrunners in today’s digital environments.

Having both moved to the Isle of Man in 2013/2014, they created their marks within their industries before bringing their knowledge and expertise together to take the plunge and launch Afundi.

Afundi is one of the Isle of Man’s leading digital businesses and Jess and Nic are taking it from strength to strength using a global network of freelancers passionate about software solutions, digital, websites and branding. This gives Afundi a uniquely global appeal and mindset, allowing them to build a team that meets the demands of every project.

Jess has worked with a host of impressive brands over the course of her career. Whilst she’s not one to name-drop, her skills have been behind many a campaign for the likes of Unilever, VW, Parmalat and Samsung. From strategic brand development and positioning to innovative digital consulting and everything in-between, she’s your go-to in the brand game.

Since her move to the Isle of Man in 2014 from Durban, South Africa, Jessica has fast made her mark on the local digital marketplace. Her fresh creative perspective, talent for storytelling and appreciation for her clients’ values means an affinity for crafting captivating brand stories.

Nic moved to the Island in 2013 from Durban, South Africa, where he worked in the eGaming sector as the Lead Applications Developer at Microgaming, a true industry innovator. Although he’s mostly hard at work behind the scenes, Nic plays a crucial role in the success of Afundi. Thanks to his technical know-how in the likes of coding, user-experience, applications and devices, he can create cutting-edge digital personas for the brands who trust Afundi to take them places.

In an intimate fireside chat, Katie Nicholson, Co-Director of Startup Grind Isle of Man and Co-Founder of founded, will table topics sure to inspire and influence others to follow in Jess and Nic’s footsteps:

- Taking the plunge to start their own business

- Building a team, hiring key skills and the decision-making process

- Why branding matters and how-to brand your business

- Moving from service to product-based business

- How can we enhance the IoM startup ecosystem?

Who should attend?

• Established and early-stage business founders

• Those looking to network with local founders

• Digital sector workforce

• Enterprising students and future founders

• Investors and service providers actively support the Isle of Man entrepreneurship economy

Tickets include hearty canapes from the award-winning Bakehouse team plus an arrival drink with a limited bar menu available.

Timings:

17:30 – 18:00 Arrival and networking

18:00 – 18:45 Fireside chat

18:45 – 19:00 Audience Q&A