The Tribune

By FAY SIMMONS

TRIBUNE Business Reporter

jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

A BAHAMIAN crypto currency education platform is seeking to broaden access to investment opportunities, with its founder noting many locals know how to work for money but struggle to understand how to make their funds work for them.

Nelson Strachan Jr, founder of CryptoNoobz, said the platform was established to educate Bahamians about crypto currency but has since expanded its focus to include investing, trading, real estate and artificial intelligence (AI).

“Money comes and goes very fast, but the average Bahamian doesn't really know what to do to actually keep the money, to let the money work for itself,” said Mr Strachan. “We’re okay working for the money. We’ve got that part down pat. Letting the money work for itself, that's what we still struggle with.”

Mr Strachan said CryptoNoobz began its podcast about two years ago with the aim of making crypto currency more accessible to the Bahamian public, explaining how it works, how people can get started and how it can be used.

The platform has since broadened its educational content by bringing on subject matter experts in areas including investing, trading, real estate and AI, alongside business owners and investors willing to share their knowledge and experiences.

Guests have included Caribbean digital nomad educator, Keron Rose, who teaches people how to earn money online, as well as Bahamian traders and real estate professionals discussing investment strategies and common mistakes.

Mr Strachan said the aim is to give Bahamians greater access to information and options they might not otherwise know were available to them. “The number one thing we want to give the Bahamian people is access. That's really what it is: Access and options,” he said.

CryptoNoobz has also expanded its educational efforts beyond the podcast through in-person crypto and coffee events at Cafe Amore. Mr Strachan said more than 200 people have attended the gatherings since they began this year, with discussions covering crypto currency investing, AI and other financial topics.

He said the events grew out of the platform's online community, as the founders wanted to engage directly with people and give them opportunities to ask questions and learn about investment opportunities.

Mr Strachan, who runs CryptoNoobz with business partner Lamont Astwood, said the platform's international audience has also helped create opportunities for Bahamians interested in developing AI ventures.

He said international contacts approached CryptoNoobz seeking Bahamians who could benefit from grant funding for AI projects, leading to local participation in Future Caribbean, an AI start-up incubator that helps participants develop their ideas and prepare them to be presented to investors.

Mr Strachan said some Bahamians have successfully participated in the programme, which he described as an example of how the platform's connections can expose local entrepreneurs to opportunities beyond the country.

He said the work was driven by a desire to make information and opportunities more accessible to Bahamians. “It's a labour of love,” Mr Strachan said. “We want to show The Bahamas that things are out here trying to make it a bit easier for us.”

CryptoNoobz will celebrate the 50th episode of its podcast with an event on Thursday, October 29, at Le Château. 

The event will feature a live podcast episode and discussions about investing, stocks and economics. It will also be livestreamed on the CryptoNoobz YouTube channel, giving those unable to attend in person an opportunity to follow the discussion.