Following two successful Isle of Man events, with a third scheduled for 4 November, the Crown Dependencies innovation network has appointed a local lead to connect innovation with private capital, create opportunities for investors and startups, and strengthen commercial links between the Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey.
TEKEX has appointed Manx entrepreneur Jenson Artus as its new Isle of Man jurisdiction lead, demonstrating its long-term commitment to supporting innovation, investment and business growth on the Island.
The appointment comes just eight months after TEKEX launched in the Isle of Man, with its sold-out debut event in February attracting more than 150 founders, investors, networkers and business leaders. A second event followed in May, featuring Chris Sheldrick, co-founder of global technology company what3words, alongside entrepreneurs and business leaders from the Isle of Man and across the Crown Dependencies.
With a third event scheduled for 4 November, TEKEX now has a dedicated local lead to develop partnerships, attract investors and strengthen connections between the Island’s public and private sectors. Artus will work with private investor networks to identify opportunities to connect capital with innovative startups seeking funding. He will also aim to bring together entrepreneurs, established businesses and organisations including government, the Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce and the Institute of Directors, encouraging a more coordinated approach to innovation and economic growth.
Artus said: “We can’t expect to grow our island economy purely by circulating the same opportunities within the same relatively small community. We need new relationships, new businesses and new capital coming into the Island.
“I know how valuable the right introduction can be. Sometimes one conversation can fundamentally change the direction of a business. If TEKEX can help create more of those opportunities for Manx founders, that’s something I want to be part of.”
Alongside shaping future TEKEX events, Artus will focus on helping Manx businesses develop commercial relationships and access new opportunities beyond the Island.
Artus is the founder of Isle of Man-based MGS, a strategic brand and marketing consultancy working with corporate organisations across the UK and Crown Dependencies. His experience establishing and growing the business and working directly with corporate clients on commercial strategy gives him first-hand experience of the challenges facing entrepreneurs.
Founded by entrepreneur Ed Prow, TEKEX already operates in Jersey and Guernsey, bringing together founders, investors and industry leaders. Its expansion into the Isle of Man earlier this year created further opportunities for collaboration between the three Crown Dependencies.
Prow said: “The response to TEKEX on the Isle of Man has been fantastic, but the events are only the starting point. What really matters is what happens afterwards: the introductions that lead to partnerships, investment and new opportunities.
“Jenson understands the Island and its business community, and having him lead TEKEX locally means we can build on that momentum and develop relationships that deliver real commercial value.”
Looking to 2027, Prow said: “Next year is about depth, regular events and introductions that turn into real deals. With dedicated local leadership now in place, TEKEX intends to develop relationships that extend beyond its events, creating opportunities for collaboration and investment while strengthening the Isle of Man’s connections with the wider Crown Dependencies business community.”
