
uncorrelated Puerto Rico
March 30 - April 1, 2025
Agenda
March 30th - SuNDAY
5:00PM - 8:00 PM
OPENING cOCKTAILS - private residence Welcome Mixer
March 31st - MonDAY - conference Day 1
8:00 AM - REGISTRATION OPENS
Pick up your name badge and gift bag, grab a light bite and network early with other attendees.
9:00 AM - OPENING & WELCOMING REMARKS: UNLOCKING THE FUTURE OF CAPITAL IN THE CARIBBEAN
Enjoy a brief introduction from your conference co-hosts.
9:10 AM - WHY PUERTO NOW: THE NEXT GLOBAL INVESTMENT HUB
Puerto Rico is emerging as a premier destination for global investors, driven by attractive tax incentives, a growing alternative investment ecosystem, and a strategic geographic position bridging the U.S. and Latin America. This session will explore the key drivers fueling Puerto Rico’s rise, including favorable regulatory frameworks, an influx of capital, and expanding opportunities in private equity, venture capital, real estate, and private credit. Industry leaders will discuss why fund managers, family offices, and institutional investors are increasingly looking to Puerto Rico as a hub for capital deployment, innovation, and long-term growth.
Moderator: Adam Greenfader, Chairman, AG&T
Panelist: Alberto Bacó Baqué, Co-Founder, RE CAPITAL and the Partnership for a Modern Puerto Rico
Panelist: Augustín Rojo Montilla, President, Puerto Rico Builders Association
Panelist: Héctor Del Río, Nave Bank, Business Development Officer
10:05 AM - TRANSFORMATIVE INVESTMENTS IN PUERTO RICO
Puerto Rico’s economic transformation is being fueled by bold, future-focused projects that are reshaping its role in global markets. From space exploration and aerospace technology to electric vehicle manufacturing and renewable energy, the island is attracting cutting-edge industries and private investment.
Moderator: Carlos Garcia, Managing Partner, Trip Ventures
Panelist: Tom Markusic - CEO, GIG Aerospace
Panelist: Reason - CEO, Repair Biotechnologies
Panelist: Fernando Molini - CEO, XZERTA
10:55 AM - NETWORKING BREAK
11:10 AM - CEO TALKS: TRENDS, RISKS & OPPORTUNITIES
As President & CEO of Sygnus Capital, Berisford Grey has been at the forefront of private credit, alternative investments, and structured financing in the Caribbean and beyond. In this exclusive fireside chat, Grey will share his perspectives on the evolving investment landscape, the role of private credit in emerging markets, and how institutional and private investors can unlock new opportunities in the region.
Featured Speaker: Berisford Grey, President & CEO, Sygnus Capital
Moderator: Nathan Whigham, President, EN Capital
11:40 AM - FIRESIDE CHAT: WHY THE CAYMAN ISLANDS
The Cayman Islands has long been a cornerstone of the global alternative investment industry, offering world-class fund structures, a business-friendly regulatory environment, and a strong financial services sector. In this fireside chat, industry experts will discuss why fund managers, institutional investors, and family offices continue to favor the Cayman Islands as a jurisdiction for structuring investment vehicles.
Featured Speaker: Sue Nickason, Vice President, DART Family Office
Moderator: Nathan Whigham, President, EN Capital
12:10 PM - SPECIAL PRESENTATION - STRUCTURING GLOBAL WEALTH WITH PR FINANCIAL ENTITIES
International Financial Entities (IFEs) play a crucial role in Puerto Rico’s financial sector, offering a unique structure for banking, asset management, and alternative lending with significant tax advantages. This session will provide a comprehensive overview of IFEs.
Presenter: Marimar Pérez-Riera, Esq., Chairperson of BOD and General Counsel, Jurissa International Bank
12:40 PM - LUNCH KEYNOTE
Featured Speaker: Harry Markopolos, Certified Fraud Examiner / Forensic Accounting & Financial Mathematics Consultant
1:40 PM - FIRESIDE CHAT: INSIGHTS FROM THE TOP
As former Governor of Puerto Rico and a leading figure in finance and public policy, Luis G. Fortuño brings a unique perspective on economic development, investment opportunities, and Puerto Rico’s evolving financial landscape. In this exclusive fireside chat, he will discuss Puerto Rico’s position as a competitive investment hub, the impact of fiscal policies on capital markets, and the future of private sector growth in the region. This conversation will provide valuable insights for fund managers, institutional investors, and business leaders looking to navigate the opportunities and challenges of investing in Puerto Rico and beyond.
Featured Speaker: Luis G. Fortuño, Former Governor of Puerto Rico & Partner at Reed Smith
Moderator: Adam Greenfader, Chairman, AG&T
2:10 PM - NON-DILUTIVE ACCESS TO CAPITAL ON THE ISLAND
For companies and fund managers seeking to scale, raising capital without diluting ownership is a strategic advantage. This session will explore the various non-dilutive funding options available, from private credit and revenue-based financing to structured debt, grants, and government incentives.
Moderator: Colton Wandke, Co-Founder, DECA Analytics
Panelist: John B Pelling III, Managing Partner, Puerto Rico Innovation Fund
Panelist: Brian Diaz, Co-Founder & CEO, Pacifico Group
Panelist: Dr. Keishla M. Tirado, Director of Federal Programs, DECA Analytics
Panelist: Hector Jirau, Executive Director, Parallel18
Panelist: Vivian M. Dolagaray López, Executive Vice President for Commercial Strategy and Financing, Puerto Rico Economic Development Bank
3:00 PM - NETWORKING BREAK
3:15 PM - CARIBBEAN FAMILY OFFICE PERSPECTIVE
Family offices in the Caribbean operate within a unique investment landscape, balancing local opportunities with global diversification while leveraging tax efficiencies and strategic market positioning. This session will explore how Caribbean-based family offices are allocating capital, managing risk, and navigating alternative investments in an evolving economic environment.
Moderator: Michael Nelson, Managing Partner, Eagle Bay Family Office
Panelist: Sue Nickason, Vice President, Dart Family Office
Panelist: Roxana Balzac Ruiz, Managing Partner, Mogote Family Advisory
Panelist: Ned Mahic, Founder & CEO, 9606 Capital
4:10 PM - BEYOND THE MAINSTREAM: THE FUTURE OF NICHE INVESTING
As traditional asset classes become increasingly crowded, investors are looking beyond the mainstream to uncover untapped opportunities in niche markets. From specialty private credit and secondary markets to alternative real assets and emerging industries, this session will explore how fund managers and family offices are identifying high-growth, under-the-radar investment opportunities.
Moderator: Anthony D. Mascia, Co-Founder & Managing Partner, EFSI
Panelist: Jon Najarian, Co-Founder, Market Rebellion
Panelist: Keith Jensen, Founder & Manager, Convex Venture Management
Panelist: Michael Stendler, Managing Director, O’Brien Investment Group
7:00 PM - THE BIG PARTY - La factoria
EXCLUSIVELY SPONSORED BY:
April 1st - Tuesday - conference DAY 2
8:00 AM - CHECK-IN
Grab a light bite and network early with other attendees.
9:00 AM -
TRACK A: STRONG FOUNDATIONS FOR SETTING UP COMPANIES IN PUERTO RICO
Puerto Rico offers a strategic blend of U.S. legal protections, attractive tax incentives, and a skilled bilingual workforce, making it an ideal location for businesses looking to expand or relocate. This session will provide a step-by-step guide to setting up a company in Puerto Rico, covering corporate structures, regulatory considerations, tax advantages, and key operational strategies.
Moderator: Aurelio L. Fuentes, Co-Founder, DECA Analytics
Panelist: Ella Woger, CEO, Invest Puerto Rico
Panelist: Lucy Crespo, Chief Executive Officer, Puerto Rico Science, Technology and Research Trust
Panelist: Nellie Gorbea, President and CEO, Puerto Rico Green Energy Trust
Panelist: Cristina Tamayo Pérez, Managing Director, Endeavor Puerto Rico
Panelist: Carolynn Kaufman López, Attorney & Special Assistant at Office of Incentives for Businesses in Puerto Rico, Departamento de Desarrollo Económico y Comercio
Panelist: Kimberly Ortiz Lopez, Senior Program Officer, Popular
Panelist: Carlos Fontan, Co Founder of FORMENTUS
TRACK B: PRIVATE EQUITY’S NEW FRONTIER: THE CARIBBEAN
As global private equity firms seek new markets for growth and diversification, the Caribbean is emerging as a compelling frontier for investment. With rising deal flow, untapped middle-market opportunities, and a growing appetite for private capital, the region presents unique advantages for investors willing to move early.
Moderator: Elana Margulies-Snyderman, Director, Publications, EisnerAmper
Panelist: Cyril Meduña, Founder and Managing Partner, Advent-Morro Equity Partners
Panelist: Jose A. Torres, Managing Partner & Founder, Monllor Capital Partners
Panelist: David Goldstein, Director, Product - Fund Services, STP Investment Services
Panelist: Abraham Rivera, Senior Associate, Caoba Capital
9:55 AM -
TRACK A: CLIMATE AND AGTECH INVESTING IN THE CARIBBEAN
As the Caribbean faces climate-related challenges, the need for sustainable solutions in agriculture and environmental resilience has never been greater. Investors are increasingly turning to AgTech and climate-focused innovations to drive both economic growth and environmental impact in the region. From precision farming and controlled-environment agriculture to renewable energy and water management, new technologies are transforming the way the Caribbean approaches food security, sustainability, and climate adaptation.
Moderator: Sam Talman, Principal, Puerto Rico Energy Forum
Panelist: DJ Lampitt, Vice President, Small Business Development, The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce
Panelist: Santiago Barba, COO, Puerto Green, Inc.
Panelist: Stephen Inglis, CEO, AI Capital LLC & Co-Founder of the Financial Analysts’ Society of Puerto Rico
Panelist: Mark Barasch, CEO, NuCycle Energy
TRACK B-1: FIRESIDE CHAT: WHY THE UNITED STATES VIRGIN ISLANDS
The U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) is emerging as a compelling destination for investors, businesses, and family offices seeking strategic advantages in the Caribbean. With favorable tax incentives, a growing financial services sector, and access to U.S. legal protections, the USVI offers a unique blend of stability and opportunity.
Featured Speaker: Wayne Biggs, CEO, USVI Economic Development Authority
Moderator: Nathan Whigham, President, EN Capital
TRACK B-2: FIRESIDE CHAT: WHY THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
The British Virgin Islands (BVI) has long been recognized as a leading global financial center, offering flexible corporate structures, tax efficiency, and a trusted legal framework for investors, fund managers, and family offices. As the landscape for offshore financial jurisdictions evolves, the BVI continues to attract capital, facilitate global investment flows, and serve as a premier domicile for alternative investment funds.
Featured Speaker: Michael J. Killourhy, Head of BVI Business & Trust Law Group and Deputy Practice Head, Ogier
Moderator: Nathan Whigham, President, EN Capital
10:45 AM - NETWORKING BREAK
11:00 AM - DIRECT LENDING & PRIVATE CREDIT: A REGIONAL FOCUS
As traditional banking models evolve, private credit and direct lending have emerged as key drivers of capital formation in the Caribbean and Latin America. With banks tightening lending standards, investors are increasingly turning to private credit solutions to finance middle-market businesses, real estate projects, and infrastructure development.
Moderator: Geoff Marcus, Co-Founder, Inti Advisors
Panelist: Raúl Cacho, Head of Private Credit, Sygnus Capital Puerto Rico
Panelist: Anthony DeFeo, Managing Director, Spectra Capital
Panelist: Chris Valentine, Senior Managing Partner, Celeres
Panelist: Alan Rios, Chief Investment Officer, Stratus Financial
11:55 AM - SUSTAINABLE PROFITS: IMPACT INVESTING IN THE CARIBBEAN
The Caribbean presents a unique opportunity for impact investors seeking both financial returns and positive social and environmental outcomes. With growing demand for renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure, climate resilience, and social enterprise development, the region is attracting capital from investors committed to long-term, responsible growth.
Moderator: Nerma Albertorio Barnés, Managing Director, Project Makers
Panelist: James Connor, Chief Executive Officer, Sygnus Capital Puerto Rico
Panelist: Xaira Ferrara, Associate Director, Development & Partnerships, Acumen
Panelist: Jay Madhu, CEO & Chairman, Oxbridge / SurancePlus
12:45 PM - LUNCH / PROJECT MAKERS INTRO
KEYNOTE
Featured Speaker: Allan Weiss, Founder, Weiss Analytics and Valshares Management
1:45 PM -
TRACK A: UNLOCKING HIGH-YIELD OPPORTUNITIES IN CARIBBEAN REAL ESTATE
With its booming tourism sector, rising demand for luxury and eco-friendly developments, and favorable tax incentives, the Caribbean is becoming a prime destination for real estate investors seeking high-yield opportunities. From hospitality and resort developments to residential, commercial, and industrial real estate, investors are tapping into a diverse range of assets that offer both strong returns and long-term appreciation potential.
Moderator: Adam Greenfader, Chairman, AG&T
Panelist: Carter Redd, President, Moncayo, Puerto Rico
Panelist: Eric Taylor, Managing Director, Walker & Dunlop
Panelist: Eric Berman, Managing Partner, Vivant Capital
Panelist: Steven Boughner, Founder & President, Global Strategies Group
TRACK B: DATA-DRIVEN WEALTH: THE AI & INVESTING CONNECTION
Artificial intelligence and data-driven technologies are reshaping industries, unlocking new efficiencies, and creating unprecedented investment opportunities. As AI adoption accelerates across sectors, investors are increasingly looking to AI-driven startups, data infrastructure companies, and emerging technologies as high-growth investment targets.
Moderator: Marc LoPresti, Co-Founder, Market Rebellion
Panelist: Lauren Cascio, Co-Founder, Gulp Data
Panelist: Lorena Molina-Irizarry, Data Innovation Strategist
Panelist: Ali Jamal, Founding Partner, First Check Ventures
Panelist: Felipe Castro Quiles, Co-Founder, Emerging Rule & GENIA Latinoamérica
2:40 PM - CARIBBEAN WEALTH MANAGEMENT
As global investors and high-net-worth individuals increasingly look to the Caribbean for wealth preservation, tax optimization, and alternative investment opportunities, the region’s wealth management landscape is evolving rapidly. With a unique blend of international financial structures, tax-efficient jurisdictions, and family office growth, the Caribbean is positioning itself as a premier destination for wealth planning and private banking.
Moderator: Elana Margulies-Snyderman, Director, Publications, EisnerAmper
Panelist: Alexandra Valentin, Chief Strategy Officer, Head of Puerto Rico & Founding Partner, Tiempo Capital Partners
Panelist: Ram Ahluwalia, CEO & Founder, Lumida Wealth
Panelist: Braulio Nieves Román, Investment Advisor, BNR Capital LLC/Pariter Wealth Management Group LLC
3:35 PM - NETWORKING BREAK
3:50 PM -
TRACK A: THE NUANCES OF OPERATING IN PUERTO RICO
As blockchain technology and digital assets continue to evolve, investors are looking beyond speculation to uncover real-world applications and sustainable investment opportunities. The Caribbean, with its pro-business regulatory frameworks and growing fintech ecosystem, is becoming a hub for blockchain innovation, from tokenized assets and DeFi to digital payments and Web3 infrastructure.
Moderator: Nathan Whigham, President, EN Capital
Panelist: Michael Nelson, Managing Partner, Eagle Bay Family Office
Panelist: Robb Rill, Founder, The 20/22 Act Society
Panelist: Josh Erskine, CEO, Warp Speed Holdings
Panelist: Roxana Cruz, Tax Attorney and Founder, Tax Law and Venture Services
TRACK B: THE NEXT WAVE OF BLOCKCHAIN & CRYPTO INVESTMENTS
As blockchain technology and digital assets continue to evolve, investors are looking beyond speculation to uncover real-world applications and sustainable investment opportunities. The Caribbean, with its pro-business regulatory frameworks and growing fintech ecosystem, is becoming a hub for blockchain innovation, from tokenized assets and DeFi to digital payments and Web3 infrastructure.
Moderator: Michael Terpin, Founder and CEO, Transform Ventures, Author, Bitcoin Supercycle
Panelist: Fizza Khan, Founder & CEO, Silver Regulatory Associates
Panelist: Jordan Pinkus Feintech, Strategic Advisor/ Investor, Attentionscape Assets
Panelist: Jeff McDonald, Co-Founder, NEM
Panelist: Roc Zacharias, CEO, Lunar Digital Assets
4:40 PM - CLOSING REMARKS
4:50 PM - CLOSING COCKTAILS
Sponsors
CO-HOSTS
DIAMOND
PLATINUM
GOLD
MEDIA, NON-PROFIT & ASSOCIATION PARTNERS