Lance Mason, Co-Founder of 19N81W SEZC, Business Design Competition Alum, and Launch Labs Studios member sat down with us to talk about his journey and briefly discuss his company’s product “Pix”. 

Lance’s journey to the Cayman Islands was one of discovery and growth. After an extended delay in the UK due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he finally arrived on the island, ready to embrace a new chapter and explore semi-retirement. His initial experiences working with the government and local companies were demanding, with long hours and relentless schedules that helped him realize his true aspirations. “I was working 12-, 13-hour days, seven days a week,” Lance recalls, “and I knew I wanted to be part of something where I had full ownership as well as passion for the work.” Embracing his background in technology and game development, Lance saw this as the perfect opportunity to forge his own path and build his own business, driven by his unique vision and expertise. 

This decision led him to participate in the 2024 Enterprise Cayman (EC) Business Design competition, where he was named a finalist, for his business Pix. Lance describes Pix as an innovative solution offering unique and personalised content and leveraging market trends in mental wellness and digital entertainment. "We learned a lot from that. We didn't win anything, but it was a really good experience, and we met lots of really interesting people. We've had some mentors; we've had some Venture Capitalists. We've had quite a number of people who approached us as a result of that." The competition also connected Lance with another one of EC's initiatives - Launch Labs Studios. This program has provided him with a wealth of support and guidance as he navigates the process of starting a business in the Cayman Islands. "I have been to roughly 15-18 presentations and meetings,” Lance says. "Every single one, I've come away learning something of benefit to me. Not just something of benefit in general, but actually something I could use in the product." Lance told us a key lesson learned from a Launch Labs Studios workshop was the importance of using watermarks to protect his intellectual property - a tip he picked up from another startup's presentation.

When asked what advice he would give to somebody looking to start a business in the Cayman Islands, Lance emphasised patience and setting realistic goals. “If what I was doing was really time sensitive, I would have been delayed. I only ever targeted the middle of next year, and as it is, we're going to come in very much comfortable with that”. He also talked about the offices and workspace provided by EC, saying "I love this office. Sometimes my wife comes here. She says she's going to go back and talk to her boss and get to move here." With the support of Cayman Enterprise City (CEC), EC’s Launch Labs Studios, and his own determination, Lance Mason is poised to turn his entrepreneurial dreams into a reality in the Cayman Islands.

Learn more about 19N81W SEZC and Pix by visiting 19N81W.ky. To learn more about the Enterprise Cayman Business Design Competiton visit enterprisecayman.ky/business-design-competition. To learn more about Launch Labs Studios visit enterprisecayman.ky/launch-labs-studios.