Jean Emmanuel Yannick Labonne

Jey is a dynamic professional with a diverse background in administration, education, entrepreneurship, and the creative arts. With a career that blends corporate expertise, startup innovation, and artistic expression, he has made a significant impact in various fields.

Jey has worked as an Administrative Assistant, demonstrating strong organizational skills. He pursued ACCA Level 1 and spent two years studying for a Financial Services degree at the University of Mauritius. His academic foundation in finance and business has supported his entrepreneurial ventures.

As the Chapter Director for Startup Grind Mauritius, he led the community for four years, interviewing 30 CEOs and fostering a thriving startup ecosystem. He managed five startups, proving his ability to navigate business challenges. His entrepreneurial excellence was recognized when he won the Tony Elumelu Foundation Seed Capital Grant of $5,000 in 2017.

His achievements include securing third place at a Cyber Security Hackathon, winning €1,600 and a sponsored trip to Ivory Coast. He was also a top 10 finalist in the Total Startupper 2nd Edition competition. One of his startups, Cultivium, was among the top 10 finalists in the UNWTO Gastronomy Competition. Additionally, his team won first place in Startup Weekend’s first edition in Mauritius, highlighting his leadership in early-stage ventures.

Jey has also made a lasting impact in education. He spent 15 years as a primary school teacher, shaping young minds and fostering a love for learning. His dedication earned him recognition as one of the Top 50 Education Innovators endorsed by the African Union.

Beyond business and education, Jey is a passionate creative. Under the artist name Ukunosa, meaning “light and salt of the world,” he writes songs, poems, and books. With over 100 poems and five unpublished books, his artistic works reflect his rich experiences and insights.

Jey’s journey is defined by resilience, creativity, and impact. Whether in business, education, or the arts, he continues to inspire and contribute meaningfully to every field he engages in.