About
Creating enduring worth through entrepreneurship
Investec Bank (Mauritius) Ltd is part of the Investec Group - a company driven by its core purpose: to create enduring worth.
We exist to serve our clients, our people, our shareholders and the communities in which we operate.
This purpose is brought to life through initiatives like Dazzle’s Den, where we empower passionate individuals with the drive and determination to strengthen our economy and create a more sustainable future for both our island and the planet.
Our CSI initiatives are guided by three core pillars that we believe have the greatest potential to foster employment, economic development and long-term impact:
Creating opportunities for young people to thrive through a continuum of initiatives from secondary to tertiary education and young adult development.
Supporting our communities through long-term, sustainable projects that reflect our values of meaningful contribution and shared growth.
Conserving biodiversity and greening communities, acknowledging the link between climate change and biodiversity loss.
The programme
Dazzle’s Den is an exciting new programme offering funding for emerging entrepreneurs and founders with a mission in Mauritius. This is an incredible opportunity to make your business a success and transform your community, whether you have recently started out or have a proposal in mind.
We are looking for passionate entrepreneurs who are dedicated to building successful businesses that are not only profitable but also create a significant impact in one, two or all our three core CSI pillars - education, community and/or environment.
Unlocking the power of potential.
If you’re ready to take your entrepreneurial journey to the next level and contribute to positive change then enter now.
We’re looking for early-stage entrepreneurs who are:
Based in Mauritius and hold Mauritian citizenship
Aged 18 years or older
At the concept, startup or SME stage
Not members of Mauritian Parliament
Committed to delivering impact in education, community and/or environment
Prizes
1st Place
Rs1,000,000
2nd Place
Rs700,000
3rd Place
Rs400,000
Meet the judges
Grant Parsons
Investec Bank Mauritius CEO
Grant Parsons
Investec Bank Mauritius CEO
Grant has 30 years’ experience in the financial services industry, 25 of which have been in banking. Grant joined Investec Bank Limited in November 2013 having worked at Standard Bank for 10 years before that. Prior to joining Investec Bank Mauritius in January 2021, Grant headed up the corporate coverage team within Investec’s Corporate & Institutional Banking (“ICIB”) division. He grew up and qualified as a chartered accountant in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa and completed his articles at Deloitte & Touche. Grant is a director of Investec Wealth & Investment (Mauritius) Limited, Mauritius Bankers Association Ltd, Dolphin Coast Marina Estate Ltd and La Balise Gym and Spa Ltd. Grant is a member of the Board Sub-Committee and the Risk Management Committee of the Bank.
Lara Vaudin
Investec Bank Mauritius COO
Lara Vaudin
Investec Bank Mauritius COO
Lara Ann Vaudin qualified as an attorney-at-law in Johannesburg, South Africa in 1996. She holds a BA LLB from the University of the Witwatersrand and an LLM (corporate law) from the University of South Africa. She joined the Bank in 2004 as the Bank’s legal adviser and is currently the Chief Operating Officer of the Bank.
Ajam Joomun
Investec Bank Mauritius head of compliance
Ajam Joomun
Investec Bank Mauritius head of compliance
Ajam has over 15 years of experience in governance, risk, and compliance management for banks and non-banking financial institutions. He holds a law degree and is a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) trainer (USA) as well as a professional member of the International Compliance Association (UK).
He began his career as a legal executive at a corporate law firm in Mauritius, where he spent eight years and established the first compliance consultancy firm in the country. Ajam then joined HSBC Mauritius for five years in the compliance department, working across various jurisdictions. Since 2019, he has served as the head of compliance at Investec Bank (Mauritius).
Additionally, he has chaired the compliance committees for the Mauritius Banker’s Association and represented international banks in the private sector during the FATF visit to Mauritius.
Jason Barr
Schindlers Trust Mauritius Limited MD
Jason Barr
Schindlers Trust Mauritius Limited MD
After gaining an honours degree in finance and accounting, Jason began his professional career in London in 1999, joining the Schindlers Group in 2000 as an accountant. From there he moved into the position of finance manager, and since then has been serving as director of various companies within the Schindlers Group. In 2006, Jason was granted permission by the Mauritian government to act as director of a professional corporate trustee and management company, which is licensed to establish Mauritian entities, to act in a fiduciary capacity and to administer the assets of third parties. Subsequently Jason relocated to Mauritius to become the Managing Director and run the Mauritius office of the Schindlers Group, Schindlers Trust Mauritius Limited. Jason is also qualified as a certified “Trust and Estate Practitioner” with the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP). In 2017, he founded the “Meraki Entrepreneurs Program”, a non-profit organisation aimed at teaching entrepreneurship to high school students in Mauritius.
Grant Parsons
Investec Bank Mauritius CEO
Grant Parsons
Investec Bank Mauritius CEO
Grant has 30 years’ experience in the financial services industry, 25 of which have been in banking. Grant joined Investec Bank Limited in November 2013 having worked at Standard Bank for 10 years before that. Prior to joining Investec Bank Mauritius in January 2021, Grant headed up the corporate coverage team within Investec’s Corporate & Institutional Banking (“ICIB”) division. He grew up and qualified as a chartered accountant in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa and completed his articles at Deloitte & Touche. Grant is a director of Investec Wealth & Investment (Mauritius) Limited, Mauritius Bankers Association Ltd, Dolphin Coast Marina Estate Ltd and La Balise Gym and Spa Ltd. Grant is a member of the Board Sub-Committee and the Risk Management Committee of the Bank.
Lara Vaudin
Investec Bank Mauritius COO
Lara Vaudin
Investec Bank Mauritius COO
Lara Ann Vaudin qualified as an attorney-at-law in Johannesburg, South Africa in 1996. She holds a BA LLB from the University of the Witwatersrand and an LLM (corporate law) from the University of South Africa. She joined the Bank in 2004 as the Bank’s legal adviser and is currently the Chief Operating Officer of the Bank.
Ajam Joomun
Investec Bank Mauritius head of compliance
Ajam Joomun
Investec Bank Mauritius head of compliance
Ajam has over 15 years of experience in governance, risk, and compliance management for banks and non-banking financial institutions. He holds a law degree and is a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) trainer (USA) as well as a professional member of the International Compliance Association (UK).
He began his career as a legal executive at a corporate law firm in Mauritius, where he spent eight years and established the first compliance consultancy firm in the country. Ajam then joined HSBC Mauritius for five years in the compliance department, working across various jurisdictions. Since 2019, he has served as the head of compliance at Investec Bank (Mauritius).
Additionally, he has chaired the compliance committees for the Mauritius Banker’s Association and represented international banks in the private sector during the FATF visit to Mauritius.
Jason Barr
Schindlers Trust Mauritius Limited MD
Jason Barr
Schindlers Trust Mauritius Limited MD
After gaining an honours degree in finance and accounting, Jason began his professional career in London in 1999, joining the Schindlers Group in 2000 as an accountant. From there he moved into the position of finance manager, and since then has been serving as director of various companies within the Schindlers Group. In 2006, Jason was granted permission by the Mauritian government to act as director of a professional corporate trustee and management company, which is licensed to establish Mauritian entities, to act in a fiduciary capacity and to administer the assets of third parties. Subsequently Jason relocated to Mauritius to become the Managing Director and run the Mauritius office of the Schindlers Group, Schindlers Trust Mauritius Limited. Jason is also qualified as a certified “Trust and Estate Practitioner” with the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP). In 2017, he founded the “Meraki Entrepreneurs Program”, a non-profit organisation aimed at teaching entrepreneurship to high school students in Mauritius.
Gain access capital to build or grow your business, providing the financial support you need to succeed
Be recognised as a promising entrepreneur in Mauritius, enhancing your profile and opening doors for future opportunities
There are no costs to participate, making this an accessible opportunity for all aspiring entrepreneurs.
Investec Mauritius is excited to announce 2025’s winning teams of Dazzle’s Den.
The Dazzle’s Den initiative is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for inspiring, emerging and passionate entrepreneurs in Mauritius. Entrepreneurs with great ideas, but limited funds, to launch their business idea that will make a difference and build a sustainable future for the island. Investec Mauritius received 111 entries for our inaugural Dazzle’s Den, which is a fantastic response for our first year!
Note from the judges
The Dazzle's Den experience culminated in a showcase of innovation and creativity, with our top three winners standing out as true inspirations. Each presentation highlighted not only their unique business ideas but also their passion for making a meaningful impact in their communities. These entrepreneurs exemplify the spirit of entrepreneurship, resilience and determination that Investec values, demonstrating how innovative thinking can lead to sustainable solutions.
“We are excited to support these remarkable individuals as they embark on their journeys to bring their visions to life, and we can't wait to see the positive change they will create on the island”
– Grant Parsons, CEO Investec Bank Mauritius.
Context and challenge:
In a world of overstimulation, TIMIMI offers a hands-on alternative to passive screen time.
Impact
TIMIMIs’ curated quiet books engage children through hands-on activities, promoting creativity, fine motor skills and cognitive growth. As the first local quiet book brand in Mauritius to certify to UKCA/CE standards, it proudly embraces its Mauritian identity. The company is committed to ethical practices by training and employing local women ensuring fair wages and support. TIMIMIs’ dedication to sustainability is reflected in the use of certified felt (GRS/Oekotex), with a commitment to eliminating single-use plastics. TIMIMI is a community-led initiative that involves partnering with NGOs, therapists, and local artists. TIMIMI is not just making books; it is building a locally rooted, globally relevant ecosystem for future learning.
Context and challenge:
The rise in urbanization and consumption has led to increased waste generation, particularly glass, creating significant environmental challenges. Traditional waste disposal methods, such as landfilling, are unsustainable and contribute to pollution and resource depletion.
Impact
Ecosand transforms glass into 100% recyclable sand, suitable for various applications such as construction, water filtration, glass blasting, and landscaping. They create local employment and provide training in the green industry while promoting sustainability awareness within the community through collaborations with local NGOs and municipalities. Environmentally, Ecosand diverts 12,000 tons of glass waste from landfills annually, reduces reliance on mining, supports biodiversity protection, and lowers the carbon footprint of construction materials.
Context and challenge:
Mauritius faces significant water stress due to climate change, urbanization, and pollution. Conventional water sources often contain harmful chemicals that impact health, while the reliance on plastic bottled water contributes to environmental degradation.
Impact
Airwater Mauritius uses advanced Atmospheric Water Generation (AWG) technology to produce alkaline water (pH 8.5) from atmospheric humidity. This innovative process extracts and purifies moisture from the air, delivering chlorine-free and chemical-free water through a Reverse Osmosis System. Environmentally friendly, it requires no groundwater extraction and consumes low energy. The water promotes wellness and hydration, receiving recognition in the press and on social media for its health benefits.