Meli James
Co-Founder & General Partner at Mana Up, an Accelerator & Venture Fund for Hawai‘i-Based Brands | President at Hawaii Venture Capital Association | Recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine as a Woman to Watch
- Role
- Director Board of Directors at Maui Divers Jewelry
- Location
- Honolulu, HI, US
- LinkedIn followers
- 500 followers
About Meli James
Meli James is a co-founder of Mana Up, an initiative dedicated to expanding economic opportunities in Hawai‘i. Mana Up’s mission is to enhance business infrastructure, create higher-wage jobs, and support Hawai‘i product entrepreneurs by scaling their businesses for global markets through a comprehensive six-month accelerator program. In addition to this accelerator, Mana Up operates House of Mana Up, a retail business that connects consumers to the rich diversity of local Hawai‘i brands and a venture capital fund designed to provide growth capital to Hawaii-based product companies intending to scale globally.As the President of the Hawaii Venture Capital Assoc, Meli plays a pivotal role in fostering entrepreneurial development in Hawai‘i by promoting education, networking, and access to capital for emerging businesses.Before founding Mana Up, Meli brought her extensive experience from Silicon Valley to the Hawai‘i startup ecosystem, having worked with notable accelerators including Blue Startups and the University of Hawaii’s Venture Accelerator. In 2007, Meli founded Nirvino, a wine app that achieved significant success, including ranking as the #1 wine app, an Apple Platform Top 100 App, and a Top Ten Lifestyle App.Meli is also a founding member of the Startup Paradise initiative, aimed at building a collaborative and innovative startup community in Hawai‘i. Her efforts continue to nurture high-growth ideas and talent, making Hawai‘i an attractive destination for entrepreneurial ventures.She has been recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine in 2016 as one of their Women to Watch and again in 2017 as one of the Women Leaders Who Are Disrupting Entrepreneurship.A proud Cornell University graduate from the School of Hotel Administration, Meli remains committed to creating resources and opportunities that support Hawai‘i’s next generation of entrepreneurs.Skills & ExpertiseEntrepreneurship & Startup GrowthVenture Capital & Investment StrategyEconomic Innovation & Community ImpactBrand Building & Market ExpansionBusiness Acceleration & MentorshipProduct Development & ScalingRetail & E-commerce StrategyRecent Notable AccomplishmentsCo-hosted the Mana Up Showcase 2024, which reached audiences via live broadcast and in-person events, showcasing the stories of Hawai‘i’s emerging entrepreneurs.Directed Mana Up\'s strategic growth into markets outside Hawai‘i, including the successful Aloha Market pop-ups in LA, NYC and Tokyo.Expanded the retail success of the House of Mana Up, Hawai‘i’s premiere shopping destination for locally crafted goods.
Experience
Director Board of Directors
Jan 2022 — Present · Honolulu, HI, US
Education
Cornell University
BS, Hotel Administration
1996 — 2000
Skills
- Social Media
- Restaurants
- Menu Development
- Hospitality
- Networking
- Food & Beverage
- Start-Ups
- Online Marketing
- Resorts
- Leadership
- Management
- Strategy
- E-Commerce
- Food
- Negotiation
- Revenue Analysis
- Online Advertising
- Hospitality Management
- Entrepreneurship
- Sales
- Business Development
- Beer
- Yield Management
- Public Relations
- Marketing Strategy
- Social Networking
- Strategic Planning
Find verified contacts for anyone on LinkedIn
Unifers gives sales teams verified emails and direct dials, enriched profiles, and outreach that lands in the inbox.
Free plan included · No credit card required
This profile is compiled from publicly available professional sources. Unifers is not affiliated with or endorsed by LinkedIn. Request removal of this profile.