The South Caribbean has tourism — but no unified platform.
Manzanillo, Puerto Viejo, Cocles, Playa Chiquita, Punta Uva and Cahuita attract thousands of tourists every year. However, information is fragmented across Instagram, Google Maps, old blogs, Facebook groups, WhatsApp chats and word-of-mouth.
- Local businesses lack a professional tool to showcase themselves and attract customers consistently.
- Travelers waste time searching for information, prices, hours and trustworthy recommendations.
- There is no unified digital layer organizing food, tours, activities, services and lodging by beach, interest or budget.
CostaRicaCaribbean.com exists to become that “digital brain” of the South Caribbean — starting as a structured directory and evolving into an intelligent booking platform powered by a Caribbean-focused AI assistant.
Key Market Insights
The South Caribbean is experiencing rapid tourism growth and a strong shift toward digital-first discovery, yet still lacks a unified platform connecting tourists with restaurants, tours, and local services.
- 3–5 million visitors enter Costa Rica each year.
- Over 150,000 annual visitors annually in the South Caribbean corridor.
- 300+ restaurants and 250+ tours/services lack centralized digital presence.
- Travelers rely heavily on QR codes, Google Maps, and WhatsApp.
- There is no dominant platform organizing the region.
Memberships + commissions + advertising + AI.
A hybrid model that combines recurring B2B revenue with marketplace commissions, and in the next phase, AI-powered products.
- Recurring B2B revenue (monthly memberships).
- Commission model for each booked activity or tour.
- Advertising and sponsorships in high-visibility sections of the site.
- Printed tourist maps with QR codes leading to the platform.
- Hotel partnerships for direct exposure and referrals.
- Local services directory (health, wellness, transportation, emergencies, etc.).
- Premium listings with better position and visibility.
- User traffic driven by blogs, SEO and local marketing.
Memberships
Regular Plan: ₡12,000 / month · Growth Plan: ₡19,500 / month · Tour Plan: ₡0 / month (commission-based).
- Regular: ₡12,000/mo · basic listing, WhatsApp contact and map.
- Growth: ₡20,000/mo · full profile with photos, menu/services, map, social media and better positioning.
- Tours: ₡0/mo · only pay a commission per confirmed booking.
Commissions
15–20% per reservation for tours and activities. Tour-only partners pay ₡0/month and only share commission on successful bookings.
- Own booking form
- Centralized payments (Stripe / bank)
- Internal reservation dashboard
Advertising
Banners, printed maps, highlighted placements.
- On-site banner ads
- Printed tourist maps with ads
- Partnerships with hotels and cabinas
AI · Next phase
Caribbean-specialized AI assistant.
- “Caribbean AI Concierge” for tourists
- AI that helps businesses reply to messages and adjust prices
- Premium plans with AI included
Realistic projections (12–24 months).
The numbers below are conservative estimates based on business density per beach and gradual sales growth. They do not yet include AI-related revenue from later phases.
12-month scenario (conservative)
- 60 businesses on Regular Plan · ₡12,000/mo = ₡720,000
- 40 businesses on Growth Plan · ₡20,000/mo = ₡800,000
Total membership revenue: ≈ ₡1,520,000 / month
If we process only 3 tours per day at $50 with 20% commission: ≈ $900/month extra (≈₡450,000).
Estimated total revenue (12 months):
≈ ₡1,970,000 / month (around $3,800/month), with organic growth as more beaches, businesses and commissions are added.
24-month scenario (expansion)
- 120 businesses on Regular Plan (all beaches) · ₡12,000/mo = ₡1,440,000
- 80 businesses on Growth Plan · ₡20,000/mo = ₡1,600,000
- 40 tour-focused or marketplace-active businesses with constant bookings
Memberships: ≈ ₡3,040,000 / month
Booking commissions: with 8–10 tours booked per day, monthly extra revenue can easily reach $3,000–$5,000.
Estimated total revenue (24 months):
Target range: $8,000–$12,000 / month, not including future AI products that can unlock high-value premium plans.
12–24 months: from structured directory to “Caribbean AI Concierge”.
The vision isn’t just listing businesses. It’s building an intelligent layer on top of the Caribbean, where tourists and businesses interact through an AI assistant that understands beaches, weather, activities, schedules, transportation and visitor preferences.
0–6 months · Directory consolidation
Onboard key businesses (restaurants, tours, services), secure hotel partnerships, stabilize the website experience and admin panels.
- Minimum 50–80 active businesses
- Strong “Things to Do” content by beach
- Organic traffic + local partnerships
6–12 months · Marketplace & bookings
Activate bookings for selected activities and begin managing payment flow and confirmations through the platform.
- Unified booking form
- Commission per tour sold
- Dashboard with booking and customer history
12–24 months · Caribbean AI Concierge
Integrate AI to transform the site into a conversational assistant where travelers can ask:
“I’m traveling with my family to Punta Uva — what can we do tomorrow with kids, without spending too much?”
- AI recommends activities, restaurants and services filtered by beach, weather and budget.
- Direct booking or WhatsApp button for each suggestion.
- For businesses: AI that writes descriptions, answers FAQs and suggests pricing adjustments.
Depending on investment level, this phase can be accelerated and become the main competitive advantage against any generic travel guide.
Why AI makes sense here
- Very specific context: few beaches but many combinations (rain, kids, couples, budget, transportation).
- Small businesses: they don’t have time or expertise for professional digital marketing.
- WhatsApp is the standard: AI can draft messages, responses and flows for each business.
- First-party data: over time the system learns who books what, on which beach, and when — enabling recommendations better than any generic blog.
Possible future AI product lines:
- AI Pro Plan for businesses: text, translations, price suggestions, quick replies.
- “Travel AI Chat” for tourists: embedded chat on the website, shareable via QR in hotels and maps.
- Predictive analytics: suggest promo timing based on demand and seasonality.
In summary: the directory and marketplace generate cash; AI creates a moat and long-term upside.
How will the capital be used?
The goal is not to burn money on massive campaigns — but to build a solid base of businesses in the South Caribbean, optimize product and open the door to the AI phase.
Sales team
1–2 people focused on closing memberships with restaurants, tours and services beach by beach.
Development & UX
Improvements to admin panels, booking system and technical preparation for the AI assistant.
Local marketing
Printed maps, signage, hotel partnerships, QR placement in strategic spots.
AI phase
Integrations with LLMs, infrastructure and design of the “Caribbean AI Concierge”.
How much we're raising and what investors get.
At this stage we are seeking one or several angel investors to accelerate sales, consolidate the marketplace and fast-track the AI phase. In return we offer direct participation in the company (equity) and, in some cases, the option for a revenue-share mechanism.
Option 1 · Seed Partner
Typical ticket: $10,000 USD
- Estimated equity: 3%.
- Role: Support the first 12 months of growth.
- Ideal for angel investors familiar with the region or tourism sector.
Implied valuation in the $300K–$400K range (adjustable based on traction).
Option 2 · Growth Partner
Typical ticket: $25,000 USD
- Estimated equity: 7%.
- Role: Accelerate sales, commercial team and expansion to all beaches.
- Meaningful involvement in strategic decisions.
Designed for a more engaged investor or a small fund/club deal.
Option 3 · Strategic Partner
Typical ticket: $50,000 USD
- Estimated equity: up to 12%.
- Role: Long-term strategic partner for scaling AI, product and marketing.
- Possible informal seat in the advisory/oversight committee.
For higher amounts or more complex structures (SAFE, convertible note, revenue share), terms are evaluated case by case.
Note: percentages and amounts adjust based on real metrics (MRR, bookings, traction) and investor involvement. The goal is a win–win agreement: capital accelerates the building of the “Caribbean AI Concierge”, and the investor participates in the company’s growth and long-term value.
Investor Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers to the most common questions investors ask before joining a digital tourism project like ours.
1. How do investors make money?
Through equity appreciation, exit events, optional revenue-share structures, and potential dividends if the company becomes highly profitable.
2. What equity percentage do investors receive?
We offer early-stage tiers: $10k → ~3%, $25k → ~7%, and $50k → up to 12%. Percentages may adjust based on traction and investor involvement.
3. What valuation are you using?
We are targeting an early-stage valuation in the $300k–$400k range. Simple and realistic to keep the company fundable.
4. What if an investor wants revenue instead of equity?
We offer revenue-share options: 5–10% of net platform revenue until 2–3× return is reached, then the agreement ends.
5. When do investors realistically see a return?
6–18 months for revenue-share; 2–6 years for equity-based returns depending on growth, bookings and strategic opportunities.
6. What are you using the investment for?
Sales, marketplace development, hotel partnerships, marketing, AI tools, and expansion across all beaches.
7. What are the main risks?
Adoption speed, tourism seasonality, potential competitors, and execution risk. Mitigated through strong local presence and diversification.
8. How big is the potential market?
150k+ annual visitors, 200–300 potential businesses, high WhatsApp usage, and near-zero competition in the region.
9. What is your long-term vision?
To build the digital infrastructure of the South Caribbean, powered by a travel-specific AI assistant (“Caribbean AI Concierge”).
10. How can investors track progress?
Monthly metrics, quarterly calls, and dashboard access. Transparency is a core value.
11. Can investors be involved operationally?
Yes, especially in tourism, marketing, sales, hospitality or tech strategy. Daily operations remain with the core team.
12. Can multiple investors join?
Yes — single angel, multiple angels, or a strategic investor. We keep the cap table simple.
13. How can equity investors receive their money back if there are no monthly payments?
Equity investors get paid when a liquidity event occurs — not through monthly revenue. These events typically happen within 2–6 years for digital marketplaces. Liquidity events include full acquisition, partial acquisition, investor buyouts during bigger rounds, secondary share sales, or profit distributions once the company becomes highly profitable. Equity is a long-term return that becomes valuable as the platform grows and achieves market dominance.
14. How do you protect investor capital?
Startup investments always involve risk, and no company can guarantee full protection of capital. However, we mitigate risk through diversified revenue streams, a lean cost structure, strong local partnerships, transparent reporting, scalable technology, an optional revenue-share structure for faster returns, and multiple potential exit opportunities as the platform grows. These mechanisms significantly improve investment security without compromising long-term upside.
15. What legal protections do investors have?
Investor protection comes from corporate structure, legal agreements and clear governance. We provide binding ownership contracts (equity, SAFE or convertible note), official cap table registration, transparent dilution terms, voting and information rights, structured reporting, proportional exit/liquidation rights, and enforceable agreements under Costa Rican corporate law. These measures ensure investors are legally recognized and protected in all major scenarios.
Corporate Structure & Investor Protection
How ownership, rights, and protections are legally established.
1. Corporate Entity: S.R.L.
We operate under a Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada (S.R.L.), the Costa Rican equivalent of an LLC. It offers liability protection, flexible ownership, and easier investor onboarding.
2. Ownership Through Participation Units
Investors receive legally registered participation units, representing their exact ownership percentage.
3. Cap Table Management
All ownership is recorded in a formal cap table to ensure transparency, accuracy, and legal protection.
4. Investor Agreements
Investors sign equity agreements, SAFE contracts, convertible notes, or revenue-share agreements, each defining rights, dilution, exit terms, and protections.
5. Voting & Information Rights
Depending on investment tier, investors receive reporting access, strategic participation, and limited voting rights for major decisions.
6. Exit & Liquidation Rights
Investors receive their proportional share during acquisitions, partial sales, or liquidation events.
7. Legal Enforcement
All agreements are enforceable under Costa Rican corporate law, ensuring real legal protection.
Investment Terms Summary
A clear one-page snapshot of how the investment is structured, how much we are raising, and how the investor participates in the upside.
1. Type of investment
Early-stage angel investment, primarily equity-based, with the option to structure a hybrid revenue-share component for investors focused on cash flow.
2. Ticket sizes and ownership
Seed Partner: around $10,000 → ≈3% equity. Growth Partner: around $25,000 → ≈7% equity. Strategic Partner: around $50,000 → up to 12% equity. Exact percentages depend on traction and the investor’s level of involvement.
3. Valuation
Target initial post-money valuation range: $300,000–$400,000 USD — realistic, and designed to allow future rounds without friction.
4. Revenue-share option
5–10% of net platform revenue until 2–3× the initial investment is returned; afterwards the revenue-share ends, or may be reduced to a small residual percentage if agreed.
5. Use of capital
Sales and partnerships team, marketplace and booking development, local marketing (maps, QR codes, signage), AI assistant integration, and expansion to all beaches in the South Caribbean — while keeping a lean cost structure.
6. Expected return horizon
Revenue-share returns: roughly 6–18 months after monetization is activated. Equity returns: 2–6 year horizon via acquisitions, buyouts or larger funding rounds.
7. Legal structure & protection
Costa Rican S.R.L. (similar to an LLC), participation units on a formal cap table, binding investor agreements (equity/SAFE/convertible note/revenue-share), clear terms on dilution and exit, and enforceability under Costa Rican corporate law with transparent reporting.
8. Key risks
Adoption speed, seasonality, potential competitors and execution risk — mitigated through diversified revenue streams, low fixed costs, strong local presence and a differentiated AI roadmap.
How the $50,000 Round Will Be Invested
A strategic 6–12 month plan to launch, scale, and move the project toward self-sustainability with recurring revenue.
1. Sales & Partner Acquisition — $15,000 (30%)
Sales team, transportation, commissions, commercial materials, and the acquisition of the first 150–200 businesses (restaurants, tours, services).
2. Marketing & Physical Presence — $10,000 (20%)
Street signs, maps, brochures, hotel display stands, and stickers for cars/businesses. Goal: ensure every tourist sees the brand when arriving in the Caribbean.
3. Product Development — $12,000 (24%)
Marketplace improvements, partner dashboard, booking system, WhatsApp integration, and technical preparation for the AI assistant.
4. Content Production — $6,000 (12%)
Professional photography, tour videos, beach-specific “things to do” content and SEO, plus materials for social media and hotels.
5. Operations & Buffer — $5,000 (10%)
Accounting, legal, hosting, transportation, and a contingency buffer to ensure the project never stops due to unexpected expenses.
Interested in exploring an investment?
We are seeking strategic partners who understand the potential of the South Caribbean, the strength of tourism, and the impact of a digital platform enhanced with destination-specific AI.
- Possible tickets from moderate amounts (e.g., $10K, $25K, $50K).
- Possible structures: revenue-share, equity, or convertible note.
- Regular reporting of metrics: active businesses, MRR, bookings, AI assistant usage.
Direct contact:
investors@costaricacaribbean.com
We can also share a detailed financial summary and a platform demo upon request.