LAN 2025 kick-off: Night of networking, insights and exciting announcements

Monday, 17 February 2025 05:41 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

LAN Board of Directors and CEO

From left: Prajeeth Balasubramaniam, Adil Mansoor, Anum Iqbal, CEO Dinali de Silva, Sabrina Esufally, Nishok Goonasekera, Dumindra Ratnayaka, and Jeevan Gnanam

PromoLanka Holdings CEO Adil Mansoor (left) and Western Province Governor Hanif Yusoof

LAN CEO Dinali de Silva

The Lankan Angel Network (LAN) recently kicked off 2025 with a spectacular event at Monsoon, bringing together a dynamic mix of current and new LAN investors, portfolio companies, fundraising start-ups, key ecosystem partners, and LAN’s distinguished patron members, including recently appointed Western Province Governor Hanif Yusoof and Principal Presidential Adviser on Digital Economy Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya.

The event provided a platform for new and seasoned investors and emerging entrepreneurs to connect, exchange ideas, and explore opportunities for collaboration. One of the evening’s highlights was a keynote address by Governor Yusoof. When asked how he determines what to invest in, he shared invaluable insights on the importance of backing passionate founders. His reminder that “we invest in people and not companies” resonated deeply with attendees, reinforcing LAN’s commitment to supporting visionary entrepreneurs who are shaping the future.

LAN announced PromoLanka Holdings CEO Adil Mansoor as the newly appointed Chairman of the Board who will lead the organisation in 2025, alongside the Board of Directors: Prajeeth Balasubramaniam, Dumindra Ratnayaka, Jeevan Gnanam, Anum Iqbal and two new Board members: Hemas Consumer Brands Managing Director Sabrina Esufally and Capital Alliance Partners Ltd. CEO Nishok Goonasekera.

With Fund I successfully deployed, investing Rs. 100 million alongside 100 investors into six start-ups, and with promising exits on the horizon from its current portfolio, LAN announced plans for Fund II, with hopes for an even larger fund. This marks a pivotal step in strengthening the local start up ecosystem and ensuring that high-potential businesses receive the resources they need to succeed. LAN CEO Dinali de Silva concluded the event by emphasising the essential role of angel investing as the foundation of the start-up ecosystem, reaffirming LAN’s commitment to supporting promising start-ups scale and succeed in an increasingly competitive market.

LAN thanked HNB for their support and to Monsoon Restaurant for being an exceptional host, creating the perfect setting for a memorable evening.

As LAN embarks on another promising year, the success of the 2025 kick-off event sets the tone for what lies ahead – greater collaboration, larger investments, and a renewed commitment to nurturing Sri Lanka’s entrepreneurs.

Since 2012, LAN has been a key player in Sri Lanka’s start-up ecosystem. With over Rs. 2 billion invested in more than 50 local start-ups through its network of over 100 angel investors, LAN has empowered entrepreneurs across the country.

LAN has been dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs across various sectors, providing mentorship, resources and funding to help bring innovative ideas to life.

Pix by Upul Abayasekara

Discover Kapruka, the leading online shopping platform in Sri Lanka, where you can conveniently send Gifts and Flowers to your loved ones for any event including Valentine ’s Day. Explore a wide range of popular Shopping Categories on Kapruka, including Toys, Groceries, Electronics, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Flower Bouquets, Clothing, Watches, Lingerie, Gift Sets and Jewellery. Also if you’re interested in selling with Kapruka, Partner Central by Kapruka is the best solution to start with. Moreover, through Kapruka Global Shop, you can also enjoy the convenience of purchasing products from renowned platforms like Amazon and eBay and have them delivered to Sri Lanka.