SLASSCOM to launch ‘Startup Sri Lanka Accelerator’ with a gateway to host of benefits

Anura De Alwis

Channa Manoharan

The Sri Lanka Association for Software Services Companies (SLASSCOM) has always positioned itself as the guardian of Sri Lanka’s IT/BPO sector and its stakeholder companies. Driven by the association’s Vision 2025 of achieving $ 5 billion in revenue, 200,000 jobs and 1,000 start-ups, its Entrepreneurship and Innovation Forum is set to uplift and support local startup companies to be successful in Sri Lanka and overseas, by providing two years of free membership.  

“The benefits of becoming a SLASSCOM member company are manifold, and for startups, it’s an excellent platform to be a part of an active Entrepreneurship and Innovation Forum with ample opportunities to interact with other startups, mentors and industry experts,” says SLASSOM Chairman Channa Manoharan.

“Many startups are built on excellent ideas and promising technology, but often they need support and guidance on business, managerial and operational aspects,” says SLASSCOM Board Member for Entrepreneurship and Innovation Forum Anura De Alwis. 

Aligned to this need, the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Forum has established the ‘Startup Sri Lanka Accelerator’ and ‘Startup Mentoring programme’ with the objective of helping startups grow their businesses with guidance, industry information, networking opportunities and consultancy.

He further notes: “The offer of two free years membership comes with a plethora of benefits such as participation at networking events, promotional campaigns, and additional startup-centric benefits tailored to help growing companies reach and expand their potential. Companies that achieve member status can take advantage of all Learning and Development activities conducted by industry experts hosted by SLASSCOM in addition to joining over 30 free training programs, Tech Talks and workshops organised by member companies and partners every year. We will also support startups by connecting them with international and local pitching events and incubators which will provide opportunities to get better visibility and market reach,” further avers Anura.

The Entrepreneurship and Innovation Forum also hosts multiple networking sessions with an encouraging entrepreneurial community comprising potential business partners, investors, CEOs and industry leaders.

Companies who come onboard with the free two-year membership will also have the added prospects of participating in and learning from mentoring sessions conducted by credible and experienced industry leaders with proven entrepreneurial track records. “When a company is in its teething phase, it is important to invest time and effort in learning and exploring possibilities,” shares Anura, “and with a surplus of knowledge, experience and expertise within SLASSCOM itself, startup companies are given exposure to some of the best mentors in the industry.”

Becoming a SLASSCOM member will also provide startups with access to key industry data, policy changes and research updates, for instance the SLASSCOM Annual Compensation and Benefits Survey, Impact on Tax Amendments to the IT/BPM Industry and Industry Skills Need Analysis Report to name a few of the association’s sought after publications. 

While receiving confirmation of membership as required by Embassies/Consulates for travel purposes, member companies will also be able to have their contact details listed with SLASSCOM for direct leads, and be eligible to publish the ‘Member of SLASSCOM’ badge on their website and other communication channels. 

Driven by four key strategies, namely, fostering and nurturing startups to become successful internationally; strengthening and creating a cohesive ecosystem to support the start-up lifecycle; positioning Sri Lanka as a high skilled, low risk trial hub, and transforming young disruptors to become successful entrepreneurs, the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Forum is a key enabler of local startups. “There are so many benefits to gain by becoming a member and joining us,” concludes Anura, inviting all interested startups to join SLASSCOM to learn, develop, grow and thrive.