Business
Dialog Axiata powers Venture Engine startup acceleration programme
Supporting the viability of entrepreneurs against the backdrop of the pandemic and the challenging economic and operating environments posed by it, Dialog Axiata PLC, Sri Lanka’s premier connectivity provider, once again powered the 2021 edition of the Venture Engine start-up acceleration programme as it has done since inception, with Dialog Television joining hands as the Pay TV Partner.
Founded by BOV Capital and the Indian Angel Network, Venture Engine is partnered by the Lankan Angel Network (LAN) and supported by Dialog Axiata PLC. Venture Engine has returned for its tenth year with plans to help innovative and scalable start-ups solve a genuine pain point. While the programme will look at Seed and Growth stage start-ups that are interested in scaling, it will also cater to entrepreneurs opting to submit new, early-stage business ideas with large addressable markets. Registrations are open for applicants until 12th November 2021 via www.ventureengine.lk.
This year’s Venture Engine programme will, for the fourth time, offer a special Impact Entrepreneurship Award that highlights for-profit Social Enterprises that are tackling pressing social, environmental, and economic issues in Sri Lanka. The programme is sponsored by promoted by Ford Foundation and Indian Venture Capital firm Aavishkaar. Other sponsors and partners for 2021 include Dialog Axiata PLC, ICTA, SL@100, Council for Start-ups, SLASSCOM, HATCH, KPMG, PwC, AOD, Shift and CPP.
Commenting, Group Chief Executive of Dialog Axiata PLC, Supun Weerasinghe said, “Dialog Axiata PLC, Sri Lanka’s premier connectivity provider, has been a long-term partner of the Venture Engine programme and is pleased to once again join hands with the platform as the official Telecommunication and Pay TV Partner in our shared vision of nurturing and strengthening the Sri Lankan start-up ecosystem.”
Speaking on the initiative, Prajeeth Balasubramaniam, Co-Founder/Managing Partner of BOV Capital said, “Venture Engine has been a catalyst in helping start-ups raise funding over the past 10 years. As a foremost funding platform in Sri Lanka, Venture Engine has funded over Rs. 2Bn investments into 35+ start-ups. We are proud that Dialog has continued to support venture engine since inception and shares our vision and goal to create exceptional companies in Sri Lanka.”
The Business World International Conference and Awards Ceremony organised by Business World International Organisation INC-USA, the event which is recognized as one of the most prestigious Business Award Festivals in the Asia Pacific Region, was held at the Mount Lavinia Hotel, Colombo with the participation of several business personalities and celebrities of Sri Lanka. The Joint Chief Guests were Dr. Purna Bahadur Nepali (Ambassador of Nepal to Sri Lanka) and Prof. Dr. Dietmar Doering (Founder / Chairman – AGSEP Research and Advisory Board Member of Business World International Organization – USA). Guests of Honour were Tham Whye Long (First Secretary/Head of Chancery – High Commission of Malaysia in Sri Lanka), Prof. Dr. Rohan De Silva (President – Sri Lanka Chamber of Small and Medium Industries), (Retd) Major General R. A. J. N. Ranasingha (RSP USP NDC MSC – Sri Lanka Army), Dr. Rohan Pallewatta (Excutive Chairman of the Start-Up High Tech Company – Lanka Harness, a BOI approved company operating in the Free Trade Zone at Biyagama in Sri Lanka), Dr. Kishu Gomes (Chairman – Exterminators PLC, Group Managing Director / CEO – Dreamron Group of Companies & Advisory Committee Member – Sri Lanka Tourism), Dian Gomes (Nonorary Consul of Georgia in Sri Lanka, Chairman – Colombo School of Business Management & Independent Non-Executive Director – Nestle Lanka Ltd).
Special Guests were Rt. Rev. Bishop Prof. Dr. Nissanka Weerappulige (Advisory Board Member of Business World International Organization – USA), Prof. Dr. Dame Anoma Weeraratne Wijenayake (Advisory Board Member of Business World International Organization – USA), Gerd Heinzerling (Advisory Board Member of Business World International Organization – USA), Priyantha Padmasiri (President – Sri Lanka Canada Business Council), M. H. K. M. Hameez (Vice President – Sri Lanka Canada Business Council & Immediate Past President – Sri Lanka Malaysia Business Council). The invitees were graciously welcomed by Dr. Anthony Dexter Fernando (Chairman – Business World International Organisation USA – International Chapter), Dr. Tharindu Wijenayake (Deputy Chairman – Business World International Organisation USA – International Chapter) and Dr. Emerita Wijenayake (Project Chairperson & Director – Business World International Organisation USA – International Chapter).
Sampath Bank recently formalised a strategic partnership with the Chamber of Young Lankan Entrepreneurs (COYLE) by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at its Head Office. This partnership highlights Sampath Bank’s ongoing commitment to promoting innovation, driving business growth, and empowering Sri Lanka’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Through this collaboration, Sampath Bank will serve as the official banking partner for the COYLE Awards and the Young Lankan Program, two flagship initiatives that recognise business excellence and nurture emerging leaders. Supporting these initiatives allows the Bank to create a strong pipeline for SME engagement, provide access to tailored financial solutions, and build meaningful relationships with the country’s leading entrepreneurs.
ANC, a leading Lankan higher education provider, partnered with Northwood University to host the 2025 NUCARS simulation in Sri Lanka for the first time. Held from April 7–11, the event brought together students from the U.S., Europe, and Sri Lanka for an immersive, hands-on learning experience in automotive retail strategy. Twenty-two ANC students participated, showcasing their ability to compete globally. Celebrating its 28th anniversary, NUCARS emphasized teamwork, cross-cultural collaboration, and real-world business decision-making—highlighting ANC’s commitment to delivering globally recognized education and empowering students with essential skills for the international marketplace, said a release.
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