Sri Lanka America Chamber of Commerce (SLACCOM) is a non-profit organization headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, with chapters in other metropolitan cities. The chamber is a premier business forum to facilitate and develop trade, commerce, and investment between the United States of America and Sri Lanka. Information Technology (IT) and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) promotion is one of their key initiatives, and they have been working closely with SLASSCOM, DIGIECON, and the Tech Industry, in general, to find new business opportunities, channel investments, and promote Sri Lanka as a destination for IT and BPO.
Their first Tech Startup Invest Forum was held on Saturday, June 22nd, and the event saw a large turnout of potential investors who joined via SLACCOM’s portal and various social media channels where the event was live-streamed.
The panel featured industry leaders who discussed the sector’s current state and its growth over the past decade into a robust digital economy ecosystem, including startups, incubators, venture capital firms, and prominent educational institutions. The panelists included Mr. Aruna Abeyakoon, President of SLACCOM, who highlighted SLACCOM’s key initiatives, including IT/BPO promotion and creating a platform to connect potential investors with the startup ecosystem, along with many distinguished speakers.
SLACCOM believes that Sri Lanka’s IT Industry has steadily grown over the years despite turbulent times and that it continues to innovate and thrive. Aruna said he “believes there is a substantial Sri Lankan diaspora willing and able to invest in Sri Lanka, driven by motivations such as contributing to the country’s development, owning a business, maintaining ties, and earning a good return.” He mentioned that many potential investors face challenges such as unclear programs, bureaucratic hurdles, and the difficulties of absentee ownership and that SLACCOM sees the Sri Lankan tech industry as a solution to these concerns.
The “Tech Startup Investment Forum” will continue as a series of events held on the last Saturday of each month at 9 am Pacific Time, where three to four startups/venture capitalists will present their cases. The upcoming events are scheduled for:
– July 27th at 9 am Pacific Time/12 pm Eastern Time
– August 31st at 9 am Pacific Time/12 pm Eastern Time
– September 28th at 9 am Pacific Time/12 pm Eastern Time
You can watch a recording of the first “Tech Startup Investment Forum” by registering here: https://streamyard.com/watch/yEMPDY73p7xk
