Publicis INQB8 brings international expertise to local startups

Wednesday, 28 October 2020 00:00 -     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Publicis Groupe Chief Strategy Officer Murtaza A. Tajbhoy 


The Publicis Groupe – Sri Lanka’s most awarded creative network – announced Publicis INQB8, signalling a shift in the startup ecosystem of Sri Lanka. 

This project opens up the possibilities for startup partnerships beyond the typical venture capitalist portfolio. The purpose behind Publicis INQB8 is to arm founders with the expertise they need to brand, position and market their innovations – a function as essential as the innovation itself. 

Publicis Groupe’s Chief Strategy Officer Murtaza A. Tajbhoy, who is spearheading this project calls Publicis INQB8 “an initiative that falls within the ambit of our expertise and enables us to demonstrate the Publicis Groupe’s unique approach to data, tech and creativity.” 

On top of this, Publicis INQB8 is offering these services free of charge to startups. Murtaza works closely with Associate Vice President and Business Lead of Digitas Sri Lanka, Kabeer Rafaideen on this project.

Publicis INQB8 aims to bring the focus onto the fundamental core of both startup and agency culture: ideas. Founders will gain access to tools such as research and insights, strategy, customer journey mapping, UX/CX/UI, creative thinking and most importantly, international network expertise. 

The Publicis Groupe is the third largest global communications group in the world and locally, the group includes Leo Burnett, recently named ‘Sri Lanka’s Creative Agency of the Year’ by Campaign Brief Asia and Epica Awards. This proven expertise can give founders much needed guidance on everything ranging from what to call their company to identifying how their innovations can solve a human problem.

Over the years, Publicis Groupe has accumulated an extensive portfolio of clients along with a uniquely diverse perspective on an array of categories. Publicis INQB8 will partner entrepreneurs with specialists from disciplines of strategy, design, writing, digital communications, and more, and encourage collaboration between the inherently similar agency and startup cultures. Additionally, founders will have the opportunity to connect with clients and an extensive network. 

At the crossroads of one of the most promising moments in the local startup landscape and an uncertain global economic outlook, this project hopes to inspire founders towards impactful creative solutions. From subscription business models to social enterprises, all startups can benefit from an airtight pitch, unique positioning and distinct tone of voice – with Publicis INQB8, they can access this advantage for free. 

The true distinction of Publicis INQB8 from other startup accelerators is the value addition at every stage of the process, from pitch to IPO. With mentorship and guidance, positioning workshops, proprietary creative frameworks and so much more, Publicis INQB8 enables startups and founders to bring their ideas to life with creativity. 

To collaborate with this initiative, email [email protected] 

COMMENTS