Seedstars World is coming to Colombo to find the best startup in Sri Lanka

Wednesday, 15 June 2016 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Seedstars World, the global seed-stage startup competition for emerging markets and fast-growing startup scenes, is coming for the first time to Sri Lanka on 30 June.

In line with its mission to place the spotlight on entrepreneurs from emerging markets, Seedstars World is travelling to 65 countries this year to identify the best seed-stage entrepreneurs and provide them with an opportunity to win up to US$ 1 million and network with investors and mentors from around the world. Its previous participants have raised over $ 61 million collectively, providing employment to more than 800 employees worldwide.

The companies selected to pitch at the Seedstars Colombo event need to be less than two years old, have raised less than $ 500,000 in funding and have built a minimum viable product, ideally with existing traction. The Seedstars World team is searching for one additional criterion - the startup’s regional and global scalability. With a strong network of international partners such as Inmarsat, INADEM, Standard Bank and Deloitte, Seedstars World is looking for smart startups that solve regional issues and develop profitable products for the global market, to support their regional businesses and growth.

“Seedstars World is a platform connecting investors to the next generation of startup entrepreneurs, pulling the spotlight from Silicon Valley and Western Europe. After three years of our existence, we have definitely confirmed our initial hypothesis that the best way to have an impact in emerging countries is by investing and promoting entrepreneurship,” explains Seedstars World CEO Alisée de Tonnac, “Our previous startups are showing an impressive track record, and we are looking forward to seeing what the startups of the fourth edition will bring.”

Up to eight of the best seed stage startups in Sri Lanka will be invited to pitch for the opportunity to compete at the Seedstars Summit, that annually takes place in Switzerland.

In order to provide local entrepreneurs with this opportunity and aiming to deliver the best possible event, Seedstars World is closely working with Mangala Karunaratne from Startup Sri Lanka (a SLASSCOM initiative), who is representing the initiative throughout the year. Further support is provided by the Main Sponsor for the event MAS Holdings and National Partner ICTA.