nVentures and TiE Colombo bridging Sri Lanka’s mentorship gap through “Founder’s Table”

Tuesday, 26 May 2026 07:19 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

nVentures and TiE Colombo are continuing to build momentum with “Founder’s Table,” an initiative designed to create meaningful one-on-one connections between high-potential founders and experienced business leaders through focused conversations and mentorship. As the first cohort of conversations comes to an end, the initiative is demonstrating long-term impact through human connection, shared experience, and real mentorship.

Built on the belief that the most transformative entrepreneurial growth happens through genuine human connection, Founder’s Table intentionally matches founders with mentors whose expertise aligns directly with the startup’s industry, growth stage, and challenges. The initiative aims to address one of the biggest barriers faced by first-generation entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka, access to the right people, guidance, and networks at the right time.

nVentures Managing Partner Chalinda Abeykoon said, “People say your network is your net worth. But for many first-generation founders, that network simply doesn’t exist. Founder’s Table was created to bridge that gap. We believed that something as simple as sharing a meal could create meaningful relationships between founders and experienced leaders. What’s been most rewarding is seeing these conversations turn into trust, mentorship, clarity, and long-term connections that continue well beyond the table.”

TiE Colombo President and a mentor for this initiative Madu Ratnayake reflected on the importance of creating access and perspective for emerging entrepreneurs. “Sometimes a single conversation with someone who has been there before can save years of mistakes and completely shift a founder’s direction. One of the most valuable things we can give founders is access, access to experience, perspective, and people who genuinely want to see them succeed.”

For founders who have already participated, the impact has been immediate and tangible. Talvin AI Founder Newan Vinthusa shared that conversations with his mentor helped him better understand long-term strategy, finance, and go-to-market planning beyond product development alone. “His expertise across different domains helped me get a clear picture of how to plan for the long term. These types of conversations are invaluable as they provide clarity, allowing us to course-correct early,” he said.

Similarly, Cecrafto Founder Rifak Ahmed described the initiative as creating “a space for authentic, one-on-one connection that the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Sri Lanka needed. I left with more clarity and a relationship I hope to continue building.”

For Grant Thornton Stax Partner, Mentor Ruwindhu Peiris, the experience affirmed that Sri Lanka’s net-giving culture is one of its greatest entrepreneurial assets. “My experience with Founder’s Table renewed my confidence in Sri Lanka’s future. The net-giving ethos of leaders openly sharing experience, networks, and lessons is what builds compounding ecosystems,” he said. “With TiE’s global network and access to internationally experienced founders and investors, Sri Lankan entrepreneurs have a real opportunity to build globally relevant companies.”

nVentures and TiE Colombo aim to expand this work further, deepening mentorship culture, strengthening founder access to experienced leaders, and helping shape the next generation of globally competitive Sri Lankan entrepreneurs.