BOV Capital, LAN, GBAN, and EBAN come together to elevate start-up investment landscape in Sri Lanka

Tuesday, 23 September 2025 01:53 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

From left: Citi Managing Director and Banking, Capital Markets and Advisory Asia-Pacific Head Jan Metzger, Digital Economy Ministry Secretary Waruna Sri Dhanapala, Chief Presidential Adviser on Digital Economy Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, Kiran Kalluri (Dallas Venture Capital), Digital Economy Deputy Minister Eng. Eranga Weeraratne, Prashant K. Gulati (TiE Dubai), Soumaya Ben Beya Dridje (Rasmal Ventures), Marcel Dridje (EBAN), and Prajeeth Balasubramaniam (BOV Capital)

In a pivotal closed-door meeting, the Venture Engine investor panel joined hands with Sri Lanka’s Digital Minister and the Board of the Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) to discuss policy frameworks aimed at making Sri Lanka a highly attractive destination for start-up investments and seamless investor exits. Key representatives from BOV Capital, the Lankan Angel Network (LAN), the Global Business Angels Network (GBAN), and the European Business Angel Network (EBAN) participated actively in shaping the strategic dialogue.

The discussions centred on policy reforms such as establishing a Government-backed fund of funds, tax pass-through frameworks, and regulatory relaxations that encourage institutional investments in venture capital and startups. This meeting marks a significant step forward in aligning Government priorities with investor expectations, catalysing an ecosystem capable of attracting meaningful regional and global venture capital flows.

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Further enriching the conversation was the strategic vision to brand Sri Lanka uniquely as a start-up destination that combines its growing tech ecosystem with its breath-taking tourism assets. The investor panel and Government representatives underscored the opportunity to promote Sri Lanka as a place where start-ups can thrive while enjoying an exceptional quality of life, from working on innovative technology to living near pristine beaches and scenic landscapes. This dual appeal is envisioned to differentiate Sri Lanka in the competitive global start-up market and attract talent and investors who value both innovation and lifestyle.

The meeting’s outcomes were celebrated with a conclusion at a beach front co-working space in Mirissa, reflecting Sri Lanka’s beautiful coastline and reinforcing the commitment to merging innovation with the country’s natural allure.

Recognised leaders from BOVCapital and LAN emphasised that ongoing private-public collaborations, combined with targeted regulatory improvements and the successful Venture Engine program, are driving momentum for Sri Lanka to emerge as Asia’s next innovation hub. Successful Venture Engine alumni like Roar, InsureMe, Stripes & Checks, and Mint Pay stand as testaments to the ecosystem’s potential.

“As Sri Lanka accelerates its journey towards becoming a global start-up destination, sustained cooperation among investors, Government, and ecosystem stakeholders will be crucial to unlocking long-term economic and social benefits for the country” said BOVCapital Co- Founder and Managing Partner and Lankan Angel Network Founder Prajeeth Balasubramaniam.