As part of Global Entrepreneurship Week, entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka shared the human side of building a business, with advice and insights that demonstrate the role that community, courage, and support play in building a company.
Lakshan De Silva is the co-founder and CEO of Hyperglade, a blockchain-based investment platform that is redefining finance by bridging the gap between the real world and Web3.
"Ever since I was a kid I wanted to build something on my own," he says.
De Silva wanted to create real use cases for blockchain, and knew he was onto something when his company started gaining traction.
"When you're solving an actual problem with a solution that is scalable, you're onto something."
To those interested in starting companies in this space, he says, "My advice is: conceptualize it. Just build it, even in its most basic form. Ship it out and get the first few customers."
Watch: Global Entrepreneurship Week Insights and Advice from Lakshan De Silva
Naushad Meedin, founder and CEO of boutique digital services agency Virtual Garage, credits his family and mentors for helping him kickstart his company.
He advises up-and-coming entrepreneurs to ask for help when they need it.
"Don't think of your ego. Forget about the rest. If you need help, you can ask for it."
Watch: Global Entrepreneurship Week Insights and Advice from Nuashad Meedin
Nevindaree Premarathne, founder and CEO of The Makers, a global edtech company inspiring students to use STEAM skills to solve problems, also offered her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs.
"Don't wait for the perfect moment. The perfect moment never comes." Premaranthe added that entrepreneurs should view challenges not as failures, but as feedback.
Watch: Global Entrepreneurship Week Insights and Advice from Nevindaree Premaranthe
Have your own advice or message to aspiring entrepreneurs with big ideas and bold dreams? Share it to social media using #GEW2025 and #TogetherWeBuild. The global entrepreneurship community is also invited to submit stories to the GEN newsroom here.
To learn more about Global Entrepreneurship Week and to get involved, visit www.gew.co.