Our Story

Venture Engine is an annual Entrepreneurship Program geared to provide a strong & viable platform for entrepreneurs to launch or expand their business. With direct access to potential investors and a focused program that incorporates mentoring & workshops from leading investors, industry experts & entrepreneurs, we aim to ensure that every business that comes through the program gains from the experience, regardless of funding.

Since we launched in 2012 multiple businesses have been funded by the program. Some of these companies are ready for global partnerships.

Our Journey

  • 2009
  • 2011
  • 2012
  • 2013
  • 2014
  • 2015
  • 2016
  • 2017
  • 2018
  • 2019
  • 2020
  • 2021
Our Vision

Venture Engine’s sole purpose is to mentor and help entrepreneurs to grow by providing global connects through this platform.

The Concept Explained

With a focus on providing tangible benefits, Venture Engine strives to provide Sri Lankan entrepreneurs every opportunity required to launch their businesses; specifically through the development of stronger business plans aided by mentoring sessions and informative workshops with some of the region’s top entrepreneurs and business leaders.

Therein, these streamlined business ventures and their founders are given the opportunity to present their ideas before a panel of potential investors, affording them much valuable critique and insight into their pitch, and possibly even the capital and partners required to jumpstart their businesses.

How Does It Work?

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Open Call

The program is launched with an open call for business plans.
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2-Minute Elevator Pitch

The initial filtered startups that apply get a 2 minute elevator pitch presentation of their startup to a panel of experienced investors. Your presentation will need to be crisp and clear, so the investors understand your business in 2-3 minutes. The investors will select the startups that will move to the next round.
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Workshop

A series of workshops will be conducted to help the startups to prepare their pitch in round 1 and round 2 sessions. Even if startups don’t proceed to round 1 or round 2, the knowledge gained in building an early-stage venture is immense.
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Round 1 and Round 2 Pitching

Startups will participate in 2 rounds of pitching to local investors. This will also give the startup founders a whole wealth of feedback and validation of their startups. The top fundable startups will advance to the final round.
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Final Round

The top fundable startups will pitch at the grand finale event to an audience of local and international investors. The winners and the finalists will get cash prizes, startup resources and networking opportunities with investors.
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Funding

All fundable companies will be looked at by potential investors who will mentor them and hopefully fund.

How Does It Work?

null

Open Call

The program is launched with an open call for business plans.
null

2-Minute Elevator Pitch

The initial filtered startups that apply get a 2 minute elevator pitch presentation of their startup to a panel of experienced. Your presentation will need to be crisp and clear, so the investors understand your business in 2-3 minutes. The investors will select the startups that will move to the next round.
null

Workshop

A series of workshops will be conducted to help the startups to prepare their pitch in round 1 and round 2 sessions. Even if startups don’t proceed to round 1 or round 2, the knowledge gained in building an early-stage venture is immense.
null

Round 1 and Round 2 Pitching

Startups will participate in 2 rounds of pitching to local investors. This will also give the startup founders a whole wealth of feedback and validation of their startups. The top fundable startups will advance to the final round.
null

Final Round

The top fundable startups will pitch at the grand finale event to an audience of local and international investors.
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Funding

All fundable companies will be looked at by potential investors who will mentor them and hopefully fund.
The Benefits Of Venture Engine

Venture Engine offers selected entrepreneurs a host of benefits in a short period time. These are crucial to every emerging business.

  • Valuable insight into business planning
  • Mentoring on creating a successful business plan to gain funding
  • Access to a series of high profile potential investors
  • Networking with successful entrepreneurs
  • Mentoring by successful and experienced professionals
  • Comprehensive feedback on their business models and modus operandi
  • Access to members of the venture capital and private equity community
  • Broad media exposure and PR buzz