Sri Lankan Tech Startups Gain Valuable Insights at EDB’s Awareness Session: Berlin – A Gateway to Europe

Sri Lankan tech startups and scale-ups gathered at the EDB on 20^th February 2025 for an insightful and empowering awareness session organized by the Export Services Division (EDB). The session was designed to provide local tech businesses with essential market entry strategies for Europe, with a particular focus on leveraging Berlin’s thriving startup ecosystem.

The event began with a warm welcome from Mr. Mangala Wijesinghe, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the EDB. Mr. Wijesinghe emphasized the importance of global market expansion for Sri Lanka’s ICT sector, encouraging startups to seize international opportunities and expand their horizons.

The session featured Mr. Marten Rauschenberg, CEO of the AsiaBerlin Forum, as the keynote speaker. Mr. Rauschenberg shared valuable insights on how Sri Lankan tech startups can navigate the European market, particularly focusing on the opportunities within Berlin’s startup ecosystem.

Ms. Manori Unambuwe, former Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Germany and Ambassador for the AsiaBerlin Forum, contributed to the event. During the panel discussion, she shared her expertise in strengthening bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Germany, offering valuable insights on how Sri Lankan startups can leverage AsiaBerlin to forge meaningful connections.

Key highlights of the session included:

• Market entry strategies for Europe: Attendees learned how to navigate the complexities of entering the European market, including regulatory considerations, funding opportunities, and best practices for establishing a presence in Berlin.
• Leveraging Berlin’s startup ecosystem: The session explored the advantages of Berlin’s dynamic and innovative environment, home to a network of investors, policymakers, and business leaders.
• Expanding business networks with AsiaBerlin officials: Participants had the opportunity to engage with AsiaBerlin officials, building essential connections that could help propel their businesses to new international heights.

The primary objective of the session was to raise awareness among Sri Lankan ICT SMEs and startups on entry opportunities for European market, while simultaneously creating networking opportunities with influential figures from the AsiaBerlin Forum. AsiaBerlin, supported by the Berlin Senate Department for Economics, Energy, and Public Enterprises, serves as a vital platform for fostering collaboration and innovation between startups, investors, and policymakers across Asia and the Berlin.

The event concluded with networking, providing participants with the tools and connections needed to accelerate their international expansion efforts. As Sri Lanka’s tech startups continue to grow, events like this play a crucial role in fostering global collaboration and opening doors to new market opportunities.