The Demo Day, the entrepreneur development programme designed and implemented by GLX, and initiated by GIZ SME Sector Development Program in Sri Lanka was held virtually in adapting to the new normal recently.
The Demo Day sets the stage for the ten founders of cohort 2020 to showcase their products and services and pitch for the opportunity to receive investment and support from partners in Sri Lanka, Germany and other parts of Europe in effectively taking their business towards global markets. Founder & CEO - Calcey Technologies and Director at GoodLife X Mangala 2020 stated: “The great work team GoodLife; the work you have been doing is really important. If you can help build a few more Dilmah type companies in Sri Lanka, I think we can truly say we have begun the transition from a commodity supplier to a value-added supplier.”
Each founder, selected on the merits of innovative sustainability of their start-up, was taken through a 12-week business development programme that provided strategic training, planning and international mentoring and hands-on support in the form of student groups from the master’s programme at ESCP in Berlin (the GoodLife Accelerator’s implementing partner). “Working together to define their strategy and trajectory was a treat. I believe all the founders have a great vision and it was great to be part of their journey and help them realize their goals” said Sanchitha Silva, Programme Manager for the GLX Accelerator.
They all drew attention to the immense support received from the four mentors, Jan Ehlers, Martin Kupp, Peter Borchers, and Sebastian Fittko who are professional consultants from ESCP in both Paris and Berlin.
ESCP is a state-recognized university that counts among the most prestigious and leading business schools in Germany. Jan Ehlers - Director Executive Education, Career Development and Company Relations ESCP Berlin said; “All founders had to take crucial HR/Leadership decisions where we together reflected on different scenarios for the next steps. Besides the mentoring, I had the impression that the founders benefited most from the regular learning sessions and the clear focus of GLX Accelerator.”
The event itself was launched successfully via Facebook and YouTube channels. The ten companies who participated in the sustainability-driven GLX Accelerator programme is BusSeat, Good Folks, Local Forecast, Mindful Travels, Moonshadow Naturals, Olai, Owita Organics, RAW, Sebastco and Wawamu.
Mentors Peter Borchers and Sebastian Fittko stated: “What fascinated us was the pure energy of the founders and the drive to build something purposeful. All our mentees were driven by purpose with really great products!” At the conclusion of the lively event GLX Programme Director, Randhula de Silva stated that “GLX is set to solve meaningful problems in Asia through innovative and sustainable approaches in the sectors that need it most.”
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