Sanjiva Weerawarana and WSO2: Pioneers of iPaaS Technology in Sri Lanka
Table of Contents
Introduction
Sanjiva Weerawarana, the founder and CEO of WSO2, is a pioneer in the world of Integration Platform as a Service (iPaaS) technology. With the help of James Clark, a legendary software entrepreneur and investor, he launched WSO2 in 2005, positioning Sri Lanka as a new tech center for innovation.
About Sanjiva Weerawarana and WSO2
Founding WSO2
WSO2 offers a suite of cloud services that enables the development, execution, and governance of integration flows that connect any combination of on-premises and cloud-based processes, services, applications, and data within individual or across multiple organizations. The company has over 900 employees, produces $100 million in annual revenue, and has offices in Santa Clara, California, the UK, Brazil, Germany, Australia, UAE, India, and Malaysia.
Weerawarana left IBM to create WSO2 with little to no financing. His goal was not only to provide a powerful middleware solution for small businesses but also to prove to the world that Sri Lanka could compete with India as a center for tech innovation. Today, WSO2 has become a model for the tech industry in Sri Lanka, and it continues to grow and innovate.
Global Presence
The company’s latest Series E funding round raised $3 million in May of 2022, led by Redstart Labs, on top of its $90 million fund raise, also a Series E, led by Goldman Sachs. Its primary source of revenue is a SaaS subscription service, and it serves over 800 direct customers, plus 5,000 or so OEM customers and 25,000 open-source customers.
Impact on Sri Lanka's Tech Industry
Innovation and Growth
WSO2 has played a significant role in positioning Sri Lanka as a new tech center for innovation, making the country a destination for tech talent and investment. The company's innovative solutions and growth have set a benchmark for the tech industry in Sri Lanka.
Philanthropy and Social Impact
Weerawarana is passionate about Sri Lanka’s future and is active politically as well as for social issues. He is bullish about the country’s potential and sees incredible natural resources, world-class statistics, and a strong foundation for tourism. He is also the founder and chairman of several philanthropic initiatives.
Conclusion
Sanjiva Weerawarana and WSO2 have made significant contributions to positioning Sri Lanka as a new tech center for innovation. Through pioneering iPaaS technology, WSO2 continues to drive innovation and growth, making Sri Lanka a destination for tech talent and investment. With ongoing commitment and investment, the future of Sri Lanka's tech industry looks promising.
