Scaling Beyond Borders - Building Sri Lanka’s Next Global Companies
Event Description
Scaling Beyond Borders
What does it actually take to grow a business across markets? Join us for Scaling Beyond Borders a curated session bringing together founders, operators, investors, and ecosystem leaders to explore the real challenges and opportunities of cross-border growth. About the Event This event is co-hosted by four leading organizations driving business growth and ecosystem development across Sri Lanka and beyond:
8Circle
8Circle is a global founder, investor, and growth community with 2,000+ members across Singapore, Hong Kong, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka. It helps founders and business owners expand by connecting them with customers, strategic partners, investors, and ecosystem opportunities through curated events and high-value in-person engagements.
8Circle has served as an ecosystem and media partner for major regional conferences including Singapore FinTech Festival, SWITCH, Money20/20, GITEX Global, and Echelon Asia Summit.
They have also collaborated with global brands and ecosystem partners such as Microsoft, Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN), Aspire, GitHub, Rippling, Singapore Global Network, and Deel.
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TSA Media Group
TSA Media Group is a Sri Lankan growth, marketing, and creative agency with experience across Business-to-Business (B2B), Business-to-Consumer (B2C), Direct-to-Consumer (D2C), startups, and growth-stage businesses.
As co-host, TSA Media Group brings experience in go-to-market strategy, lead generation, creative production, content, paid media, social media, and growth consulting.
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Singapore Global Network
Singapore Global Network (SGN) is a Singapore government-backed platform focused on connecting global talent, businesses, and communities with Singapore and regional opportunities.
SGN supports cross-border ecosystem building by helping link founders, operators, professionals, and business networks across markets.
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Hatch
Hatch is one of Sri Lanka’s leading startup and innovation ecosystem platforms, supporting founders, entrepreneurs, and growing businesses through community, workspace, programs, partnerships, and access to networks.
As event partner, Hatch brings strong local ecosystem credibility and helps connect the conversation to Sri Lanka’s founder and operator community.
Meet the Panel:
🎤 Thilan Wijesinghe — Investor & Strategic Advisor | Sri Lanka Regional opportunities, cross-border strategy, and capital & partnerships
🎤 Chalinda Abeykoon — Managing Partner, nVentures | Sri Lanka Venture perspective on what actually scales and what founders get wrong
🎤 Vidushan Premathiratne — Founder, 8Circle | Singapore / Sri Lanka How founders connect ambition with market access through networks and partnerships
🎤 Sameera Nilupul — CTO, KAST | Singapore Building tech infrastructure that scales across borders What to expect:
High-signal panel discussion Meaningful networking Actionable takeaways for founders and operators
📅 May 7 | 🕕 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM 📍 Hatch, 4 Sir Baron Jayathilake Mawatha, Colombo 🎟 Free | Registration Required
Agenda (6:00 PM – 9:30 PM)
6:00 PM | Registration & Welcome Networking
Arrive, settle in, and connect informally with fellow founders, investors, and advisors in a relaxed setting designed to spark early conversations.
6:30 PM | Opening Session & Host Introductions
An overview of the current landscape for Sri Lankan businesses—highlighting opportunities in regional expansion, pathways to exit, and the importance of building globally competitive, enterprise-ready organizations.
6:45 PM | Panel Discussion: From Local Growth to Global Outcomes
A moderated conversation featuring experienced founders, advisors, and investors, exploring key questions such as:
When is the right time to expand regionally versus consider exit opportunities?
Why Singapore and Hong Kong serve as effective hubs for operations and investment
The role of cloud infrastructure, AI-enabled operations, cybersecurity, and compliance in building scalable, investor-ready companies
Lessons from South Asian and Southeast Asian businesses that have successfully expanded or exited across borders
8:00 PM | Networking & Strategic Connections
Move beyond introductions into meaningful conversations. This session is designed to connect participants around shared goals—whether expansion, partnerships, acquisitions, or succession planning.
9:30 PM | Close
About 8 Circle
The 8 Circle Community is a network of over 2,000+ founders and industry experts dedicated to guiding startups and SMEs through key aspects of establishing and operating businesses in various countries. Our vision is to build interconnected communities across major global cities, enabling seamless cross-border expansion through trusted partnerships.
The community provides insights and guidance in areas such as incorporation, accounting, tax compliance, reporting, work permits, funding, bank setup, investors, partners and regulatory filings.
Join the 8 Circle Business Community here: