Why I Decided to Build My First Startup
Even when I was in school, I knew I wanted to work for myself. The idea that my effort directly determined my outcome fascinated me — if I worked hard, I would see results; if I didn’t, the impact was mine to bear. That mindset planted the seed of entrepreneurship early in my life.
I started freelancing while still in school. With guidance from a senior, I learned design and editing, and by the age of 16, I was taking freelance projects seriously. Alongside designing digital posters, logos, and PR materials for schools, LEO Clubs, Lions Clubs, and individuals, I also collaborated with a friend on YouTube video production. We helped independent local music artists produce cover videos, turning a simple hobby into a small-scale production setup.
As time went on, my first business partner had to leave for studies. I tried to manage the workload alone but quickly realized that running a business required more support. Another friend joined me to find clients, and we worked together for a while before she, too, had to step away due to personal commitments. These early experiences taught me resilience, self-management, and the importance of having a supportive team.
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Later, I worked for a product-based software company for a year. That experience exposed me to professional workflows and strengthened my technical skills. During my higher studies, I met like-minded individuals who shared the same entrepreneurial drive. Together, we founded TribeTek, and over time, we expanded our team with other enthusiastic people. Currently, we are also working on a startup aimed at building a community around the startup ecosystem.
Looking back, many experiences contributed to my motivation to start a business:
- School leadership roles: Being actively involved in organizing events and leading teams gave me confidence, especially when I successfully chaired and managed a school event worth seven-digit Sri Lankan Rupees.
- Freelancing projects: Early exposure to client management and delivering value taught me discipline and responsibility.
- Teamwork and partnerships: Collaborating with friends helped me understand the dynamics of working in a team and handling challenges when team members leave.
Each step, from school freelancing to founding TribeTek, strengthened my belief that entrepreneurship was not just a career choice — it was a way to create, lead, and make a tangible impact. These experiences, coupled with the leadership and financial confidence I gained early on, ultimately pushed me to take the leap into starting my first startup.
