6 not-so-tech Sri Lankan startups that are nailing it

We often talk about Sri Lankan startups and the exciting products that are being built every day. Over the years this sector has grown into a busy and increasingly ambitious industry. The Startup Genome Report for 2021 (page 89) puts Sri Lanka’s startup ecosystem at a USD 132 million market value. But oftentimes the startup conversation revolves around the tech sphere, almost exclusively. But the truth is there are equally, if not more promising entrepreneurial efforts in other sectors as well. So, we thought of putting the spotlight on a few startups that might not fall under the usual tech bracket for a change.

1. Goodfolks

First on the list is a platform that hosts Sri Lankan products, with an exclusive focus on “micro-small-medium” enterprises. Here, you can find a variety of products, everything from pure bee honey from Sri Lanka’s North and North Central regions, to coconut jam with cinnamon. You can even find interesting titbits on some of the listed products themselves.

Interestingly, Goodfolks also leans on sustainability. According to the website, products showcased on the platform need to be organic, ethical, and sustainable.

In addition to the website, you can find a select product range at other stores including the likes of Odel and Keells.

2. Bear Appeal

This is perhaps the more popular name on the list of Sri Lankan startups. But in case you haven’t come across their noticeably logo-less t-shirts yet, you’re missing out. It’s an online clothing store that’s “all about convenience and peace of mind”. Bear Appeal’s selection of everyday wear includes comfortable and colorful crew-neck t-shirts, polo shirts, underwear, and socks to name a few. To top it off, the store offers island-wide free delivery.

Bear Appeal also features an initiative dubbed Bear Appeal X. This is where content creators and other popular Sri Lankan figures can sell their official merchandise. Currently, Bear Appeal X hosts merchandise from popular YouTubers Podda, Maniya, and Kalu Malli.

3. Ceylon Leather Crafts

Thilina Perera is the man behind the work. He’s a self-taught leather crafter with a growing audience on Instagram and TikTok where he regularly talks about his trade. His website hosts a variety of leather products including European bifold wallets, card wallets, messenger bags, and laptop sleeves among others.

If you’re wondering, yes, Ceylon Leather Crafts does undertake custom orders. You can check out the Instagram page for more details.

4. Olai

Olai is a Jaffna-based startup that’s all about Palmyrah. Here, you’ll find all sorts of Palmyrah-based products. There’s everyone’s favorite authentic Panankaddi (palmyrah jaggery). A larger portion of Olai’s lineup ranges from multi-colored handbags to leaf trivets and pen holders.

Founded by former Uki alumnus Yathusha Kulendran, we first saw Olai as one of the finalists at Yarl Geek Challenge Season 8. Since then, Olai has grown to be a promising young startup.

5. The Nuttery

Who doesn’t like nuts? There are not many out there that do nuts as well as The Nuttery does. It’s an idea that sparked following COVID-19 and it’s one that continues to gain good reception among fellow kaju fans.

Do you like Belgian dark chocolate hazelnuts? How about some trail mix? Or maybe you’re a pol pani cashew kind of person? Either way, you’re not short on options on The Nuttery. But of course, it’s not only nuts. There’s also a variety of dried fruits, wild bee honey from Puttalam, and even some butter and spreads.

6. Eco360

Here’s another startup that’s pushing for sustainable solutions. Eco360 has one simple objective and that’s to cut down on plastic. They do this by offering biodegradable bags made from a starch base as opposed to the typical plastic bags you see in stores. The bags are non-toxic and fully compostable within months.

Formed in 2014, Eco360 came to life with the goal of shifting single-plastics to biodegradable materials. Its flagship product, which kicked off a few years later, the “Compost Me” bag is one way the Sri Lankan startup aims to achieve this. By early 2020, Eco360 joined hands with Keells as a means of helping the conglomerate cut down on its plastic usage.

Sri Lankan startups: A fostering landscape

So there you have it. Now, before you go “what about X, Y, and Z?” at us, this is only a tiny glimpse of the startup ecosystem. This is a testament to the different ways businesses are formed around interesting ideas each day.

This also reinforces the fact that the Sri Lankan startup ecosystem extends far beyond the tech landscape. So regardless of whether you’re building a social network for volunteer work or creating custom leather products, it’s an intriguing terrain that continues to foster in the island nation. Here’s to all the Sri Lankan startups out there.