Going Global from Colombo: Tech Companies That Made It Beyond Borders

Introduction: Global Success, Local Roots

In recent years, Sri Lanka’s tech sector has quietly evolved into one of the country’s most promising export industries. From bustling Colombo co-working spaces to development hubs in Kandy and Jaffna, homegrown tech companies are making waves on the global stage.(Global from Colombo)

They’re not just outsourcing back-end code — they’re creating enterprise solutions, building software products, and serving clients across Europe, North America, and Southeast Asia. And they’re doing it with local talent, resilient strategy, and a distinctly Sri Lankan commitment to quality.

This is the story of how tech companies from Colombo — and beyond — are going global, and what others can learn from their rise.

The Foundations of a Thriving Tech Ecosystem

Sri Lanka’s IT-BPM sector contributes over $1.5 billion annually to the economy and employs more than 120,000 professionals. Government support through ICTA, SLASSCOM, and BOI incentives has created a fertile ground for tech growth, even amidst broader economic volatility.

Key enablers include:

• A strong pool of English-speaking, STEM-educated graduates
• Time zone overlap with Europe and Asia
• Competitive operational costs
• Growing startup incubation and funding programs
• Widespread 4G and fiber internet access

While legacy companies laid the foundation, the real story lies in the young startups and mid-sized firms now stepping onto the global stage.

Case Study 1: WSO2 – Born in Colombo, Trusted Worldwide

Founded in 2005, WSO2 is one of Sri Lanka’s greatest tech export success stories. Headquartered in Colombo with offices in the U.S., U.K., and Brazil, the company builds enterprise middleware and open-source integration software used by Fortune 500 firms.

With clients like eBay, Jaguar Land Rover, and Qantas, WSO2’s rise is a lesson in:

• Product excellence over cheap labor
• Building global sales and support teams
• Fostering a strong engineering culture
• Being early to open-source ecosystems

It proves that Sri Lankan companies can lead in innovation — not just follow.

Case Study 2: 99x – Agile Products for the Nordics and Beyond

99x is another Sri Lankan success story, delivering cloud-native product engineering services to Nordic clients. What sets 99x apart is its deep domain specialization, long-term client relationships, and a people-first work culture.

Their model is proof that going global doesn’t mean expanding everywhere — it means doing one thing very well for one market, and scaling within that niche.

With over 400 employees, 99x has become a magnet for top engineering graduates and a role model for Sri Lankan companies aiming to serve high-trust global clients.

Case Study 3: Calcey – Silicon Valley Clients, Colombo Heart

Calcey is a product engineering company with a strong footprint in the U.S. market. Based in Colombo, they serve clients ranging from global brands to high-growth startups in Silicon Valley.

Calcey’s strategy is centered around:

• Transparency in communication and processes
• Building cross-functional teams that work like in-house extensions
• Promoting brand Sri Lanka through high-quality UX and engineering delivery

Their story shows that Sri Lankan companies don’t have to hide behind white labels — they can proudly represent their origin while working with the world’s best.

Lessons for Emerging Tech Entrepreneurs

If you’re a Sri Lankan entrepreneur or startup founder looking to scale internationally, here are takeaways from those who’ve done it:

1. Invest in People, Not Just Code
   Hiring the right talent and building a strong team culture is more important than rushing to market.
2. Find a Niche Market
   Don’t try to sell to everyone. Instead, master one industry or region — like healthcare SaaS for Scandinavia or fintech tools for the UAE.
3. Brand Yourself Globally
   Your website, case studies, and pitch decks should reflect international design standards and clearly communicate your value proposition.
4. Get Certified
   ISO certifications, data security standards (GDPR, SOC 2), and process documentation build client confidence.
5. Think in USD, Build from Lanka
   Price, pitch, and plan for international markets, but take full advantage of the local cost structure.

Startup Hubs & Incubators Fueling the Pipeline

Emerging tech firms don’t succeed in isolation. In recent years, Sri Lanka has seen growth in support systems that foster global ambition:

• Hatch Works Colombo: A leading incubator offering mentoring, coworking, and funding access
• Spiralation (ICTA): A startup support program with grants and coaching
• Venture Frontier Lanka: A platform connecting early-stage ventures with international investors
• John Keells X: A corporate accelerator offering seed funding and scaling opportunities

These programs are critical in helping early-stage founders move from MVP to global-ready product.

Challenges on the Global Growth Journey

Despite their momentum, Sri Lankan tech companies still face roadblocks:

• Brain drain to Australia, Europe, and Dubai
• Limited access to Series A/B capital
• Infrastructure gaps outside Colombo
• Foreign exchange regulations and banking friction

But these are not insurmountable. By building remote-first cultures, using international banking partners, and tapping into diaspora networks, founders are finding smart ways to scale.

Opportunities on the Horizon

• AI and Data Analytics: Global demand for AI solutions offers huge potential for Lankan developers trained in machine learning and automation.
• Low-code and No-code Platforms: SMEs abroad need custom software without full dev teams — Lankan firms can fill that gap.
• Cybersecurity Services: With data privacy becoming critical, firms offering penetration testing and compliance support can scale fast.
• eLearning and EdTech: Exporting education platforms or content from Sri Lanka to Asia and Africa is an untapped niche.

Conclusion: Global Mindset, Local Excellence

Sri Lanka’s tech sector is more than just a service economy — it’s a proving ground for global ideas, delivered with local brilliance. Companies like WSO2, 99x, and Calcey have shown that with focus, excellence, and emotional intelligence, Lankan firms can compete with the best.

As new tech founders emerge from universities, incubators, and freelance backgrounds, the opportunity is vast. Going global from Colombo is no longer a dream — it’s a roadmap, already paved by those bold enough to begin.