Ash Kaluarachchi
Chief Executive Officer at Started Inc
New York, New York
Overview
Work Experience
Chief Executive Officer
2015 - Current
StartEd is the world's broadest community of senior leaders and innovators focused on using technology to improve how the world learns and works. Our objective-aligned programs provide mentorship from a network of the most successful, seasoned, and supportive founders, investors, and educators. We help impact-oriented early and mid stage companies expedite their next round of financing, secure key customers, access world-class talent, and realize the true potential of their companies. Learn more: www.started.com
Producer
2015
EDTECH WEEK is a global education innovation festival that takes place "at the corner of Broadway and Education" since 2015 in New York City. It connects senior education leaders, EdTech-focused investors, startup founders, foundations, and corporate executives to address the challenges and opportunities of education and work in the 21st century. Join to witness world-class artists who are passionate about how we learn and work, participate in Masterclasses led by investor, educators, policymakers, and practioners that reveal the most exciting trends and opportunities, dive into problem-solving "Think Tank" workshops in Early Education, K-12, HigherEd, and Workforce Learning sectors, and meet with cutting-edge startups, midstage companies, and corporations from around the world.
Former Manager and Current Mentor
2013
• Operated the most financially successful EdTech accelerator, to date. Worked with early-stage startups to validate business models, secure capital, and reach customers. Techstars is the #1 startup accelerator and mentorship-driven seed-stage investment fund in the world. Techstars delivers 40+ programs annually in startup markets globally. Companies go on to raise an average of $2M in capital post-program. To date, Techstars has funded 1000+ companies that are collectively valued in the billions of dollars.
Techstars is an accelerator that provides pre-seed investment and mentoring for various early stage startups.
Raised $108,919,999.00 from SVB Financial Group and Foundry Group.
Founder
2011 - 2012
• Founded and grew international business talent marketplace to serve global employers and students from top MBA schools. Company: Growth phase.
Co-Founder
2010 - 2011
• Prototyped food mobility service for restaurants that induces trial and promotes brand. Company: Failed (although the cofounders continue to meet every year)
Early Employee
2005 - 2010
• Growth for executive education service targeted toward CIOs by introducing new product offerings, supporting sales, and coaching executives. Company: Acquired.
Customer Acqusition
2004 - 2004
• Analyzed investment opportunities in the software and tech industry. Company: Acquired.
Advisory Specialist
2003 - 2003
• Asset allocation for Managing Director of Private Wealth Investment.
Morgan Stanley Venture Partners is a private equity firm that invests in high-growth companies in the technology and healthcare industries.
Treasuries: Emerging Market
2002 - 2002
• Executed foreign exchange swaps and traded in fixed income securities for the Head of the Treasuries for Asian market.
Citigroup is a financial services holding company that provides various financial products and services.
Raised $12,950,000,000.00 from ValueAct Capital and Abu Dhabi Investment Authority.