Most students and colleagues ask me, “What is the most important thing to consider as a startup founder?” My answer is always the same: it’s all about building the right team.
Why do I say that? Let’s talk about the reason.
Building the right team is the key to startups like ours. Even if you have a great vision, a strong idea, and the technical skills to build a startup, success depends on creating a team that truly fits both you and your company. A strong team isn’t just about talent; it’s about alignment, dedication, and the ability to grow together.
Tapro IT
When we consider Tapro IT, I’m not alone in driving this ship forward. I have four incredible co-founders beside me. As you know, a startup’s success doesn’t come from a single person. It comes from a group of people who complement each other’s strengths and have the resilience to push forward through challenges.
That’s why I gathered my university friends to sail the Tapro IT ship toward success. Each of them brings something unique to the table, and I knew they shared the same motivation to build something meaningful.
My Team
Sanuda Senod is the one who always talked about startups and future ideas. He is a tech visionary with expertise in web, mobile, and emerging technologies. His ability to innovate and stay ahead of the curve has been instrumental in shaping Tapro IT’s technical direction.
When we talk about Zulfa Zulfikar, she is a powerhouse in project management. Zul’s strategic mindset and leadership skills have been vital in transforming ideas into action. From organizing large-scale initiatives like the Pearlhack Hackathon to structuring our workflows, she keeps us moving forward.
Then there’s Tharushi Wijethunga. I know her very well because we worked together as batch representatives at university. She and Sanuda discussed startups countless times even before Tapro IT was born. With her dedication and expertise in public relations, Thaushi’s ability to build relationships and connect with key people has been a game changer for us. Her communication and networking skills have been crucial in growing our brand presence.
Finally, Prabhath Rathnayaka. He is a creative force with a sharp eye for design. His work has defined our brand and ensured we stand out in a competitive market. From our website to app designs and branding materials, Prabath has been the backbone of our design identity.
This is my team. Each member brings a different skill set, yet we all share the same vision. Together, we’ve built Tapro IT from the ground up. I truly believe that with the right team, vision, and dedication, any startup can rise as strong as a dragon in the sky.
The Reality of the Startup Journey
But as most of you already know, a startup journey isn’t always smooth. Our journey hasn’t been easy, and it never will be. Not everyone can contribute equally at all times. We’ve had arguments, disagreements, and setbacks. But no matter what, we always unite toward our ultimate goal.
We’ve faced ups and downs, yet we continue walking our path as planned, supporting each other along the way. This is how we built Tapro IT, and this is how we will continue to build it.
The real strength of Tapro IT lies in our ability to stay aligned, committed, and resilient. This is where many startups struggle. A strong team isn’t just about talent; it’s about trust, adaptability, and the courage to move forward together, even in tough times.
More Than a Founding Team
Today, we are no longer just a founding team. We have amazing employees who are more than employees — they are our friends and partners on this journey. They sail with us on the Tapro IT ship, navigating an endless and competitive ocean together.
The Right Team
In the end, the success of any startup is rooted in its people. The right team is more than a group of skilled individuals; it’s about trust, alignment, and shared vision. With the right team, even the toughest challenges turn into opportunities, and the future always looks bright.
If you build a strong, dedicated team, you’re already on the path to success.
Follow me on LinkedIn: Shanka Visal Amarasekara