Dec 11, 2024

Firolab Innovations

When I graduated from university, most students were focused on securing high-paying jobs with great benefits. But my vision was different—I wanted to create something of my own, to build a company that reflected my passion and dreams. I vividly remember walking 4 kilometers from shop to shop, asking if there were any business opportunities for me. Those early days were full of challenges but also a sense of hope and determination that fueled my entrepreneurial spirit. Looking back, those experiences remain some of the most valuable and joyful memories of my life.
At that time, my wife, who was my girlfriend then, played a pivotal role in shaping my journey. We often discussed ideas and dreams, and it was during one of those conversations that she introduced me to Supun. Supun, who is now not only my business partner but also like an elder brother to me, had graduated from the same university as I had, earning a first-class degree in Computer Science and Engineering. When Supun and I began working together, I quickly realized that we shared a common vision, a similar work ethic, and a deep passion for innovation. Over the past seven years, our partnership has flourished into an incredible working relationship and a strong friendship. His technical expertise and my drive for entrepreneurship created the perfect synergy for what was to come.
Our journey wasn’t without its challenges. A few years into our collaboration, we developed CarbonXo, a software application designed to calculate an organization’s carbon footprint. While it didn’t achieve the financial success we had hoped for, it was a crucial learning experience. We gained invaluable insights into product development, market needs, and the resilience required to navigate the entrepreneurial world.
Two years after starting our work together, we officially registered our company as Firolab Innovations (Pvt) Ltd. With Firolab, we ventured into a wide range of projects, including web design and web application development, serving clients from small businesses to multinational corporations. In our commitment to fostering talent, we provided training opportunities to four young students, helping them gain hands-on experience and kick-start their careers.
In 2020, we launched Graficto, a product born out of Supun’s hobby idea.Graficto turned out to be a breakthrough for us, becoming a financial success and a defining moment in our entrepreneurial journey. Beyond the personal and professional achievements, Graficto also contributed to our country by generating foreign currency income, adding a layer of pride to our success.
Today, Firolab continues to grow as we take on outsourcing projects and focus on developing new, innovative products. Our vision for the future includes expanding our operations internationally and establishing a dedicated office space that reflects our growth and aspirations. We dream of building a company that not only thrives in business but also makes a positive impact on the world around us. Entrepreneurship has been a journey full of surprises, challenges, and invaluable lessons. Every setback taught us resilience, and every success fueled our drive to keep moving forward. Life is unpredictable, but it’s this very unpredictability that makes the journey so exciting and rewarding. I look forward to the future with optimism and determination, knowing that every step—no matter how small—is leading us toward something greater.