Business
Revolutionizing Brand-Influencer Collaboration: The Story of fluencr
by Nilantha Ilangamuwa
In the ever-evolving landscape of digital marketing, where content creators and brands continually seek highly effective collaborations, fluencr stands out as a genuine game-changer. Founded by a group of enterprising individuals in their mid-20s, this Sri Lankan tech startup is on a bold mission to redefine the dynamics of brand-influencer partnerships.
At the heart of fluencr’s inception lies a commitment to addressing real-world challenges faced by both content creators and brands. These challenges are not mere theoretical constructs; they originate from firsthand experiences gained through years of industry involvement at renowned Sri Lankan corporations such as Dialog, Cinnamon Hotels, and Daraz.
In 2017, the team behind fluencr catalyzed a transformation within the Sri Lankan influencer marketing space through individual merit. They identified prevailing pitfalls, including creators struggling with delayed payments and the burden of unpaid revisions, as well as brands grappling with discovering new talents and manually managing campaigns.
The vision for fluencr began to take shape in 2022 when a group of like-minded individuals embarked on this ambitious journey. Notably, this team was fully remote, spanning locations in Sri Lanka, Dubai, and Australia. Remarkably, they dedicated an entire year to meticulously crafting and refining the fluencr platform, all while juggling full-time jobs.
With a lean operational philosophy and an unwavering belief in their vision, fluencr stands as a testament to their dedication. This startup funded the venture entirely from their own savings, underscoring their commitment to addressing the industry’s challenges they had personally witnessed.
fluencr is not just another digital product; it’s a tailor-made solution exclusively designed for the Sri Lankan market. It’s free to use and devoid of burdensome subscription fees, setting it apart from the competition.
But, as Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer, Shehan Mohamed, puts it, “This is just the beginning of our journey.”
“We’re thrilled to unveil a host of innovative ideas that are currently simmering behind the scenes. Our ultimate goal is to become Sri Lanka’s equivalent of platforms like Fiverr, fostering collaborations that transcend the traditional boundaries between brands and influencers,” he added.
Positioned as Sri Lanka’s pioneering digital influencer marketing solution, fluencr serves as a transformative conduit connecting brands and influencers. This platform boasts a comprehensive suite of features, including effortless influencer discovery, streamlined collaboration workspaces, campaign management with seamless payment integration, precise performance measurement tools, enhanced discoverability options, and a firm commitment to ensuring timely compensation for influencers and content creators.
fluencr’s innovative approach to influencer marketing not only simplifies the process but also empowers both brands and influencers, nurturing productive and mutually beneficial partnerships. With these features at the core of this platform, fluencr is poised to revolutionize the influencer marketing landscape in Sri Lanka, offering an unparalleled solution that caters to the unique needs of the local market.
As this homegrown startup prepares for its highly anticipated launch in December, the team behind this startup is excited to announce the availability of 100 exclusive early access seats. Beyond Sri Lanka, they have ambitious plans to expand into the UAE, introduce fluencr Academy, and establish fluencr Studios. The horizon is bright, and fluencr stands at the forefront of ushering in a new era in the Sri Lankan content and marketing landscape.
In the realm of influencer marketing, fluencr represents more than just a solution; it’s a promise of innovation, empowerment, and collaboration. With this dedicated digital product, this team of committed young professionals invites you to join them on this transformative journey, where the future holds boundless possibilities.
Business
AHK Sri Lanka champions first-ever Sri Lankan delegation at Drupa 2024
The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) proudly facilitated the first-ever Sri Lankan delegation’s participation at Drupa 2024, the world’s largest trade fair for the printing industry and technology. Held after an eight-year hiatus, Drupa 2024 was a landmark event, marking significant advancements and opportunities in the global printing industry.
AHK Sri Lanka played a pivotal role in organising and supporting the delegation, which comprised 17 members from the Sri Lanka Association for Printers (SLAP), representing eight companies from the commercial, newspaper, stationery printing, and packaging industries. This pioneering effort by AHK Sri Lanka not only showcased the diverse capabilities of Sri Lanka’s printing sector but also facilitated vital bilateral discussions with key stakeholders from the German printing industry.
Business
Unveiling Ayugiri: Browns Hotels & Resorts sets the stage for a new era in luxury Ayurveda Wellness
In a captivating reimagining of luxury wellness tourism, Browns Hotels & Resorts proudly unveiled the exquisite Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya. This momentous occasion, celebrated amidst a vibrant and serene grand opening on the 6th of June, heralds a new chapter in the Ayurveda wellness tourism landscape in Sri Lanka. Nestled amidst 54 acres of unspoiled natural splendour, Ayugiri features 22 exclusive suites and stands out as the only luxury Ayurveda wellness resort in the country offering plunge pools in every room, rendering it truly one-of-a-kind.
The grand opening of Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort was an enchanting event, where guests were captivated by the melodies of flutists and violinists resonating through Sigiriya’s lush landscapes. As traditional drummers and dancers infused the air with vibrant energy, Browns Hotels & Resorts’ CEO, Eksath Wijeratne, Kotaro Katsuki, Acting Ambassador for the Embassy of Japan and General Manager, Buwaneka Bandara, unveiled the resort’s new logo, marking a significant moment witnessed by distinguished guests from the French Embassy, Ayurveda and wellness enthusiasts along with officials from the Sigiriya area, LOLC Holdings and Browns Group.
“Our strategic expansion into wellness tourism with Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya symbolises a significant milestone for Browns Hotels & Resorts. Wellness tourism has consistently outperformed the overall tourism industry for over a decade, reflecting a growing global interest in travel that goes beyond leisure to offer rejuvenation and holistic well-being. By integrating the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda with modern luxury, we aim to set a new standard in luxury wellness tourism in Sri Lanka. Whether your goal is prevention, healing, or a deeper connection to inner harmony, Ayugiri offers a sanctuary for holistic well-being” stated Eksath Wijeratne.
Ayugiri encapsulates the essence of life, inspired by the lotus flower held by the graceful queens of the infamous Sigiriya frescoes. Just as the lotus emerges from the murky depths, untainted and serene,
Ayugiri invites guests on a journey of purity and rejuvenation, harmonised with a balance of mind, body and spirit, the essence of nature, echoes of culture and the wisdom of ancient Ayurvedic healing.
Business
HNB General Insurance recognized as Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024
HNB General Insurance, one of Sri Lanka’s leading general insurance providers, has been honored as the Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024 by the prestigious Global Banking and Finance Review – UK.
The esteemed accolade underscores HNB General Insurance’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its outstanding performance in the field of bancassurance. Through dedication and hard work, the HNB General Insurance team has continuously endeavored to deliver innovative insurance solutions, cultivate strong relationships with banking partners, and provide unparalleled service to customers nationwide. This recognition is a testament to the team’s dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence in the bancassurance business.
“We are honored to receive this prestigious award, which reflects our team’s tireless efforts and dedication to delivering value-added insurance solutions and exceptional service through our bancassurance partnerships,” said Sithumina Jayasundara, CEO of HNB General Insurance. “This recognition reaffirms our position as a trusted insurance provider in Sri Lanka and motivates us to continue striving for excellence in serving our customers and communities.”