Biography of Jiffry Zulfer: Founder & CEO of PickMe- Entrepreneur & Angel Investor
Biography of Jiffry Zulfer:
A serial entrepreneur counting 17 years of founding and
successfully running several tech-based ventures, Zulfer currently has himself
invested in the most successful tech-based business solution in the country. As
the Founder & CEO of PickMe, Zulfer has become a favourite among the
pioneers of the local ICT space. Crediting his talent as a driving force in
technopreneurship, Zulfer was awarded the ICTA Young IT Professional Award (May
2006) and FCCISL. Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award (April 2004); followed
by many local and international awards and nominations won by the businesses he
founded. Prior to PickMe he served as CTO at wow.lk, the first e-commerce
venture in the country and was also a founder in the management team.
Early Career and Roles
Before his leadership roles at PickMe and Digital Commerce
Lanka, Jiffry Zulfer gained valuable experience in technology and management.
He served as a Partner at DB Consulting from 2006 to 2009, where he played
diverse roles from programming to project management, gaining insights into the
consultancy landscape. Prior to that, he held a significant position at
Microsoft as a Business Development Manager, focusing on expanding Microsoft's
business footprint in the region
Education and Qualifications
Jiffry Zulfer's educational journey is characterized by a
commitment to both management and technology disciplines. He obtained an MBA in
Business from Western Sydney University, Australia, graduating in 2006. Prior
to this, he completed an executive program at the prestigious Indian School of
Business in 2007, enhancing his strategic management skills. Earlier in his
academic career, he pursued studies in management and finance with the
Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) from 2012 to 2014,
solidifying his foundation in financial management practices.
Role as Chief Technology Officer and E-commerce Pioneer
Before founding PickMe, Jiffry Zulfer served as the Chief
Technology Officer (CTO) at wow.lk, the country's first e-commerce venture. His
role there was pivotal in establishing the foundation for e-commerce in Sri
Lanka. Zulfer was also a founding member of the management team at wow.lk,
contributing significantly to its early success and setting a precedent for
future advancements in digital commerce.
Professional Experience
Founder & CEO at PickMe (Digital Mobility Solutions
Lanka (PVT) Ltd)
Since its inception in September 2014, Jiffry Zulfer has
been the driving force behind PickMe, a leading digital mobility solutions
provider in Sri Lanka. Under his leadership, PickMe has revolutionized the
transportation sector by leveraging technology to provide convenient and
reliable mobility options. Zulfer's role involves not only strategic decision-making
but also fostering innovation within the organization to stay ahead in a
competitive market.
Biography of Jiffry Zulfer: Founder & CEO of PickMe- Entrepreneur, Investor/Digital Commerce/ Sri lanka/startup/E-commerce/Journey of Jiffry Zulfer
Chief Technology Officer at Digital Commerce Lanka (Pvt.)
Ltd.
From December 2012 to September 2014, Jiffry Zulfer served
as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Digital Commerce Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd.,
known for operating prominent e-commerce platforms such as wow.lk and
Anything.lk in Sri Lanka. His tenure as CTO was marked by his instrumental role
in setting up the company's IT infrastructure and leading technological
advancements. He oversaw the integration of cutting-edge e-commerce platforms
and business intelligence tools, enhancing operational efficiency and customer
experience.
The Birth and Growth of PickMe
Jiffry Zulfer founded PickMe, often referred to as the Sri
Lankan equivalent of Uber, driven by his understanding of GPS and GIS systems
coupled with strong business acumen. Together with his partners, they
envisioned and brought this innovative transportation concept to life for
locals. Their unique approach attracted investors early on, offering something
distinctive that Uber didn't have at the time. The team aimed to revolutionize
Sri Lanka's traditional tuk tuk system, enhancing convenience with features
like GPS-enabled tracking and fare calculation using Google Maps.
PickMe's Service Offerings and Technology
PickMe operates as a versatile platform offering
ride-hailing, food delivery, and logistics services. Users can choose from a
variety of vehicles ranging from tuk tuks to luxury sedans and even trucks for
logistics needs. The platform's user-friendly interface supports cashless
payments, making it convenient for customers to book and pay for services on
the go.
Technological Infrastructure and Scale
Founded in 2015, PickMe has evolved into a robust multi-cloud
platform capable of handling substantial computational demands. It utilizes a
distributed event-driven system, processing up to 1,000,000 events per second
across over 5,000 CPUs. This technological backbone supports PickMe's
operations and ensures scalability to meet growing demands in Sri Lanka's
dynamic transportation sector.
Leadership and Vision
Jiffry Zulfer serves as the CEO of PickMe, steering the
company with a focus on innovation and customer satisfaction. Under his
leadership, PickMe has not only disrupted the traditional taxi services but
also expanded into new service areas like food delivery and logistics. Zulfer's
leadership continues to drive PickMe's growth and influence in the automotive
and tech industries in Sri Lanka.
Future Outlook
As PickMe continues to innovate and expand its service
offerings, it remains a pivotal player in Sri Lanka's automotive industry. With
ongoing technological advancements and a customer-centric approach, PickMe is
poised to further solidify its position as a leader in the country's
transportation and logistics sectors.
Achievements and Skills
Throughout his career, Jiffry Zulfer has demonstrated a versatile
skill set encompassing project management methodologies such as Agile - Scrum,
XP, and Lean. His expertise extends to various e-commerce platforms including
Magento and Oracle ATG, as well as BI tools like Oracle Business Intelligence
Enterprise Edition. Zulfer's proficiency in managing databases such as MySQL
and Oracle, coupled with his adeptness in social media platforms and online
advertising tools, underscores his comprehensive approach to leveraging technology
for business growth.
Summary
Jiffry Zulfer stands as a testament to entrepreneurial
success in Sri Lanka's tech industry, blending a robust educational background
in management and finance with hands-on expertise in technology and project
management. His leadership at PickMe and Digital Commerce Lanka has not only
driven innovation but also set benchmarks for operational excellence in the
digital and e-commerce sectors. Zulfer's career trajectory highlights his
commitment to continuous learning and adaptation, making him a respected figure
in both local and international business communities.
