Biography of Tharindu Dassanayake: Founder and CEO at ShoutOUT Labs
Biography of Tharindu Dassanayake:
Tharindu Dassanayake is a seasoned professional with a
strong background in the software industry, dedicated to creating
customer-centric solutions that address real-world challenges and deliver
tangible value. As the founder and CEO of ShoutOUT Labs, a prominent SaaS
provider specializing in customer experience solutions in Sri Lanka, Tharindu
leads a talented team focused on developing and marketing innovative products
that enhance customer loyalty, engagement, and communication.
Educational Background
Tharindu Dassanayake's educational journey includes a solid
foundation from Dhammissara National School and culminates in his engineering
education from the University of Peradeniya. This academic background has
equipped him with the necessary skills to navigate complex technological
landscapes and drive innovation in the software industry.
Professional Background and Expertise
Tharindu Dassanayake's career spans over a decade, during
which he has cultivated expertise in software development, customer experience,
and startup leadership. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering
from the University of Peradeniya, where he laid the foundation for his
technical acumen and problem-solving skills.
Tharindu Dassanayake's professional journey also includes
roles as a Software Engineer Intern at WSO2, where he gained valuable
experience in enterprise DevOps solutions. His academic foundation in Computer
Engineering from the University of Peradeniya has been instrumental in shaping
his technical expertise and strategic vision in the software industry.
Current Role at Leadzin.io:
Tharindu is currently serving as the Co-founder & Chief
Product Officer at Leadzin.io, a role that allows him to continue spearheading
product strategy and innovation in customer experience and lead generation
technologies.
From Intern to Innovator: Tharindu Dassanayake's Journey in
Tech
Tharindu Dassanayake's career path exemplifies the evolution
from a Software Engineer Intern at WSO2 to the Founder & CEO of ShoutOUT
Labs, a trailblazer in the customer experience SaaS industry. His tenure at
ShoutOUT Labs has been marked by pioneering products like ShoutOUT Loyalty and
ShoutOUT AI Chatbot, which cater to global clients including Dilmah and
Ooredoo. With a foundation in Computer Engineering from the University of
Peradeniya, Tharindu continues to lead with a blend of technical acumen and
entrepreneurial spirit, driving innovation and customer-centric solutions in
Sri Lanka and beyond.
Origins of ShoutOut
Tharindu Dassanayake's entrepreneurial journey began with a
strong desire to address the challenges faced by local merchants in Sri Lanka.
Recognizing the importance of customer engagement in driving business growth,
he set out to develop a solution that would enable merchants to establish
meaningful connections with their clientele. ShoutOut emerged from this vision
as a platform that leverages automation and real-time messaging to foster
deeper relationships between businesses and customers.
Biography of Tharindu Dassanayake:Founder and CEO at ShoutOUT /Entrepreneur/Angel Investor/Journey of Tharindu Dassanayake/ Founder of ShoutOUT
Features and Functionality
At its core, ShoutOut offers a suite of features tailored to
meet the specific needs of local merchants. The platform allows businesses to
send automated messages to customers, keeping them informed about promotions,
updates, and personalized offers. This capability not only streamlines
communication but also enhances customer satisfaction by delivering timely and
relevant information.
Moreover, ShoutOut utilizes data-driven insights to optimize
customer engagement strategies. By analyzing customer behavior and preferences,
the platform enables businesses to tailor their messaging and promotional
campaigns effectively. This data-driven approach empowers merchants to make
informed decisions that align with customer expectations, ultimately driving
loyalty and increasing sales.
Impact on Local Businesses
Since its inception, ShoutOut has garnered significant
attention within the local business community. By providing an intuitive and
user-friendly interface, the platform has enabled merchants to enhance their
marketing efforts and customer service initiatives. Small and medium-sized
enterprises (SMEs), in particular, have benefited from ShoutOut's ability to
level the playing field, allowing them to compete effectively with larger
enterprises in terms of customer engagement.
Challenges and Innovation
Like any innovative venture, ShoutOut has faced its share of
challenges. One of the primary hurdles has been educating merchants about the
benefits of adopting digital solutions for customer engagement. Tharindu
Dassanayake and his team have addressed this challenge through targeted
outreach and educational campaigns, emphasizing the tangible benefits of using
ShoutOut to streamline operations and drive growth.
Additionally, navigating regulatory frameworks and ensuring
compliance with data privacy regulations has been crucial. ShoutOut has
prioritized data security and regulatory compliance, implementing robust
measures to protect customer information and maintain trust among users.
Leadership at ShoutOUT Labs
At ShoutOUT Labs, Tharindu plays a pivotal role in steering
the company's strategic direction and overseeing its operations. Under his leadership,
the company has introduced cutting-edge solutions tailored to meet the evolving
needs of businesses across various industries. Key products developed by
ShoutOUT Labs include:
ShoutOUT Loyalty: A comprehensive customer data platform
designed to reward loyal customers, provide detailed analytics, and enhance
retention strategies.
ShoutOUT AI Chatbot: An intelligent conversational agent
that facilitates seamless interactions throughout the customer journey,
leveraging AI technology to improve user experience.
These solutions have earned ShoutOUT Labs a diverse
clientele both locally and globally, including prestigious names such as
Dilmah, Massy Group, LOLC, F1 Group, Ooredoo, and Hero Experience. Tharindu's
commitment to innovation and excellence has positioned ShoutOUT Labs as a
leader in the customer experience SaaS sector.
Achievements and Recognition
Tharindu's contributions to the industry have been recognized
through various accolades and awards. He has been a finalist in prestigious
competitions such as the Mbillionth Awards South Asia, the Young Entrepreneur
Awards, and the YBI Awards. His proficiency in chatbot development, lean
startup methodologies, and startup marketing underscores his versatility and
leadership in the tech startup ecosystem.
Future Vision
Looking ahead, Tharindu Dassanayake envisions expanding
ShoutOut's reach beyond Sri Lanka, aiming to empower merchants in other markets
with the same transformative capabilities. The platform continues to evolve
with new features and enhancements driven by customer feedback and market
insights. By staying agile and responsive to changing market dynamics, ShoutOut
remains committed to driving innovation in customer engagement solutions.
Looking ahead, Tharindu remains dedicated to expanding
ShoutOUT Labs' footprint globally while continuing to innovate and deliver
impactful solutions that empower businesses to enhance their customer
relationships. His passion for leveraging technology to solve business
challenges underscores his commitment to driving positive change in the
customer experience landscape.
In conclusion, Tharindu Dassanayake's commitment to delivering exceptional service through ShoutOut underscores his passion for leveraging technology to empower local businesses. Through innovation, dedication, and a customer-centric approach, ShoutOut continues to redefine how merchants connect and engage with their customers in the digital age.
