Biography of Heshanka Fernando: Founder & CEO of MidFunnel -Entrepreneur
Biography of Heshanka Fernando:
Early Beginnings: A Foundation in Education
Heshanka "Hesh" Fernando's educational journey began with a strong
foundation in Mathematics, Operational Research, Statistics, and Economics. He
graduated with a BSc (Hons) from the University of Warwick in the United
Kingdom, where he sharpened his analytical and problem-solving skills. His
early schooling at Colombo International School set the stage for his future
academic and professional success.
Co-Founding oDoc: Revolutionizing Healthcare
In June 2016, Hesh co-founded oDoc, a pioneering digital health company in Sri
Lanka and the Maldives. oDoc became a game-changer by providing users with
access to medical advice, prescriptions, and lab tests from the comfort of
their homes. With over 300,000 users and partnerships with over 70 corporates,
the company onboarded more than 1,000 doctors across 60 specialties. This
initiative was especially impactful during the COVID-19 pandemic when it
bridged the gap between patients and healthcare providers.
A Shift to Innovation: Aristotle's AI for Sales
Hesh's next venture was Aristotle, a startup focused on artificial intelligence
to enhance sales processes. As the Co-Founder and CEO of Aristotle, he
developed a platform that tracked leads' online activities and triggered
timely, personalized outreach. The AI-driven solution aimed to revive stalled
deals by nudging sales teams to engage with potential clients at just the right
moment. The project quickly became a precursor to his next big endeavor,
MidFunnel.
Biography of Heshanka Fernando: Founder & CEO of MidFunnel -Entrepreneur#AI-driven sales follow-up platform#startup#age#net worth#investor
Evolving to MidFunnel: Simplifying Sales Follow-Ups
In March 2023, Hesh transitioned to a new role as the Co-Founder and CEO of
MidFunnel. The company’s mission was to streamline the sales follow-up process
for businesses. MidFunnel created an AI-driven platform that drafts
personalized follow-up messages for sales teams, allowing them to efficiently
reach out to leads and keep deals progressing. The innovative solution aimed to
save valuable time and improve sales outcomes for businesses of all sizes.
Growth and Experimentation at Hustle Fund
Before diving into MidFunnel, Hesh worked as an Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR)
at Hustle Fund from October 2022 to March 2023. During his time there, he
conducted several experiments that eventually led to the launch of Aristotle.
Hustle Fund, a venture capital firm, provided Hesh with the resources and
mentorship needed to experiment with new ideas, paving the way for his next
entrepreneurial success.
Public Service: Centenary Movement
Alongside his entrepreneurial ventures, Hesh has also been involved in public
service. He joined the Centenary Movement in October 2022, where he contributes
to a vision of transforming Sri Lanka by its 100th Independence anniversary in
2048. The movement envisions a just, equitable, and innovative society with a
thriving economy, accessible education, and a strong commitment to
environmental sustainability.
Driving Innovation and Social Change
The Centenary Movement emphasizes the creation of a society free from
corruption and inequality, one where every citizen has access to basic needs,
healthcare, and education. Hesh's participation in this initiative reflects his
commitment to not just business innovation, but also to social progress and
national transformation. His work aims to contribute to building a future where
ethnicity, gender, and social standing do not determine an individual's
opportunities.
A Vision for the Future: Empowering Women and Technology
The Centenary Movement also places a strong emphasis on women’s safety, equity,
and empowerment. By 2048, the initiative envisions a society that nurtures
innovation and technological advancements while ensuring that women have equal
access to opportunities and protection. Hesh's involvement aligns with his
broader goal of fostering a society where technology plays a pivotal role in
improving lives and empowering all citizens, regardless of gender.
A Leader in Tech and Innovation
Hesh's journey as an entrepreneur and innovator is driven by his deep belief in
the power of technology to transform industries and societies. Whether through
digital health solutions or AI-driven sales tools, his ventures consistently
focus on simplifying complex problems and creating scalable, sustainable
solutions. His leadership in both the tech and healthcare sectors has
positioned him as a thought leader in the startup ecosystem.
Looking Ahead: Shaping the Future of Sales and Society
As Hesh continues to lead MidFunnel, he remains focused on refining and
expanding the company's offerings. He is also dedicated to his role in the
Centenary Movement, working to ensure that Sri Lanka celebrates its centenary
in 2048 as a prosperous, innovative, and inclusive nation. Heshanka Fernando's
vision for the future extends beyond business success, aiming to create a
positive and lasting impact on both the economy and society at large.
Timeline for story
Early Education – Graduated with BSc (Hons) from University
of Warwick.
June 2016 – Co-founded oDoc, a digital health company.
October 2022 to March 2023 – Entrepreneur in Residence at
Hustle Fund.
March 2023 – Co-founded MidFunnel, an AI-driven sales
follow-up platform.
October 2022 – Joined Centenary Movement for Sri Lanka’s
transformation by 2048.
Ongoing – Leading MidFunnel and contributing to the
Centenary Movement's vision.
