Biography of Jehan Wijesinghe: Founder of UnicornFactory & IgniterSpace
Biography of Jehan Wijesinghe:
Early Education and Passion for Engineering
Jehan Wijesinghe, a passionate tech entrepreneur and product
development expert, began his academic journey at the University of Westminster
in London. There, he pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering, where
he not only honed his technical skills but also became actively involved in
various student activities. From participating in the Choir and Rotaract Club
to engaging with the IEEE Student Branch, Jehan developed a well-rounded
perspective on both technology and leadership. This experience laid the
foundation for his future ventures and sparked his entrepreneurial spirit.
Master’s Degree and Expanding Horizons
After completing his bachelor’s degree, Jehan continued his
academic journey at the University of Staffordshire, where he pursued a
Master’s in Business Administration (MBA). This program helped him blend his
technical expertise with crucial business insights, providing him with the
tools to manage and scale businesses. During his MBA, Jehan was able to refine
his approach to product development and innovation, which would later become
the cornerstone of his entrepreneurial endeavors.
The Birth of UnicornFactory
In 2021, Jehan founded UnicornFactory, a company designed to
help aspiring entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of launching successful
startups. His inspiration stemmed from his own experiences starting a business
at the age of 19, where he faced numerous hurdles due to a lack of business
skills. To address this gap, Jehan created UnicornFactory, which has two main
verticals. The first is UnicornFactory Learning, a YouTube channel that shares
entrepreneurial knowledge in Sinhala, Sri Lanka's native language. The second
is the UnicornFactory Startup Bootcamp, a 10-week program aimed at incubating
startup ideas and connecting budding entrepreneurs with investors and mentors.
Innovation through Product Tavern
Simultaneously, Jehan launched Product Tavern in 2020,
combining his deep expertise in product development. Product Tavern serves as a
hub for innovation, helping entrepreneurs develop successful products through a
unique framework known as the “Product Tavern Product Market Success
framework.” This framework guides entrepreneurs from concept to market,
ensuring their products align with market needs. Beyond consulting, Product
Tavern also builds its own products across various industries, not limited to
technology. Additionally, it acts as a platform for Jehan to mentor and invest
in emerging startups, further fueling the growth of the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Igniting Innovation with IgniterSpace
Before founding UnicornFactory and Product Tavern, Jehan
co-founded IgniterSpace, Sri Lanka’s largest and first-ever MakerSpace network
for kids. IgniterSpace aims to inspire young minds by fostering creativity and
innovation. The organization’s flagship innovation courses for children are
available across seven cities in Sri Lanka, and its impact has extended beyond
the island to Bangladesh and the Maldives. The organization also introduced
CreatoKits, DIY engineering kits that allow children to engage in hands-on
learning at home. Through IgniterSpace, Jehan was able to make a lasting impact
on how children approach problem-solving and creativity.
Pioneering Education with IgniterSpace
The primary goal of IgniterSpace is to help shape the future
generation of innovators. By offering various products and services,
IgniterSpace fosters an environment where children can learn, create, and grow.
The organization collaborates with schools to integrate its curriculum,
empowering educators to encourage innovation within the classroom. Through his
work with IgniterSpace, Jehan has become a key figure in Sri Lanka’s education
sector, working closely with educators to enhance the learning experience for
students.
Mentorship and Startups: A Dual Role
In addition to his ventures, Jehan is deeply involved in
mentoring and guiding other entrepreneurs. His role as a mentor stems from his
personal journey as a startup founder and product developer. Through
UnicornFactory, he helps young entrepreneurs develop their ideas and connect
with industry experts, investors, and mentors. His mentorship extends beyond
UnicornFactory, as he shares his insights at various startup events, offering
valuable advice on scaling businesses and navigating the challenges that come
with launching a product.
Biography of Jehan Wijesinghe: Founder of UnicornFactory & IgniterSpace# entrepreneur#MakerSpace network for kids#entrepreneurs and startups story
Expanding Horizons: Product Development Expertise
Jehan’s expertise in product development is rooted in his
diverse experience across multiple industries. As a product manager at Mad
Mobile, he continues to refine his skills in managing product development
teams. His work at Product Tavern is a direct result of this experience, as he
has been able to help countless founders bring their ideas to life and launch
them successfully into the market. Jehan’s approach to product development is
rooted in ensuring that each product aligns with market demands and delivers
real value to consumers.
The CEO’s Journey with IgniterSpace
As the CEO of IgniterSpace, Jehan led the company for over
five years, playing a pivotal role in the growth and expansion of the
organization. His leadership was instrumental in IgniterSpace’s success,
including the opening of multiple MakerSpaces across Sri Lanka. Jehan’s vision
for IgniterSpace was clear: to create a platform that inspires children to
think creatively and approach problems with innovative solutions. Through this
work, Jehan was able to shape the next generation of creators and innovators.
Leadership and Product Management at Surge Global
Jeans’ leadership experience also extends to his role as the
Head of Product at Surge Global, where he managed a team of over 15 product
managers. In this role, Jehan oversaw the development of dozens of products
across various markets, further solidifying his reputation as an expert in
product strategy and innovation. His leadership at Surge Global further
enhanced his skills in driving product success and understanding market
dynamics, lessons he later applied at both UnicornFactory and Product Tavern.
Entrepreneurial Success and Personal Growth
Throughout his career, Jehan has continually sought to
improve his skills and broaden his horizons. His entrepreneurial journey has
not only shaped his career but also inspired others to take the plunge into
business ownership. With a strong passion for innovation, product development,
and mentoring, Jehan has positioned himself as a leader in the Sri Lankan
startup ecosystem. His personal growth is intertwined with his professional
success, as he strives to help others achieve their dreams of building successful
businesses.
Building a Legacy of Innovation
Jehan Wijesinghe’s journey is a testament to the power of
innovation, persistence, and mentorship. From his early days as a software
engineering student to becoming a successful entrepreneur and mentor, Jehan has
made a significant impact on the tech and startup ecosystems in Sri Lanka. His
work with UnicornFactory, Product Tavern, and IgniterSpace continues to inspire
young entrepreneurs and innovators, ensuring that his legacy will live on for
generations to come. Through his efforts, Jehan is not only building businesses
but also creating a lasting culture of innovation in Sri Lanka and beyond.
Timeline for story
2010: Completed Bachelor’s in Software Engineering at the
University of Westminster.
2013: Pursued MBA at the University of Staffordshire.
2016: Co-founded IgniterSpace, Sri Lanka's first MakerSpace
network for kids.
2020: Launched Product Tavern to help entrepreneurs with
product development.
2021: Founded UnicornFactory to guide aspiring entrepreneurs
and startups.
2022: Led IgniterSpace’s expansion, impacting kids in Sri
Lanka, Bangladesh, and the Maldives.
2023: Head of Product at Surge Global, overseeing product
management teams.
