Biography of Mario Gooneratne: Founder & CEO of LinearSix -Entrepreneur
Introduction to Mario Gooneratne’s Journey
Mario Gooneratne is a seasoned technology and business
leader who has spent his career blending technology with financial services. He
is currently the Co-Founder and CEO of LinearSix, an organization that he has
been leading since 2017. His role as CEO involves spearheading the company’s
mission to drive innovation, primarily focusing on transforming the financial
services sector using cutting-edge technology.
Academic Foundation
Mario's academic journey began with his BSc in Information
Technology (Hons) from Middlesex University, where he laid the foundation for
his future career in tech. This degree, combined with his passion for
technology, helped shape his career path. Mario is now continuing his
educational pursuits with a Master’s in Digital Transformation at London
Metropolitan University, where he is studying subjects such as Artificial
Intelligence and Cloud Computing, further expanding his knowledge of the tech
industry.
Early Career: Building a Foundation in ICT Services
Mario’s professional career began at Dialog Axiata PLC, one
of Sri Lanka’s largest telecommunications providers. He worked there for over
four years in the ICT services division, where he gained hands-on experience in
project management and product management. This early exposure to the ICT field
helped Mario hone his skills in managing large-scale projects and dealing with
complex technological issues.
Biography of Mario Gooneratne: Founder & CEO of LinearSix -Entrepreneur#financial services through digital innovation#startup#LinearSix story
Transition to MillenniumIT
In 2007, Mario took his expertise to MillenniumIT, a leading
Sri Lankan technology company, where he held multiple roles over nearly nine
years. Starting as a Business Development Manager in Enterprise Security, Mario
advanced through various positions, eventually becoming the Head of Financial
Services Technology. His work in MillenniumIT involved designing and
implementing technological solutions for banks and financial institutions,
where he played a critical role in streamlining banking and financial systems.
Leadership at Digital Collective Technologies Ltd.
Mario's career further expanded when he took on the role of
Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Digital Collective Technologies Ltd. Here, he
led a range of projects that involved creating digital banking solutions for
Sri Lankan banks. His expertise in developing mobile banking systems and
treasury solutions helped propel his reputation as a leader in the fintech
space.
Current Role as CEO of LinearSix
Today, Mario Gooneratne is the Co-Founder and CEO of
LinearSix, a company that focuses on leveraging technology to create digital
transformation solutions for financial institutions. Under his leadership,
LinearSix has become a key player in the fintech space, developing innovative
platforms designed to enhance efficiency and accessibility within the financial
services sector. His focus is on helping unbanked and underbanked populations
by utilizing advanced digital tools and solutions.
Business Development Leadership at Zoral
In addition to his work at LinearSix, Mario is also the Head
of Business Development for the Asia Pacific (APAC) region at Zoral, a company
specializing in innovative fintech solutions. His role at Zoral involves
expanding the company's footprint in the region, identifying business
opportunities, and creating partnerships that can help Zoral thrive in the
competitive fintech landscape.
Tech Expertise and Innovation
Mario’s technical expertise spans across enterprise
software, storage systems, customer relationship management (CRM), IT service
management, and data center technologies. Over the years, he has built a
reputation for his ability to bridge the gap between business needs and
technological solutions. His work has helped businesses improve operational
efficiency and customer engagement, particularly in the banking sector.
A Passion for Adventure and Wellness
Outside of his professional career, Mario is an avid
adventurer with a deep passion for cycling and deep-sea diving. These
activities help him maintain a healthy work-life balance, providing him with
the necessary mental clarity to continue his work in the fast-paced tech world.
Vipassana meditation is another practice Mario follows to find solace and
maintain inner peace.
A Vision for the Future of Fintech
Looking ahead, Mario is focused on advancing the fintech
sector, particularly through the work being done at LinearSix and Zoral. With
his vast experience in technology and financial services, he is dedicated to
helping bridge the gap between the unbanked and the financial world. His
leadership aims to make cutting-edge financial tools and services more
accessible, ultimately improving financial inclusion for underserved
populations.
Timeline of Mario Gooneratne's Career
BSc in Information Technology (Date Unknown): Graduated with
honors from Middlesex University.
Early Career at Dialog Axiata PLC (2003-2007): Worked in ICT
services, gaining project and product management experience.
MillenniumIT (2007-2016): Held roles, including Head of
Financial Services Technology, designing solutions for banks.
Chief Technology Officer at Digital Collective Technologies
Ltd. (Date Unknown): Led digital banking projects and mobile banking solutions.
Co-Founder and CEO of LinearSix (2017-Present): Leads
company to transform financial services through digital innovation.
Head of Business Development at Zoral (Date Unknown):
Focused on expanding Zoral's fintech presence in the APAC region.
Master’s in Digital Transformation (Ongoing): Pursuing
further education at London Metropolitan University.