Remarkably, this tech mogul sometimes moonlights as an Uber driver.

A Journey Rooted in Open Source

In a nation not typically celebrated for its startup ecosystem, WSO2 stands out. This open-source enterprise software provider counts Samsung, Axa, and AT&T among its clients. The acquisition by EQT, valuing WSO2 at precisely $600 million, signifies a landmark moment for the Sri Lankan tech landscape. As part of the deal, EQT will acquire all outstanding shares, benefiting WSO2’s investors and employees, with 30% of the proceeds earmarked for the latter.

“This proves the importance of equity,” Weerawarana told [a leading technology publication]. “From day one, we’ve ensured every employee is a shareholder. Seeing is believing.”

Rising Above Adversity

Launched in Colombo amidst a civil war, WSO2 developed a middleware stack offering tools akin to Google’s Apigee and Okta. The driving force? Weerawarana, a computer scientist and a stalwart in the open-source community, known for his work with the Apache Software Foundation and his creation of Ballerina, a programming language for integrating distributed systems.

Before WSO2, Weerawarana was part of IBM’s R&D team in the U.S., where he helped develop pivotal web service specifications. Frustrated by IBM’s lack of interest in a new middleware stack, he chose to venture out on his own. Alongside co-founders Davanum Srinivas and Paul Fremantle, he launched WSO2, keeping its core operations in Sri Lanka despite ongoing conflict and pressure to relocate to the U.S.

“I wanted to prove we could build a tech product company from Sri Lanka,” Weerawarana asserted. “Investors and customers often questioned our location, but we remained committed.”

A Magnet for Talent

WSO2’s Colombo headquarters have attracted top technical talent in Sri Lanka for nearly two decades. “We’ve never struggled to hire the best engineers,” Weerawarana noted. “Creative minds prefer working on cutting-edge technology rather than mundane services.”

Intel’s Strategic Bet

Early backing from Intel Capital, which invested $2 million in 2006, was crucial. Pradeep Tagare of Intel Capital, familiar with Weerawarana through the Apache Software Foundation, saw potential in WSO2 as part of Intel’s strategy to build an open-source stack on its hardware.

Tagare’s vision that Asian countries would benefit from and contribute to open source was spot on. “WSO2’s location in Asia made it even more compelling,” Tagare explained.

Positioned for the Future

WSO2 has evolved with the rise of cloud computing and microservices, perfectly positioned as businesses transition from monolithic applications. The company is now integrating AI into its products, enhancing its offerings in API management and identity and access management (IAM).

Despite raising $133 million since inception, WSO2 remained focused on growth, achieving cash-flow positivity in 2017 and profitability by 2018. Weerawarana resisted multiple acquisition offers, aiming for an IPO. However, the decision to sell to EQT came when controlling shareholder Toba Capital sought liquidity.

“EQT aims to build around WSO2, not merge it,” Weerawarana explained. “Their five-year plan aligns with our IPO goal.”

Driving Change

Beyond his tech achievements, Weerawarana drives for Uber to challenge societal norms. “If I, a successful businessman, can do it, anyone can,” he said. His philanthropic effort, the Avinya Foundation, supports economically disadvantaged children through vocational education, further emphasizing his commitment to social equality.

The Road Ahead

WSO2, with EQT’s support, is set to reach $100 million in ARR by Q3. “WSO2 has everything we look for in a software business,” said EQT’s Hari Gopalakrishnan. “Deep client relationships, robust products, and prudent financial management.”

Weerawarana’s journey from IBM to building a $600 million company in Sri Lanka is a testament to vision, perseverance, and the power of open-source technology. His story continues to inspire, driving not just software innovation, but social change as well.

To thrive in the age of AI, you must…

1. Cultivate a Growth Mindset. Embrace change as an opportunity rather than a threat. A growth mindset is crucial in navigating the AI-driven landscape. Be open to learning and continuously seek ways to improve your skills and knowledge.

2. Develop Technical Skills. Understanding the basics of AI and other emerging technologies can give you a significant edge. Enroll in online courses, attend workshops, and engage in self-study to familiarize yourself with these tools.

3. Enhance Soft Skills. While AI can handle many tasks, human skills like empathy, creativity, critical thinking, and leadership remain irreplaceable. Focus on developing these abilities to complement the technical skills that AI brings.

4. Stay Updated with Industry Trends. Regularly follow industry news, attend conferences, and join professional networks to keep abreast of the latest developments. Staying informed helps you anticipate changes and adapt quickly.

5. Innovate and Experiment. Don’t be afraid to try new approaches and innovate. Experimentation drives progress and can lead to breakthroughs in how AI is applied within your field.

6. Collaborate with AI. Rather than seeing AI as a competitor, view it as a collaborator. Leverage AI tools to enhance your productivity, streamline tasks, and make more informed decisions.

7. Embrace Lifelong Learning. In the AI era, learning doesn’t stop once you’re employed. Commit to continuous education through formal courses, online platforms, and self-directed study to stay relevant.

8. Build a Resilient Network. Surround yourself with a supportive professional network. Engage with mentors, peers, and industry leaders who can offer guidance, support, and opportunities for collaboration.

9. Be Adaptable. Flexibility and adaptability are vital. Be prepared to pivot and adjust your strategies as AI and other technologies evolve.

10. Demonstrate Your Value. Show how your unique skills and perspectives bring value to your organization. Highlight your contributions and showcase how you effectively integrate AI into your workflow.

Conclusion:

In an AI-driven world, those who adapt, learn, and innovate will thrive. Embrace the changes and leverage AI to your advantage. The future is bright for those willing to grow with the technology.

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Mosseri shared his excitement with a message that captured the platform’s essence: “I’m thrilled to share that we’ve crossed the 200M milestone on @threads. My vision is for Threads to spark connections and inspire ideas, and I’m excited to see this vibrant community continue to expand.”

Launched in July 2023, Threads has quickly established itself as a formidable player in the social media landscape. The platform’s user growth has been nothing short of phenomenal. Within nine months of its debut, Threads had already amassed 150 million users by April 2024. By its first anniversary in July, that number had surged to 175 million. The recent leap to 200 million within just a month underscores the platform’s rapid ascension and the growing appetite for fresh social media experiences.

The timing of Threads’ rise is particularly noteworthy. It emerged against the backdrop of Twitter’s tumultuous transformation under Elon Musk’s ownership. Musk’s erratic changes, including a rebranding to X and shifts in platform policies, had alienated a significant portion of Twitter’s longstanding user base. This disruption created a ripe opportunity for Threads to capture the attention of users seeking a new venue for digital interaction.

Zuckerberg had previously suggested that Threads had the potential to become a social media titan with over a billion users. On the latest earnings call, he reflected on the platform’s impressive growth trajectory and ongoing success: “We’re making steady progress towards building what looks like it’s going to be another major social app. We are seeing deeper engagement and a strong growth trajectory.”

Threads is not only competing with X but also positioning itself as a key player among established platforms like Facebook and Instagram, which Meta also owns. The platform’s success is reflective of broader trends in digital communication, where users are increasingly seeking spaces that offer both innovation and stability.

The rapid user adoption of Threads highlights a significant shift in the social media landscape. Users are drawn to its user-friendly interface, innovative features, and the promise of a more engaging and community-oriented experience. This momentum suggests that Threads could indeed become a major fixture in the social media ecosystem, potentially reshaping how people connect and share online.

As Threads continues to evolve and attract new users, it will be crucial for Meta to maintain the platform’s growth momentum and address the challenges that come with scaling such a rapidly expanding network. With its impressive start and promising future, Threads is well-positioned to make a lasting impact in the world of social media.

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You are guaranteed to lose your job…

If: 1. You are not trying to become better at what you do. In today’s fast-paced world, complacency is your worst enemy. The skills that got you here won’t necessarily take you further. Continuous improvement isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a necessity. The marketplace is flooded with individuals and organizations striving to be better, faster, and more efficient. If you’re not actively working to enhance your abilities, you’re already falling behind.

2. You are not keeping up with industry trends. Industries are evolving at breakneck speed. New technologies, methodologies, and best practices emerge almost daily. If you’re not keeping an eye on these changes, you’re setting yourself up for obsolescence. Think of Kodak — a giant that failed to recognize the digital revolution. Staying informed and adaptable is critical to maintaining relevance.

3. You are not open to learning and adapting. Lifelong learning is the cornerstone of sustained success. Whether through formal education, online courses, or simply reading industry blogs, you must constantly seek knowledge. More importantly, you must be willing to apply this knowledge. Adaptation isn’t just about learning; it’s about implementing new strategies and tools to stay ahead of the curve.

4. You are not leveraging technology to enhance your skills. Technology is not your enemy; it’s your ally. From AI-powered tools that can automate mundane tasks to platforms that offer personalized learning experiences, leveraging technology can significantly boost your efficiency and effectiveness. Ignoring these tools is akin to refusing to use a calculator in an advanced math exam — possible, but impractical and inefficient.

5. You think your current skillset will be relevant forever. The half-life of skills is shrinking. What was cutting-edge five years ago might be outdated today. Clinging to the belief that your current skillset will always be in demand is dangerously naive. Regularly updating and diversifying your skills is essential to remain competitive.

6. You believe you are irreplaceable without actually proving it. Believing in your irreplaceability is one thing; proving it is another. It’s crucial to demonstrate your value consistently. Whether through exceptional performance, innovative ideas, or leadership, showing your worth is key. In a world where AI can perform many tasks more efficiently, your unique human skills — creativity, empathy, critical thinking — must shine through.

7. You refuse to innovate and rely on outdated methods. The phrase “we’ve always done it this way” is a death sentence in business. Innovation drives progress. Sticking to old methods without questioning their effectiveness or seeking improvement will inevitably lead to stagnation. Embrace a culture of experimentation and innovation to stay relevant.

8. You are complacent and afraid of change. Change is the only constant. Embracing change rather than fearing it is crucial for growth. Complacency breeds mediocrity, and in an ever-evolving world, mediocrity is a one-way ticket to redundancy. Adopt a proactive approach, anticipating changes and preparing for them, rather than reacting when it’s too late.

9. You think hard work is optional and not a requirement. There’s no substitute for hard work. While smart work and leveraging technology are essential, they do not replace the need for dedication and effort. Committing to excellence in everything you do, and putting in the necessary effort, is non-negotiable for sustained success.

10. You underestimate the capabilities of AI and its potential impact. AI is no longer a futuristic concept; it’s a present reality. From automating routine tasks to providing deep insights through data analysis, AI’s capabilities are vast and growing. Underestimating its impact on your industry and your role can leave you blindsided. Instead, seek to understand AI’s potential and how you can leverage it to your advantage. In a rapidly evolving world, staying stagnant is not an option. Embrace continuous learning, seek growth, and be proactive in your career development. AI is here to assist, not replace those who are dedicated to their craft and willing to evolve.

The future belongs to those who are ready to adapt and grow. Don’t get left behind.

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1. ChatPDF

- Purpose: Designed for interacting with PDF documents.

- Features: Allows users to ask questions about the content of PDFs, making it easier to extract information and understand complex documents.

2. Perplexity AI

- Purpose: An AI-powered search assistant.

- Features: Known for handling complex queries and providing detailed, accurate answers. It’s great for research and in-depth information retrieval.

3. Claude

- Purpose: A conversational AI by Anthropic.

- Features: Known for its human-like responses and large context window, making it suitable for extended conversations and detailed tasks.

4. Bing AI

- Purpose: Microsoft’s AI chatbot integrated with their search engine.

- Features: Combines search capabilities with conversational AI, providing up-to-date information and search results.

5. YouChat

- Purpose: An AI search assistant.

- Features: Offers a blend of search engine functionality with conversational AI, making it useful for quick information retrieval and interactive searches.

6. Jasper Chat

- Purpose: AI for content creation.

- Features: Helps with generating creative content, including blog posts, marketing copy, and more.

These alternatives offer unique features and capabilities, catering to different needs and preferences. Have you tried any of these, or are you considering using one?

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