NEWS

Biography of Shanmugamoorthi Janagan

My name is Shanmugamoorthi Janagan, born on March 21, 1999, in a small tea estate house in Bandarawela, Sri Lanka. Raised in a modest family, I have always been motivated by a profound desire to create a lasting impact. My journey from a young boy with big dreams to the founder of Waytoogo Industries, a leading printing and advertising company, is a testament to my resilience, creativity, and unwavering determination. Now, at 25 years old, I reflect on my entrepreneurial journey with immense pride and anticipation for the future.

Early Ventures:

In 2018, after completing my G.C.E A/L in Commerce at Bd/Tamil Central College Bandarawela, my classmates and I embarked on an entrepreneurial journey by starting Tech Flicker. Our business focused on providing customized cloud database management systems for schools. Our first client was our own alma mater, and the principal was highly supportive of our venture. However, the Sri Lankan Education Ministry soon introduced similar services for free, which forced us to shut down our business.

Smart Study Initiative:

Not one to be easily discouraged, I, along with my classmates Harish and Niron, started a new venture called Smart Study in 2019, an online learning platform. We applied for tech startup fundraising through the Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka and secured 1.5 million Sri Lankan Rupees. Unfortunately, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and internal challenges led to the dissolution of Smart Study. I received 200,000 LKR as my share and moved on to my next venture.

Founding Waytoogo.com:

In 2020, I founded Waytoogo.com, initially an online grocery delivery service and an online electronic selling website. With minimal resources—just an Epson L130 printer, a laptop, and a friend's PC—we were determined to succeed. When our landlord unexpectedly reclaimed our rented shop, we moved to a new location in Bandarawela commercial center, despite the significantly higher rent. This move marked the beginning of our transformation into a printing and advertising solution company.

Pivot to Printing and Advertising:

Facing financial difficulties and intense competition, we pivoted to printing and advertising solutions. The journey was challenging, with high shop rents and financial constraints, but we expanded our offerings to include customized gift items, photo frames, and sublimation mugs. Our perseverance paid off when we landed a significant project with the Uma Oya Multi-purpose Development Project. We created a 60m² UV tile wall, the first of its kind in Sri Lanka. This project brought us significant recognition and led to more opportunities, such as 3D glow signage and laminated flooring.

Key Achievements and Growth:

To stay ahead in the industry, I traveled to China to learn about new signage technologies. This trip helped us enhance our services and maintain our position as a leader in the UVA Province's printing and advertising sector. Our big break came when we successfully completed the Uma Oya project, which was a monumental task and a pioneering effort in Sri Lanka.

Recognition and Future Vision:

Recently, we were honored with the title of Asia’s Advertising Agency of the Year, powered by the World Research Congress. This prestigious award is a recognition of our hard work, innovation, and dedication. I feel immensely proud and honored to receive this accolade, which validates the efforts we have put into building Waytoogo.com.

Personal Reflection:

When I started Waytoogo.com, I had no bank balance or assets. Today, our net worth is more than 15 million LKR, a significant achievement that reflects our hard work and perseverance. My entrepreneurial journey has been filled with challenges, but each obstacle has only strengthened my resolve.

Waytoogo Industries Today:

Now, we specialize in all kinds of indoor and outdoor advertising. We are experts in signage solutions and provide comprehensive printing solutions, along with digital marketing services. This diverse range of offerings has positioned Waytoogo Industries as a one-stop solution for advertising and marketing needs in the region.

Future Investment Industries:

Looking ahead, Waytoogo Industries is set to expand into new and promising sectors:

1. Agriculture and Agritech: Leveraging technology to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability, we aim to revolutionize farming practices and contribute to food security.
2. Information Technology and Services: Continuing our roots in IT, we plan to develop innovative solutions and services that cater to the evolving needs of businesses and consumers in the digital age.
3. Manufacturing and Export: By investing in manufacturing capabilities and exploring export opportunities, we intend to diversify our offerings and reach new markets, boosting economic growth and creating jobs.

Conclusion:

My goal is to see the Waytoogo name become a household name in every industry and eventually get listed on the stock market. I am determined to achieve this milestone and make Waytoogo a public listed company at the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE). I am always looking for innovative ways to grow our business quickly, and I am ready to work hard and smart to make this vision a reality. With a dedicated team and a clear vision, I am confident that Waytoogo Industries will continue to thrive and expand, setting new benchmarks in the industry.