• Rootcode’s ascendance in the world of IT

In the landscape of Sri Lanka’s information technology (IT) industry, Rootcode Labs has emerged as a beacon of success, achieving significant growth and milestones under the leadership of its Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Alagan Mahalingam. Renowned for its elite talent pool and global client services, Rootcode said it not only retained its existing customers at a remarkable 100% but also expanded its customer base by an impressive 42%.

Recognition as a SAARC Global Finalist at the Global Startup Awards 2023, as Startup of the Year and People’s Choice, marked a historic moment for Rootcode and Sri Lanka, showcasing the company’s influence on the global stage. Rootcode Labs, led by Mahalingam, stands as a testament to the potential of Sri Lanka’s tech industry on the global stage. Rootcode’s commitment to innovation, social responsibility, and community building positions it as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs worldwide.

As we step into 2024, Rootcode’s journey continues, promising further growth, expansion, and a continued impact on the tech industry and beyond. The Daily Morning Brunch sat down with Mahalingam to learn more about Rootcode and its achievements.

Following are excerpts from the interview:

Congratulations on Rootcode’s phenomenal growth in 2023. Can you share some insights into the journey that led to such remarkable achievements?

Thank you. It’s been an incredible journey. Rootcode’s foundation was laid with the success of Singify, a mobile application that garnered global acclaim. This success provided the groundwork for establishing Rootcode, and from there, it has been a story of continuous dedication to crafting world-class software products.

The international recognition Rootcode received at the Global Startup Awards is truly remarkable. How do you perceive these achievements in the context of Sri Lanka’s tech industry?

The awards were not just accolades for Rootcode but also a testament to Sri Lanka’s capability to produce top-tier global technology. We started from humble beginnings, and these recognitions show that Sri Lanka is not just known for its tea but can excel in the tech industry on a global scale.

Rootcode Connect 2023 in Linköping, Sweden brought together key leaders worldwide. How has Rootcode made a profound impact on various companies globally?

Rootcode Connect served as a platform to showcase our impact. We’ve expanded our reach with milestones like gaining our first Amsterdam Stock Exchange-listed customer and acquiring clients from Iceland and the United States. The initiation of artificial intelligence (AI) community meetups and events in various countries further emphasises our commitment to fostering a global tech community.

Rootcode’s commitment to social responsibility is commendable. Could you elaborate on the initiatives undertaken by the Rootcode Foundation?

Social responsibility is at the core of Rootcode’s values. Through the Rootcode Foundation, we adopted Sri Siddhartha Kanishta Vidyalaya, aiming to empower underprivileged children with technology education. We established the first-ever Rootcode-funded computer lab, providing ongoing support, scholarships, and knowledge-sharing sessions to foster interest in tech careers among the students.

The year 2023 saw the debut of Sri Lanka’s first-ever Tech-Triathlon by Rootcode. How does this event contribute to enhancing industry-relevant skills among future tech enthusiasts?

The Tech-Triathlon is an initiative to nurture the skills of future tech enthusiasts. By combining engineering, design, and AI, we aim to prepare the next generation for the evolving tech landscape. It aligns with our commitment to not only be leaders in the industry but also contribute to its continuous growth.

Rootcode seems to have a diverse ecosystem, from education to enterprise, investment, labs, AI, and studio. Can you elaborate on how these interconnected components contribute to Rootcode’s grand vision?

Rootcode’s grand vision revolves around a holistic approach to the tech industry. Rootcode Academy is our educational arm, where we collaborate with IT professionals and academics to curate extensive content and live programs, fostering career growth.

Moving on to Rootcode Enterprise, we channel our expertise in building outstanding products across diverse industries such as healthcare, fitness centres, coaching institutes, education, and community development. This allows us to have a real-world impact and contribute to the development of various sectors.

Rootcode Investment is an exciting initiative. We invite dreamers with groundbreaking product ideas to join forces with us. If your product proves to be a game-changer, we’re ready to invest and support your journey.

Rootcode Labs is at the core of our operations, serving as a software product engineering company. With over half a decade of experience, we specialise in building world-class software solutions, reflecting our commitment to excellence.

Rootcode AI operates as our research and development arm. Here, we delve into the possibilities of AI, collaborating closely with Rootcode Labs to infuse AI into the products we build for the world. This synergy ensures that our solutions are at the cutting edge of technological advancements.

Lastly, Rootcode Studio is the creative hub of our ecosystem. This is where our talented UX/UI and creative designers come together to unleash their creative potential. Through various designs, we aim to not only meet but exceed the expectations of our clients and end-users.

Reflecting on the challenges faced in 2023, how did Rootcode overcome them, leading to unexpected success?

The year 2023 was a year of challenges, but our team’s resilience and determination were key. A customer-centric approach and collaborative teamwork were crucial. We faced challenges head-on, worked relentlessly, and turned the year into our best-ever through sheer perseverance.

You mentioned plans to expand in Europe and North America in 2024. Could you provide more details on Rootcode’s growth strategy for the upcoming year?

Yes, 2024 is poised to be the year of growth for Rootcode. We have strategic plans to expand our presence in Europe and North America, building on the success and momentum gained in 2023. The goal is to further solidify our position as a global tech leader.

Rootcode’s success is not just financial; it’s about impacting lives and contributing to the community. How do you see Rootcode’s role in inspiring aspiring entrepreneurs?

Rootcode’s success is deeply rooted in our commitment to exceptional service, pioneering technologies, and community contributions. We aim to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs by showcasing that success is not only about financial metrics but also about making a positive impact on people’s lives and the community.