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Jiffry Zulfer
Business, Start-ups and Technology
Jiffry Zulfer is the Founder and CEO of Digital Mobility Solutions Lanka (PVT) Ltd, which operates the popular ride-hailing and delivery service PickMe in Sri Lanka. He established the company in June 2015, recognizing a significant market opportunity in the transportation sector, which was largely outdated at that time. Zulfer's vision was to leverage technology to modernize mobility solutions in Sri Lanka, aiming to enhance efficiency and convenience for users.
Background and Career
Before founding PickMe, Zulfer served as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at wow.lk, Sri Lanka's largest e-commerce platform. His transition into entrepreneurship was driven by a desire to innovate within the transport sector, which he identified as needing urgent disruption through technological advancements. Under his leadership, PickMe has grown rapidly, becoming a market leader in the local mobility space and achieving significant milestones such as over 75,000 unique drivers and 900,000 unique customers within its network.145
Achievements
- Funding and Growth: PickMe attracted substantial investment early on, including backing from prominent local investors such as Ajit Gunewardena and Ruchi Gunewardena. The company has since raised over LKR 1.4 billion in external funding and reported revenues nearing LKR 4 billion in recent years.23
- Technological Innovation: The platform utilizes advanced technologies, including microservices architecture and cloud computing, to provide seamless services for ride-hailing and delivery.5
- IPO Announcement: In September 2024, Digital Mobility Solutions Lanka announced its initial public offering (IPO), aiming to raise funds for further expansion and innovation within the digital mobility sector.4
Vision for the Future
Zulfer continues to emphasize the importance of integrating local culture into PickMe's services, ensuring accessibility through local languages and adapting to the unique needs of Sri Lankan consumers. His leadership is characterized by a commitment to ethical business practices and corporate social responsibility, fostering a collaborative environment within the company.34
Overall, Jiffry Zulfer's entrepreneurial journey with PickMe reflects his dedication to transforming the transportation landscape in Sri Lanka through technology-driven solutions.