Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in software development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Mark Sachintha, Co-Founder of Zapmail.app, located in Colombo, Sri Langka.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Zapmail is a cloud-based collaborative email service designed for teams. It's not your typical email service; it organizes emails into chat-like conversations, bridging the gap between traditional email and modern messaging for businesses. We offer a wide range of services, including custom domain emails, collaborative channels for team brainstorming and chat, a focused inbox that prioritizes emails, an AI email writer, cloud storage, and integrated video messaging. We're also working on leveraging generative AI to provide custom AI assistants to businesses, like an AI HR assistant that can handle employee queries based on a company's knowledge base.

Tell us about yourself

My co-founders and I have a history of successfully building and scaling successful B2B businesses. During our university days, we founded ShiftX Global, a digital marketing and software development agency. Over four years, we managed to bootstrap ShiftX into an 8-figure revenue business, serving clients worldwide, including the USA and Europe.

Through our past ventures, we recognized the importance of business communication. We've not only faced email-related issues but also collaborated with B2B clients across different countries while managing different teams. This hands-on experience gave us a clear understanding of the problems and how to solve them, leading to the creation of the Zapmail app. Our primary motivation is to continue making communication seamless for our partners and clients through our product.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

One of our most remarkable achievements was within the first two months of launching Zapmail. We saw an incredible response, with over 2000 businesses signing up. Notably, we established partnerships with major tech companies, engaged in proof-of-concept projects with the national military, and initiated pilot launches with prestigious universities. It's been an incredible start to our journey!

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

Finding the right partners or co-founders is crucial! The startup journey is like a rollercoaster, filled with unknowns and uncertainties. Having a trusted partner or co-founder by your side can make all the difference. You'll keep each other in check, motivate one another, and weather the ups and downs together.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Build Your Core Team Early: Don't do it alone. From the outset, seek out individuals who share your vision and are genuinely committed to it. Your core team is your support system, so choose wisely.
  2. Cultivate the Right Attitudes: Success in entrepreneurship often hinges on the right attitudes. Embrace change with open arms; it's the driving force of innovation.
  3. Love the Problem, Not Just the Solution: Fall in love with the challenges you're addressing. It's about understanding the problem inside out, which will naturally lead you to the right solutions. Success comes when you're genuinely passionate about making a difference.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://getzapmail.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZapmailHQ/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zapmailhq/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ZapmailHQ
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-sachintha/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.