Asanka Pathiraja is a seasoned  attorney with over a decade of experience advising clients on complex financial transactions, capital raises, and strategic investments. His practice spans capital markets, private equity, venture capital, emerging companies, and media & entertainment, with a reputation for delivering clear, business-minded counsel in high-stakes environments.

Asanka began his legal career at a top-tier Am Law 50 firm in New York City, where he represented leading global financial institutions, technology companies, and media conglomerates. During this period, he led and managed transactions in aggregrate totaling >2 billion USD.

Prior to practicing law, Asanka served as a principal at a leading venture capital fund in North Carolina’s Research Triangle Park – helping to incubate a seeded company which later listed as unicorn on the New York Stock Exchange.  He continues to maintain an active portfolio of investments in Artificial Intelligence, fintech, defense, data analytics and other emerging growth sectors—offering clients rare insight at the intersection of capital, innovation, and legal risk.

His clients have included high-growth startups, celebrity founders, professional sporting entities & athletes, global production companies, and early-stage funds. He is often tapped as outside general counsel and strategic advisor to founders, family offices, and financial institutions navigating complex legal landscapes.

In 2020, Asanka was named to Emory University’s prestigious “40 Under 40” list. He has also advised on deals featured in major publications such as TechCrunch, Forbes, the FInancial Times,  Business Insider, Variety, and The Wall Street Journal. 

Asanka is admitted to practice in New York. He received his undergraduate degree from Emory University and his master’s, with honors, from the London School of Economics, where he was also a member of the varsity tennis team. He is an avid endurance athlete, having cycled the Tour De France Mountain Stage and completed a triathlon in Sicily as part of the Strive Challenge. He has been a supporter of Prince William’s Tusk Charity (wildlife conservation) for a decade and is active within the TED Community.