Canadian
Internet prodigy considering company HQ in New York
City Updated: Fri, Jul 06 5:33 PM EDT
 full image Keith
Peiris, 13, seen in this 1999 file photo, is the
president and CEO of Cyberteks Design an online
company. (CP/The London Free Press/Suzanne Bird)
(CP) | | | OTTAWA
(CP) - The lure of vast American markets could soon draw Canada's
Internet poster child state-side. High-tech prodigy Keith Peiris,
13, has made headlines and represented Canada internationally as
president and CEO of the Web site company Cyberteks Design.
But it will soon be time to move company
headquarters out of his parents' London, Ont. basement - and the Big
Apple beckons, Peiris said Friday in an interview.
"We may even move the whole company," said the
straight-A student who just finished Grade 7.
Cyberteks would maintain a Canadian presence and may still opt
for a Toronto HQ, Peiris added. He leaves Saturday for China where
he'll represent Canada at a forum for young entrepreneurs.
But relocating to New York City has major appeal, he conceded.
"It would be a great opportunity for the business to expand.
There's a lot larger market there than London and Toronto."
Business is "excellent" and he expects to be a millionaire in
about a year, says Peiris, who started exploring the Internet at age
three and launched his Web design business in 1999.
Cyberteks now has seven sales offices around the U.S. and will
launch a production office in the Chinese city of Zhangmutou, just
north of Hong Kong, in August.
"Until the last month or so we haven't had to solicit for any
business," Peiris said. "It's all come through media publications
and awards, and clients have come to us."
He plays competitive hockey in the winter with the London Junior
Knights and has splurged on high-end video games, $400 sunglasses
and an $800 mobile phone.
He says the business is more fun than it is work.
"My goal is to continue with this venture regardless how much
revenue we make out of it. My plan is to stay with this until I
die." |