Hatch (Sri Lanka)

Hatch

Industry|

* Co-working space
* Startup incubator

Founded| 2018; 7 years ago (2018)
Founders|

* Jeevan Gnanam (CTO)
* Brindha Selvadurai-Gnanam
* Nathan Sivagananathan

Headquarters| 14 Sir Baron Jayatilaka Mawatha,

Colombo

Sri Lanka

Key people

* Dilhan Fernando (Chairman)
* Mevan Peiris (CEO)

[1][2]
Website| www.hatch.lk

Hatch is a co-working space and startup incubator based in Sri Lanka, with its headquarters in Colombo and a branch in Jaffna. It aims to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration by providing modern facilities, networking opportunities, and mentorship for emerging startups.[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13]

Hatch offers a collaborative environment designed to support the growth of early-stage businesses.

Hatch also supports a variety of initiatives, including accelerator programs, educational workshops, and business development services, making it a key player in Sri Lanka’s startup ecosystem.

## Background

[edit]

Hatch was founded in 2018 by Jeevan Gnanam, Brindha Selvadurai-Gnanam, and Nathan Sivagananathan.[14]

Hatch officially launched its 60,000-square-foot facility on January 24, 2019, providing space for over 1,000 individuals and housing more than 115 startups.[14]

Hatch is located at 14 Sir Baron Jayatilaka Mawatha (formerly Prince Street) in the Colombo Fort area, once a thriving financial hub in South Asia. The six-story Edwardian building, dating back to 1910, was the tallest in Colombo Fort during colonial times and previously housed Harrisons & Crosfield and the Foreign Ministry, among others, before falling into disrepair.[14]

When the Hatch founders first saw the building, it was extremely run-down and being used as a musty warehouse by a government agency. According to co-founder Selvadurai, 'It was rats to cats to bats in there when we first saw it, but it had something very special.'[14]

Later, the founders secured the dilapidated building and thoughtfully renovated it to preserve its historical character, incorporating spaces with abundant natural light, an inner courtyard, and a design that allows visibility from the top floor down to the lobby.[14]

The strategic location in the heart of Colombo’s business district enhances its accessibility and prominence within the city’s commercial landscape.[14]

## Programs

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Hatch plays a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s startup ecosystem by offering a range of initiatives tailored to support early-stage businesses.

* Accelerator Programs: Hatch has implemented 18 business incubator and accelerator programs, engaging with over 700 startups in Sri Lanka. Notable programs include:

*     * AccelerateHer: Launched in partnership with the U.S. Department of State, this accelerator is tailored for female founders, providing capacity funding, curated workshops, mentorship, and access to a global network.[15][16]

*     * HatchX: Sri Lanka’s first fintech accelerator, established in collaboration with the Lankan Angel Network and supported by the Ford Foundation with the strategic partnership of Fintech Association of Sri Lanka, aims to bridge the gap between innovative startups and financial regulators.[14][17]

*     * GoviLab: An AgriTech accelerator launched in partnership with Sarvodaya to foster innovation in sustainable agriculture.[18]

* Educational Workshops: Hatch offers workshops focused on strategy, operations, business development, product design, technology, growth, public relations, branding, and talent management to address knowledge gaps among entrepreneurs.

* Business Development Services: Hatch provides support in areas such as import and export documentation, accounting services, statutory audits, and income tax assistance, enabling startups to scale their operations effectively.

## Awards

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"Best Co-Working Space in the World"

Hatch has gained significant recognition within Sri Lanka’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and globally, winning the Best Co-Working Space in the World award at the Global Startup Awards in 2021. This accolade marked the first time a South Asian co-working space received this honor.[15]

## References

[edit]

1. ^ a b "Hatch appoints Dilhan Fernando as Chairman". The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka). August 11, 2024. Retrieved March 17, 2025.
2. ^ a b "Hemas and Hatch to launch second iteration of Slingshot Accelerator to propel Sri Lankan start-ups". Daily FT. 7 June 2024. Retrieved March 17, 2025.
3. ^ "'The future of Sri Lanka shines, and it's powered by women'". The Island (Sri Lanka). 6 April 2024. Retrieved March 17, 2025.
4. ^ "Singapore event showcases 5 innovative start-ups". The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka). March 31, 2024. Retrieved March 17, 2025.
5. ^ "UNDP and Hatch's CONNECT program: Beacon of hope for Sri Lanka's future". Daily FT. 15 August 2023. Retrieved March 17, 2025.
6. ^ "Redefining the digital nomad for Sri Lanka". Daily FT. 7 March 2023. Retrieved March 17, 2025.
7. ^ "Hatch implements agri incubator to help startups innovate in sustainable agriculture". Daily FT. 23 October 2023. Retrieved March 18, 2025.
8. ^ "Hatch: Where big ideas are born". Echelon Media. February 11, 2021. Retrieved March 18, 2025.
9. ^ "Hatch spells hope with Draper Start-up House to transform SL from 'Troubled Nation to Start-up Nation'". Daily FT. 2 February 2023. Retrieved March 18, 2025.
10. ^ "Hatch hosts Sri Lanka's first international start-up accelerator, Good Life X". Daily FT. October 6, 2019. Retrieved March 18, 2025.
11. ^ "Hatch partners with the Lankan Angel Network to host "She Loves Tech" to empower Sri Lankan women in tech". Daily FT. 30 September 2024. Retrieved March 18, 2025.
12. ^ "Collaboration, diversity and global connections will transform Sri Lanka's start-up landscape: Hatch Works CEO". Daily FT. 21 November 2019. Retrieved March 18, 2025.
13. ^ "Hatch discovering bright lights in start-up system". The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka). March 5, 2023. Retrieved March 18, 2025.
14. ^ a b c d e f g "Sri Lanka: Hatching a fintech fort". Asiamoney. April 7, 2021. Retrieved March 18, 2025.
15. ^ a b "Hatch receives Princess Anne; announce expansion to UK". Daily FT. 16 January 2024. Retrieved March 17, 2025.
16. ^ "Hatch launches Sri Lanka's first female accelerator". Daily FT. 11 November 2021. Retrieved March 18, 2025.
17. ^ "Hatch and LAN gear up to launch Sri Lanka's first fintech accelerator". Daily FT. 8 April 2020. Retrieved March 22, 2025.
18. ^ "Hatch and Sarvodaya launch GoviLab agritech accelerator". Daily FT. 22 Jan 2024. Retrieved March 17, 2025.

## External links

[edit]

* www.hatch.lk