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Founded | 2018 |
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Headquarters | 14 Sir Baron Jayatilaka Mawatha, , |
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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] [ excessive citations ]
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.
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]
Hatch plays a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s startup ecosystem by offering a range of initiatives tailored to support early-stage businesses.
"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]