Hatch (Sri Lanka)

Last updated
Hatch
Industry
Founded2018;7 years ago (2018)
Founders
  • Jeevan Gnanam (CTO)
  • Brindha Selvadurai-Gnanam
  • Nathan Sivagananathan
Headquarters14 Sir Baron Jayatilaka Mawatha, ,
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] [ excessive citations ]

Contents

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

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

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

Awards

"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

  1. 1 2 "Hatch appoints Dilhan Fernando as Chairman". The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka) . August 11, 2024. Retrieved March 17, 2025.
  2. 1 2 "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. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Sri Lanka: Hatching a fintech fort". Asiamoney . April 7, 2021. Retrieved March 18, 2025.
  15. 1 2 "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.