First Capital-Hatch launch Startup Nation 2026

Launch of First Capital Startup Nation 2.0 by Hatch 

• First Capital Startup Nation by Hatch returns with regional expansion to empower South Asian innovation, with up to US $ 1mn in funding

Hatch has teamed up with First Capital Holdings PLC to launch the 2026 edition of First Capital Startup Nation, following the success of its inaugural programme. 

Returning with an expanded regional focus, the initiative reinforces the long-term partnership between the two organisations to accelerate entrepreneurship and strengthen Sri Lanka’s innovation ecosystem.

Now in its second consecutive year, the initiative marks a significant milestone by evolving beyond Sri Lanka’s borders for the first time. 

While remaining firmly committed to nurturing Sri Lankan entrepreneurship, First Capital Startup Nation by Hatch will bring together start-ups, investors, mentors, ecosystem builders and industry leaders from across South Asia, creating a dynamic regional platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing and growth. 

The expanded programme has already generated strong regional interest, attracting more than 250 applications from Sri Lanka, India, Nepal and Bangladesh. 

The participating ecosystem partners include Founder Startup House (formerly Draper Startup House) from India, Pool Technologies from Nepal and Turtle Venture from Bangladesh, reflecting the programme’s growing regional relevance and appeal.

As a key player in Sri Lanka’s capital markets landscape in Sri Lanka, First Capital continues to play a pivotal role in supporting the country’s entrepreneurial landscape by extending its expertise beyond traditional financial services. Through its capabilities in capital markets, investment advisory and fundraising, the company aims to equip start-ups with the strategic guidance, investor readiness and access to growth capital needed to scale sustainably.

Commenting on the launch, the representatives from First Capital and Hatch reaffirmed that the continued partnership reflects a shared long-term vision of building an ecosystem where the entrepreneurs can innovate, access meaningful opportunities and compete confidently on a regional stage. 

By combining First Capital’s investment expertise with Hatch’s proven experience in start-up development and ecosystem building, the initiative seeks to create lasting value for founders while contributing to Sri Lanka’s broader economic growth.

The regional expansion is expected to elevate the overall quality and competitiveness of the programme by exposing Sri Lankan start-ups to a wider network of founders, mentors, investors and industry experts. It will also facilitate cross-border partnerships, encourage knowledge exchange and provide participants with greater opportunities for international market exposure, while supporting the continued advancement of the Innovation District by Hatch. 

Through First Capital Startup Nation by Hatch, the start-ups will have the opportunity to access up to US $ 1 million in funding.