First Capital-Hatch launch Startup Nation programme

First Capital Holdings PLC has stepped forward as the title sponsor of First Capital Startup Nation by Hatch, a transformative programme that connects investors with Sri Lanka’s most promising start-ups.

First Capital Startup Nation by Hatch is designed to identify the top 10 start-ups in Sri Lanka from a competitive pool of more than 183 applications. The selected ventures will gain access to best-effort support to secure US $ 100,000 in funding as well as follow-on funding opportunities. 

Beyond capital, the programme provides exposure, mentorship and access to global investor networks. With a focus on solutions that address pressing local challenges, fast-growing early-stage start-ups with post-revenue traction and B2C models with global expansion potential, the initiative seeks to position Sri Lankan start-ups on the international stage while contributing to economic growth at home. 

The programme schedule includes start-up onboarding, workshops and competitions from September 16 to 25, investor networking, policy dialogues and roundtables on September 29 and 30 and a grand showcase event, investor demo day and closing celebrations on October 01.

First Capital Holdings Managing Director and CEO Dilshan Wirasekara said, “We are committed not only to sponsoring but also to exploring opportunities to invest in these start-ups and walk with them as they grow.”

Hatch co-founder Jeevan Gnanam added, “Together we are not just running a programme, we are shaping an ecosystem where Sri Lanka’s entrepreneurs can thrive and compete internationally.”