Hatch, Sri Lanka’s largest Startup Ecosystem player teams up with First Capital Holdings PLC, a subsidiary of JXG (Janashakthi Group) and a key player in Sri Lanka's capital markets landscape, 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 startups, 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. 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 startups with the strategic guidance, investor readiness and access to growth capital needed to scale sustainably.

Commenting on the launch, representatives from First Capital and Hatch reaffirmed that the continued partnership reflects a shared long-term vision of building an ecosystem where 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 startup 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 startups 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, startups will have the opportunity to access up to USD 1 million in funding.

As Sri Lanka's leading startup ecosystem builder, Hatch has consistently championed innovation by empowering entrepreneurs with mentorship, strategic partnerships, knowledge resources and access to global networks. Through First Capital Startup Nation by Hatch, the organisation continues to strengthen its role as a catalyst for innovation, helping early-stage founders transform promising ideas into scalable businesses with regional and global potential.

The programme reflects the shared ambition of both organisations to build a stronger, more connected innovation economy where entrepreneurs have access to the expertise, networks and capital required to succeed. Beyond supporting individual startups, the initiative aims to foster a collaborative ecosystem that positions Sri Lanka as an increasingly competitive player within South Asia's evolving innovation landscape.

With its regional expansion and strengthened strategic partnership, First Capital Startup Nation by Hatch 2026 represents the next chapter in a shared commitment to empowering entrepreneurs, unlocking investment opportunities and driving sustainable innovation that contributes to Sri Lanka's long-term economic development.

Photo Caption - The Launch of First Capital Startup Nation 2.0 by Hatch