📈 BOV Capital Records Historic Tech Exits and Listing for 2025/26
BOV Capital, a pioneer in Sri Lanka's venture capital space, has announced landmark exits and a public listing, signaling a maturing startup ecosystem and high investor confidence. • Key Milestones (2025/26): • Exits: Successfully exited from IFINITY (Fintech), Roar Global (Digital Marketing), and Cultiv8 (Agri-Tech). • Public Listing: Insureme.lk (Insure-tech) was officially listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE). • Fund Performance: Exits were realized from Fund 1 and Fund 2 (Dialog Axiata Digital Innovation Fund - DADIF). • Strategic Portfolio & Impact: • Ongoing investments include Scybers (Cybersecurity), MyDoc (Digital Health), and iConic Devices (Industrial IoT). • The firm manages US$ 15 Mn in Assets Under Management (AUM), focusing on $500,000 ticket sizes for high-growth tech ventures. • These successes contribute to economic diversification, high-value job creation, and positioning Sri Lanka as a regional digital hub. • Future Outlook: • Fund 3 Launch: Finalizing for 2026; deployment is pending the Government of Sri Lanka’s resolution of double taxation issues expected by early 2026. • Investment Focus: Targeted at the next wave of "legendary" high-growth startups to drive FDI and innovation.
### 📈 Female Entrepreneurship Drives Forest Conservation Shift
WNPS PLANT, in collaboration with the Dutch Otter Fonds and the Lanka Environment Fund (LEF), has launched a groundbreaking initiative to empower female entrepreneurs through forest plant nurseries. The project addresses a critical bottleneck in Sri Lanka’s reforestation efforts—the shortage of native montane plants. • Economic Empowerment: 5 female entrepreneurs from Ginigathhena, Welimada, Bandarawela, Nawalapitiya, and Ratnapura have been selected to own and manage nurseries. The initiative provides startup funding, intensive training, and a guaranteed buy-back safety net for their output. • Conservation Impact: The nurseries will supply essential native and endemic species required to create connected forest corridors in the southwestern quarter of the island. This "community-bridge" model ensures that restoration is locally led and sustainable. • Sector Focus: • Environmental Restoration: Targets high-demand, slow-growing native species for large-scale reforestation. • Micro-Entrepreneurship: Transitions rural women from daily labor to business leadership, providing financial independence and uplifting families. • Private Sector Engagement: Leverages donor funding (Otter Fonds and LEF) to fill gaps where traditional nurseries have struggled. • Strategic Shift: Moving beyond mere tree planting, the program integrates livelihood enhancement as a core pillar of conservation, transforming local residents into long-term custodians of the ecosystem. _Based on news data from Jan 07, 2026._ --- Would you like me to track the expansion of these forest corridors or find more details on current LEF funding opportunities for SMEs?
Hatch Unveils Sri Lanka's First Innovation District in Colombo 01 🚀
Hatch, a leading startup hub, has launched Sri Lanka's first Innovation District in Colombo 01, aiming to significantly boost the nation's entrepreneurial ecosystem. • Vision & Goal: First publicly introduced in March 2025, the district is set to empower over 3,000 entrepreneurs, SMEs, creators, and innovation-led businesses by 2027. • Location & Facilities: Situated in the heart of Colombo 01, it will offer co-working spaces, maker studios, corporate innovation labs, lounges, and dedicated facilities for public-private sector partners. • Ecosystem Model: The district fosters collaboration by connecting startups with corporates, investors, policymakers, and global development agencies, including a dedicated Founder and Investors Club. • Hatch's Impact: Building on seven years of experience, Hatch has supported over 400 startups through 23+ programs, with over 95% occupancy, focusing on sectors like GreenTech, AgriTech, Clean Energy, FinTech, and AI-driven solutions. • Strategic Importance: Co-Founder Jeevan Gnanam states it's "a national commitment to empower founders, attract investment, and build an innovation economy shaped by entrepreneurship." • Global Ambition: With regional expansions planned in South Asia, UAE, and Singapore, Hatch is enhancing Sri Lanka's presence on the global innovation map.
📈 New Entrepreneur Support & Industry Development
• The Finance Ministry & banking sector will launch an Rs. 80 Bn loan scheme in January 2026 for new entrepreneurs. This program will channel Budget 2026 allocations for targeted fund distribution. • A National Database for Industrialists is being established to consolidate information on all industrial stakeholders, aiming for easier access to government services and support schemes. • Collateral-free loan facilities are being discussed for craftsmen registered with the National Crafts Council, aiming to expand the craft sector and support micro-level industry revival. • The National Paper Company Ltd. has significantly increased its monthly output from 150-180 tons to 400 tons, marking a notable turnaround in production. • A new National Advisory Framework for excavation permits, aiming for uniform guidelines and streamlined approvals, is also set for implementation in January.
Hatch's GRIT Accelerator Boosts 7 Northern Female Startups 🚀
• Hatch Innovation concluded the inaugural cohort of its GRIT Accelerator (Growth, Resilience, Investment, and Training) with a Demo Day on Nov 25, 2025, in Colombo. • The program focused on empowering 7 female-led startups from Sri Lanka’s Northern Province. These founders showcased their potential to investors and market linkage supporters. • GRIT is a six-year joint project (2022–2027) funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and World University Service of Canada (WUSC), implemented by Hatch. • Key support included one-on-one mentorship, bespoke resources, training in finance, HR, sales, and investment readiness to ensure long-term economic growth in the historically underserved region. • Hatch reaffirms its commitment to making entrepreneurship accessible and inclusive, aiming to boost the confidence and capability of women entrepreneurs to take the lead in Sri Lanka’s innovation landscape.
HNB Platinum Sponsor for TiECON Colombo 2026: Fuelling Go Global Drive 📈
HNB PLC has been announced as the Platinum Sponsor of TiECON Colombo 2026, Sri Lanka's premier platform for innovation and entrepreneurship, set for early 2026. • Objective: The conference, organized by TiE Colombo, is themed "Go Global Runway to the World" and focuses on shifting local enterprises toward opportunity-driven expansion and global success. • HNB’s Role: As "Sri Lanka’s Partner in Progress," HNB aims to provide local entrepreneurs with the necessary networks, financial tools, and confidence for international expansion. • Key Offerings: TiECON 2026 will serve as a launchpad, offering founders a practical forum to access capital, strategic mentorship, cross-border operations guidance, and actionable market entry insights. • Global Connection: The partnership links local founders to TiE Global’s extensive network of experienced operators, investors, and charter members across 60 chapters worldwide.
🚀 TiECON Sri Lanka 2026: Launchpad for Global Entrepreneurship
• TiE Colombo is launching TiECON Sri Lanka 2026, the country's premier entrepreneurship summit, scheduled for 9 January 2026 at Cinnamon Life, Colombo. • The core goal is to help Sri Lankan brands transition from local success to international expansion, connecting local ideas with global opportunity. • The agenda focuses on key strategies: regional/global expansion, navigating trade/technology shifts, building competitive advantage using Artificial Intelligence (AI), and forming cross-border partnerships. • The summit is expected to gather over 600 local and international participants and feature 30+ global speakers, including investors, private equity/venture capital professionals, and business leaders. • TiE Sri Lanka's broader vision is to help take 5,000 local entrepreneurs to international markets and scale their businesses globally. • This event offers a direct opportunity for local leaders to connect with global investors and secure vital international networks.
SLBFE Reintegration Trade Fair Opens Today! 📈
• The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) Emigrant Workers’ Trade Fair is ON TODAY (20 Nov 2025) at Diyatha Uyana, starting 9:00 a.m. • This fair, organized by the Reintegration Division, commemorates SLBFE's 40th anniversary and promotes the entrepreneurial ventures of successful returning migrant workers. • Scale: Features over 60 stalls offering reasonably priced goods. • Products: Items available include clothes, handbags, shoes, spices, beauty culture items, furniture, local medicines, and food items. • The public is encouraged to visit and purchase goods at really low prices to support these returnee entrepreneurs.
SL's FutFuturity Secures Seed Funding for AI-Driven Workplace Intelligence 📈
• Futurity, Sri Lanka's first AI-native Research & Development studio (a JV of Invos Global & Cyaniq), has successfully closed its seed funding round. • The funding was secured from a distinguished consortium of private investors: • Led by Altaf Jeevunjee (Jaywise Investments). • Includes Mansoor Akbarally (Akbar Brothers) and Chamika Godamanna (Ninehearts Group). • Goal: Introduce invisible, effortless AI-enabled intelligence into everyday work, processes, and teams to eliminate operational friction and elevate human potential in the ICT/BPM space. • Flagship Solutions: • Omni: Document intelligence and knowledge orchestration for smart summarisation and contextual search. • Query: Web intelligence enabling AI-powered conversational navigation for websites. • Outlook: Futurity plans to aggressively grow its footprint in the Sri Lankan market, offering bespoke AI transformation solutions across various use cases (e.g., intelligent knowledge management, AI e-commerce assistants). • New Board: An inaugural Board of Directors has been formed, chaired by investor Mansoor Akbarally.
Jaffna Artistes & Engada Spot: Pushing for Art's Role in Economic Revival 🎨
• Feature highlights Jaffna youth artists and the cultural-entrepreneurial space "Engada Spot" in Manipay, emphasizing the need to integrate art and artistes into Sri Lanka’s national economy. • The central argument is that art is a core component of the national economy and vital for nurturing the tourism sector beyond mere infrastructure. • Policy/Financial Gaps: Artists report a critical lack of formal recognition by banking and financial lending institutions, which do not offer loans/support to painters, musicians, etc., unlike traditional entrepreneurs. • Northern artists feel isolated and observe greater patronage from foreigners/expatriate Sri Lankans than from local buyers. • Entrepreneurship Cases: • Engada Spot: 8-month-old, art-infused café initiated by architect Karikalan Rishivarman, serving as a dedicated networking niche for Northern artists. • Demithran (Demi Art Creations): Chose art over well-paid IT job offers to pursue art professionally. • Pirunthajini (Art by Piruntha): Established her own gallery in Kokuvil, despite challenges like initial roof leaks damaging work.
📈 SL GEW 2025: 'Together We Build' - Nationwide Innovation Push
Sri Lanka is set to celebrate Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) 2025 from November 17-23, continuing its regional lead in ecosystem development. • Host & Theme: The Information Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) is the national host. The 2025 theme, 'Together We Build', emphasizes collective collaboration among Government, industry, academia, and civil society. • Official Launch: The GEW 2025 will officially launch on November 14 at Temple Trees, Colombo, with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya as Chief Guest. • Scope & Reach: Events will be held nationwide across all nine provinces, supported by dedicated district coordination panels to ensure grassroots engagement and inclusion. • Core Focus: Programming includes workshops, mentoring, and forums focusing on empowering youth, women, and underserved communities. A key goal is promoting sustainable technology adoption and digital literacy across the regions.
Sarvajana Trust Launches to Boost Grassroots Entrepreneurship 📈
• The Sarvajana Trust, an independent fund dedicated to empowering women and youth, officially launched last week in Colombo. • Led by Principal Trustee MP Dilith Jayaweera and supported by Sarvajana Balaya, the Trust aims to build an "entrepreneurial nation" focused on creating wealth and economic independence for Sri Lankans. • Core Mechanism: The Trust will provide aspiring entrepreneurs with access to crucial funding, mentorship, and essential resources. • Grassroots Focus: Support will be channelled directly to those most in need at the grassroots level through the established Sarvajana Sabha framework at the local government level. • MP Jayaweera stated the focus is on "converting liabilities into assets" by mobilising the country's human capital and setting the stage for an entrepreneurial state, moving away from conventional politics. • Trustees underscored a strong commitment to transparency, governance, and accountability in the disbursement of funds to deserving community members.
COYLE Leadership Forum 2025: Resilience & Vision for Tomorrow 📈
• The Chamber of Lankan Entrepreneurs (COYLE) hosts the much-anticipated ‘I AM COYLE Leadership Forum 2025’ today (Nov 10) from 5:30 p.m. at the Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo. • The forum is a celebration of resilience, creativity, and leadership, aimed at defining the modern Sri Lankan entrepreneur. • Key sessions will focus on navigating challenges and fostering growth: • Celeste Founder/CEO Janik Jayasuriya on “Born in Crisis, Built for the Future” (Thriving in uncertainty). • Dinuk Hettiarachchi (Nihal Hettiarachchi and Co) discussing “Balancing Legacy with a Vision for Tomorrow.” • Sirocco Group MD Suren Chandraratna sharing his journey in “Forged by Struggle, Defined by Purpose.” • International cricketer and coach Jason Gillespie will provide a global perspective with his keynote, “A Builder of Teams and Business.” • A core focus is empowering business owners and professionals by exploring both entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship—driving innovation and adding value within organizations.
✨ nVentures & TiE Colombo Launch 'Founder's Table' Mentorship Initiative 🤝
• In celebration of Global Entrepreneurship Month (November 2025), nVentures and TiE Colombo have launched "Founder's Table," a unique initiative to foster authentic one-on-one connections. • Core Format: The program moves away from transactional events, pairing 20 high-potential founders with experienced mentors for an in-person meal and deep conversation. • Focus: Each meeting will explore the theme: "The Moment That Defined My Entrepreneurial Journey," aiming to unlock personal insights and build long-term relationships. • Objective: To strengthen Sri Lanka’s entrepreneurial fabric and startup momentum by prioritizing genuine human connection and inclusive mentorship over pitches and panels. • Strategic Context: This effort underscores the commitment of both organizations to nurturing global-ready entrepreneurs and is a precursor to the TiE Colombo Global Conference 2026.
📈 SL Legal Talent Goes Global: Teams Squared Connects SL Lawyers to US$ 35 Bn Market
Teams Squared, an Alternative Legal Service Provider (ALSP) with Sri Lankan operations, is redefining the career path for the country's legal talent by connecting them to international law firms and corporate teams. • The startup, founded in 2023, has rapidly scaled, securing 40+ global clients and building a 90+ member remote workforce spanning Sri Lanka, India, the Philippines, and other emerging markets. • This initiative directly addresses the challenge faced by over 1,200 law graduates who qualify annually in Sri Lanka but lack sustainable local or international opportunities. • The firm channels the momentum of the US$ 35 Bn global legal outsourcing market into Sri Lanka, often an overlooked source of expertise in Asia, applying a model similar to ICT/BPM service exports. • Sri Lankan lawyers are now embedded within international teams, providing high-value services (including litigation support, commercial, and IP law) to clients in major jurisdictions like the US, UK, and Australia. • The company recently expanded its global commitment with a new office in Melbourne.
📈 Union Bank Launches Phase 2 of National Entrepreneurship Program
• Union Bank, through its School of Social Entrepreneurship (UBSSE), recently inaugurated Phase 2 of the National Entrepreneurship Development Program (NEDP) at the University of Moratuwa. • The initiative is a milestone public-private partnership, collaborating with the University of Moratuwa and the National Innovation Agency. • NEDP aims to strengthen Sri Lanka’s entrepreneurial landscape by merging academic excellence, financial empowerment, and innovation leadership. • Phase 2 welcomed over 100 participants, comprising both established business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs with viable business ideas.
SL Startup Ecosystem Secures $160,000 Funding! 🚀
• Three top startups secured a combined funding of US$ 160,000 at the recently concluded First Capital Startup Nation by Hatch Demo Day (Oct 1, 2025). • The winning startups, chosen from seven finalists, were: TorchLabs, Seashore Gardens, and Docupath AI. • The event highlighted the depth of Sri Lanka’s entrepreneurial talent and its growing ICT/BPM sector, with the ecosystem being described as a "nimble testbed" for South and Southeast Asia. • Hatch's efforts to build the "Startup Nation" were noted, including securing an additional US$ 2 Million from investors like Draper, existing investors, and GrowValley. • Strategic Partner Port City Colombo was emphasized as a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) providing an investor-friendly environment to attract foreign funding, enabling local startups to scale globally and retain talent.