📈 First Capital Startup Nation by Hatch Opens Regional Pathways for Sri Lankan Startups

• Startup Ecosystem Growth: Ten emerging Sri Lankan startups presented tech-led solutions at the 2026 Demo Day hosted by First Capital Holdings PLC and Hatch, aimed at scaling businesses across Sri Lanka, India, Nepal, and Bangladesh. • New Venture Funding: Hatch announced "HLAB", a LKR 3 Bn fund backed by First Capital (LKR 300 Mn anchor investment), Lankan Angel Network, and BOV Capital to support early and growth-stage local startups. • Investment & Global Exposure: The top 3 startups advanced to a closed-door equity funding round, while the overall winner will compete at the Startup World Cup in San Francisco in November 2026. • National Digital Target: Sri Lanka aims for a $15 Bn digital economy by 2030 (targeting $25 Bn in cumulative value creation), supported by upcoming initiatives including Capital Mobility facilitation and a Virtual SEZ for digital businesses. • Key Sector Impact: Enhances access to capital markets, regional scaling, and foreign investment for Sri Lanka's growing ICT/BPM and technology innovation sectors.