Hatch – Sri Lanka’s largest co-working office space, business incubator and accelerator designed for start-ups was launched in Colombo last week.
The brainchild of Jeevan Gnanam and Nathan Sivagananathan, Hatch aims to serve as a hub of all things start-up, rather than as a mere co-working space.
Introducing the concept at the opening, co-founder of Hatch and former CEO of Orion City, Jeevan Gnanam said, “Hatch is a curated co-working space, business incubator, and hub for the community that fosters collaboration, promotes innovation, and facilitates progress for all its members.”
“After years of planning, we are excited to finally open our doors and arms, to welcome you to join the Hatch community,” said co-founder of Hatch and former CEO at MAS Holdings, Nathan Sivagananathan.
“This tight-knit community of like-minded, impassioned people bound by a culture of entrepreneurship is really our core strength and what will truly set us apart.”
The Hatch Colombo office is situated in a colonial building in Fort which has been restored under the supervision of Brindha Selvadurai, Director at Hatch. “We restored it back to its original state and it was beautiful, so it didn’t need too much work.”
In addition to its newly opened space in Colombo, Hatch also maintains a presence in Jaffna with Hatch Kalam, the first maker and co-worker space in the north and will continue to open locations, both locally and regionally.
Following the introduction by Jeevan and Nathan, and an address by former cricketer Kumar Sangakkara, was an engaging panel discussion tied to the theme.
Moderated by Hatch Co-Founder Nathan, and featuring Expolanka Holdings PLC Founder and CEO, Hanif Yusoof, ODEL PLC Founder and Embark Founder/CEO, Otara Gunewardene, Spa Ceylon Co-Founder/Director, Shalin Balasuriya and Indiegogo CEO and Co-Founder, Slava Rubin, up has helped fund over $1.5bn for entrepreneurs through a crowdfunding platform.