Hatch, Lankan Angel Network and BOV Capital join forces, with First Capital Holdings PLC committing LKR 300 million as anchor limited partner in a fund built on a commercial investment case.

Starting a business is difficult. Building one that can grow, compete and endure is harder still.

For Sri Lankan founders, the challenge doesn’t end when they prove their idea works. The next stage demands stronger operations, access to new markets and the capital to pursue opportunities that could transform a promising venture into a sustainable business.

A new initiative aims to help more founders take that next step.

Hatch, Lankan Angel Network (LAN) and BOV Capital have launched HLAB, a collective LKR 3 billion fund designed to back early and growth stage regional companies that are incorporated in Sri Lanka. Announced at the final event of First Capital Startup Nation, organised by Hatch, the initiative brings together three established participants in the country’s startup ecosystem around a shared ambition: expanding access to capital for businesses seeking to grow.

Adding institutional participation to the initiative, First Capital Holdings PLC has committed LKR 300 million as the fund’s anchor limited partner, representing 10% of its total size.

From promising startups to enduring businesses

The transition from an early stage venture to a sustainable, growing company is a defining point in a founder’s journey. Businesses must move beyond establishing their models and begin building the operational strength and market reach needed to pursue larger opportunities.

JXG (Janashakthi Group) celebrates Wasanthi Stephen, Group Chief Human Resources Officer, on becoming the first female recipient of the prestigious CIPM-Baurs Lifetime Gold Award 2026 from the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) Sri Lanka since the award’s inception. Presented on 14 October 2026, at the opening of the National Human Resource Conference (NHRC) 2026 at Monarch Imperial, Kotte, the award marks a historic milestone for Sri Lanka’s Human Resources profession and a proud moment for JXG.

The highest individual recognition in Sri Lanka’s Human Resource Management sphere, the CIPM Sri Lanka Lifetime Gold Award celebrates individuals whose long-standing contributions have advanced the HR profession at organisational, national, and international levels. It recognises professional excellence, ethical leadership, transformational impact, and a sustained commitment to people and institutions.

Dialog Axiata PLC, Sri Lanka’s #1 connectivity provider, has expanded the Dialog Pay merchant ecosystem through a new partnership with Dinemore, bringing secure LankaQR payments to customers across its network of 12 restaurants. Customers can now use Dialog Pay when enjoying Dinemore’s wide range of meals, while receiving complimentary Dialog data on eligible LankaQR transactions.

From quick meals during a busy day to dining with family and friends, customers can use Dialog Pay for a secure and convenient way to pay at Dinemore restaurants. By adding another digital payment option, the partnership brings greater flexibility to the everyday dining experience while complementing Dinemore’s longstanding focus on serving accessible and enjoyable meals to customers.

Shaheem Sadikeen, Director of Dinemore, said, “For many years, Dinemore has been part of the everyday dining experiences of Sri Lankans, and staying relevant means continuing to evolve alongside our customers. Partnering with Dialog Pay is part of that journey, bringing greater digital convenience and added value to the way customers dine with us. We are pleased to work with Dialog in embracing solutions that enhance the experience our customers have come to know and enjoy.”