Martin Cooke, former group chief architect at Home Retail Group, has joined digital investment and startup incubator Haatch.

Cooke will join the team of in-house mentors who provide investment, support and mentorship to digital start-ups.

Cooke, whose title is ‘Old Owl’, has also previously worked at Boots and Kingfisher.

Haatch was set up by former Kiddicare chief executive Scott Weavers-Wright. Since launch in September 2013, Haatch has made six investments into technology start-ups and is building a 5-floor working space in Stamford, Lincolnshire, called The Hub.

Fred Soneya, digital wizard and co-founder of Haatch, said: “Martin’s knowledge and experience of providing technology leadership at scale across a range of large retail businesses brings invaluable experience to the Haatch team. Martin will work closely with our portfolio of technology start-ups to help them grow.”