Techblog
Co-working for success: How aspiring start-ups can benefit from a shared working environment
While start-up entrepreneurs, independent businesses or freelancers have customarily resorted to working from home or neighbourhood coffee shops, there are some distinct advantages to starting up out of a co-working space:
1) An affordable and well-equipped working space: Renting a functional office space can set a new business owner at least a few thousand dollars a month. With numerous flexible options starting at as low as USD150 a month, co-working spaces can offer the independent business owner the facilities and conveniences of a full-fledged office, ranging from technical support to meeting rooms and even cafes.
2) A conducive environment for work: It is impossible to escape noise and distraction in a non-office environment. Co-working spaces counter this with quiet, professional spaces that facilitate high focus and productivity.
3) Community and networking: Working alone can make one feel isolated, and the business owner has to make additional time for networking. Co-working tackles these issues by providing the entrepreneur in the midst of like-minded people, providing opportunities to connect with crucial partners and prospective clients.
As the trend of co-working is increases globally, here’s a list of some well-known co-working spaces in South-east Asia:
Singapore
SpringBoard: Located in the CBD, SpringBoard also helps members with services office management and business incorporation. There’s even a fully-equipped pantry and a rooftop terrace that functions as a breakout area.
Starting Rate: SGD300 p/m / Contact: +65 69085160 / e-mail: office@springboard.sg
The Hub Singapore: This co-working space located in downtown Singapore offers its members training sessions and access to experienced mentors.
Starting Rate: SGD150 p/m / e-mail: hub@thehub.sg
Hackerspace.sg: One of Singapore’s earliest co-working facilities – and best suited for tech geeks. The space is located near plenty of amenities and provides lockers for members.
Starting Rate: SGD64 p/m / e-mail: contact@hackerspace.sg.
Indonesia
Comma: Comma is one of Jakarta’s first co-working spaces, with a concept of “a hybrid of coffeeshop and home”. Comma holds regular events to encourage their members to socialise, network and connect.
Starting Rate: IDR90 for three hours / Contact: +6221-725-4742 / e-mail: hello@comma.co.id.
Ciputra GEPI Incubator (CGI): Located in the heart of Jakarta, this co-working space offers free events, and an incubation program for start-ups.
Starting Rate: IDR500,000 p/m / Contact: +6221 2988 5950 / e-mail: cgi@gepi.co
Hubud: Situated in exotic Bali and.set amidst gardens, the space regularly holds free events under varied themes.
Starting Rate: USD60 p/m / Contact: +6236 1978 073 / e-mail: team@hubud.org
Malaysia
Nook: Set atop a hill in Kuala Lumpur, this co-working space offers a relaxed vibe and a great view. Users can enjoy free flow of coffee and tea, as well as complimentary parking.
Starting Rate: RM50 p/day / Contact: +60 03 2201 5781 / e-mail: nookmalaysia@gmail.com
Whitespace: Found in three locations across Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, Whitespace offers both virtual and serviced offices that include 24 hour access, a courier service, and receptionist assistance should you need one.
Starting Rate: RM139 p/m / Contact: +603 6209 9988 / e-mail: info@whitespaceinternational.com
Paper + Toast: A concept of combining the workspace with a kitchen, Paper + Toast is a co-working space with a serious coffee and food culture. The space also features meeting rooms, an event space and a virtual office service.
Starting Rate: RM8.50 p/hour / Contact: +603 2110 2441 / e-mail: friends@paperandtoast.com
Philippines
Co.lab: Co.lab holds monthly networking events for its tenants, and offers the option of late morning or late afternoon passes for those that require more flexibility in their work.
Starting Rate: PHP500 p/day / Contact: +630 2661 7616 / e-mail: info@colab.ph
O2 Space: Situated in Makati City, this space offers both desks and offices and offer front desk, accounting and concierge support services.
Starting Rate: PHP600 p/day / Contact: +63 2317 6677 / e-mail: inquiry@o2space.ph
A Space Manila: This co-working space has tech experts round the clock to help solve any technology-related issues, and even allows tenants to cook their own meals.
Starting Rate: PHP1000 p/day / Contact: +63 2846 0856 / e-mail: facebook@aspacemanila.com