What if we told you, you could walk into the gorgeous and spanking new Twitter office and check out the spaces and rooms, meet the team and even get a behind-the-scenes look at their #realtimelab? Yes, you can, for real, at Walkabout.
Walkabout (#walkSG) is an annual city-wide open house for tech companies — and everyone is invited. Happening 26 June, the event is free for all, and you don’t have to be a developer or fancy coder to enjoy the unique office environments of these technology companies that are shaping Singapore’s future. Here’s the chance to unite with other technopreneurs, designers, students, hackers, and tech enthusiasts in Singapore.
Created in New York City by the founders of software technology company Harvest, it was set up to support the growing tech ecosystem that is taking shape, and to replicate the collaborative and open nature of Silicon Valley.
Said Kristine Lauria, co-founder of Walkabout in Singapore, “The tech scene is uniquely creative, relaxed and open. We wanted to share that with people outside of tech — and at the same time flex our muscles and let the rest of the world know that this is an important place to be for technology in Asia.”
“The tech scene — from money, to startups, to exits and people who want to take part in the scene — has grown incredibly. We started with 30 open houses and about 70 companies interested in participating in 2012. This year we have more than 30 companies at BLK 71 participating and over 130 companies opening their doors during #walksg,” she added.
And the companies range from Facebook and Twitter to retail clothing store Zalora, our favourite bargain network Carousell, ticketing platform Peatix, property site 99.co, and some of Kristine’s favourites: “I love RedMart in a big way. Now they have fresh produce and frozen food, they’ve stolen my heart. Luxola has an amazing array of beauty products, and I live in my silk tanks from Grana.”
From office dogs and pool tables, to catered lunches and beer at the desk — working in tech can be fun and exciting. You get to see it all and make great connections with the companies and the people. With so many open houses to choose from and in different areas, be prepared for sore feet though.
Heads up: some companies require registration, so remember to RSVP in advance. Otherwise, just drop in!