Startups and entrepreneurs in Singapore seeking a new environment of desks and workspaces are officially spoilt for choice.
With new co-working spaces seemingly popping up year after year, those looking for a suitable spot for the next stage of their businesses have choices in a multitude of locations, where it can be industry specific, or just a mix of everything.
Beyond just the open office concepts of hipster proportions, co-working spaces can sometimes be argued as having the ability to increase happiness and effectiveness to those who are in it.
Here’s some that may be of interest to those looking for somewhere new to plant your flag.
Spacemob
This Singapore-based co-working space have been receiving lots of press coverage lately, most notably for the recent US$5.5 million received during their last seed round in November 2016, fuelling a potential growth across Asia.
In itself, Spacemob differentiates itself from the rest of the competition not just through interior design, but also their extensive use of technology.
Once you are a tenant there, booking of the various in-house facilities are done through a registration booth. Payment for food and beverages in this co-working space is also done via their own personal e-wallet system.
Found right in the heart of Orchard, if you want a location that’s outside of the typical Central Business District but still at a very accessible place especially to all the food and shopping, this one’s for you.
Spacemob is located at 8 Claymore Hill #03-01.
JustCo
Moving back into the CBD, there’s JustCo. They have two locations just a stone’s throw away from each other – one at Robinson Road, and the other at Raffles Quay.
Ceiling high windows adorn the spaces giving you an uninterrupted view of surrounding areas outside, so you know this place is well-lit. The interiors of the spaces also remind you of one giant cafe or university common areas.
That may very well be because it’s all about fun and entertainment here, with foosball and pingpong tables along with shelves stocked with books. Expect event after event to fill the nights, where you can unwind with the community over food and drinks.
If the Raffles Place area isn’t your thing, they have a new space coming soon in Marina Bay at the new Marina One office developments.
JustCo is located at 120 Robinson Road #15-01, and 6 Raffles Quay #16-01.
Lattice80
Dubbed the “World’s Largest Fintech Hub”, and working closely with the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), Lattice80 is the product of the Marvelstone Group with an aim at fintech startups.
Its close proximity to key financial institutions, the stock exchange and regulators in the CBD makes it an enticing place to consider if fintech is your vertical.
It is no wonder that more than 20 local and foreign fintech companies have settled down in Lattice80, and given the space’s partnerships with the likes of KPMG, IBM, United Overseas Bank among other well-known companies, startups have the opportunity to work with some big names in finance and tech.
Also, Marvelstone Group and fintech accelerator Startupbootcamp frequently hold talks and workshops in the space, which sometimes include sessions with investors.
Lattice80 is located at 80 Robinson Road #08-01.
The Great Room
This place is The Great Gatsby of all co-working spaces and it reflects it in their name as well – The Great Room.
This place exudes class and refinement, and being a hospitality-themed co-working space, is the first of its kind in Singapore. The designers of the space have after all designed the offices of Alibaba and Google.
Wood and leather is everywhere here, and while you are in the midst of your daily hustle, designer table and ceiling lights bathe you in warm light. There’s a good mix of startups and companies here ranging from technology, creative, finance and non-profits.
Inspired by the grand entrances of hotels, you will also feel like you are in a hotel once inside.
Events range from yoga meditation, to The Great Thirstdays where you can enjoy delectable roast meats over a glass of Johnnie Walker, along with the usual get-togethers with notable founders and startup workshops.
The Great Room is located at 1 George Street #10-01.
Collision 8
With a bar, library, and a full uninterrupted view of Singapore skyline and Marina Bay Sands, here’s Collision 8. Located in between Clarke Quay and City Hall, it is founded by the who’s who of startups – Carousell, Ninja Van, Xfers, HubSpot, Hired, and Mulesoft to name a few.
The 9,000 square foot space has stringent a criteria for anyone hoping to land a desk here. Labelling themselves as a “a private members’ club”, potential tenants are selected based on two criteria: the desire to innovate, and the desire to collaborate. This is after all an innovation-centric co-working space.
With plans to acquire more space in the same building, as well as to start their own cafeteria for tenants, you don’t have to worry about being in same stuffy office.
Collision 8 is located at 1 North Bridge Road #08-08.
Clockwork
This isn’t so much of a co-working space, but rather a movement. An initiative by Clockwork, they are setting out to transform under-utilised spaces into affordable and mobile work spaces for individuals who cannot afford the traditional definition of a co-working space.
And the first location will be at The Projector.
You may know of The Projector as a place where you can swing by to check out some of Singapore’s best indie films, but it has now also been transformed into a co-working space – but only in the day.
Clockwork is targeting people who just require a chair, desk, and basic amenities to make their work day comfortable. No fancy interior design and facilities which you pay for and hardly use.
This no-nonsense approach to co-working spaces may just be what the professional nomad need in an expensive city.
The Projector is located at 6001 Beach Road #05-00.
