Workshop17 at the V&A Waterfront took the title for Best Coworking Space in South Africa at the recent Southern Africa Startup Awards.
It was one of 75 local finalists shortlisted across 15 categories.
The award was presented to Workshop17 for being “a coworking space that deserves recognition for its services, support and resources to fast-growing tech start-ups, and for creating a culture and environment that fosters innovation”. Workshop17, which was formerly Open Workspaces, creates and manages spaces in which startups, freelancers and companies – big and small, profit and non-profit, new and experienced – can work, meet, collaborate and innovate. Since its first coworking space opened in 2012, Workshop17 has grown into five iconic workspaces hosting over 2 000 members and 500 companies. More locations are in the pipeline.
Paul Keursten, CEO and co-founder of Workshop17, said: “We are thrilled to be recognised as a successful platform for a greater ecosystem of exciting businesses and entrepreneurs that are working to shape a powerful, prosperous Africa. Our members make us who we are. We believe in them and we are happy that they believe in us too. This award is thanks to our amazing members, an incredible team and great partners.”
Workshop17 members are invited to regular public events supporting entrepreneurship, learning and networking in various fields.
Their community managers and community ambassadors connect members who can help each other grow.
“We make it easy for businesses to grow and shrink with us. We want to be partners for the life of their business, support our members’ big wins and celebrate their successes with them,” said Mr Keursten.
“Our plug-and-play spaces have everything from superb connectivity to on-site event and community managers; we take care of everything so the only thing you have to focus on is your business,” said Mr Keursten.
Its original space, Workshop17 Maboneng, opened in Johannesburg in 2012. Workshop17 V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, followed thereafter. Then, it took just two years for Workshop17 West Street, Sandton Central, to open in 2017, which also marked the start of Workshop17’s partnership with leading JSE-listed international property company Growthpoint Properties in a 50/50 joint venture.
Workshop17 Kloof Street will open in 2019 at 32 Kloof Street, Gardens.
The Southern African Startup Awards are part of the Global Startup Awards, which highlights those who dare to dream big and shape the way our future will look. It brings together ideas and talents from seven regions and 50-plus countries. Workshop17 will also compete in the regional grand final later this month.