Online startup portal StartupAcademyKe has announced it will be opening a new co-working space in Nairobi – Space111Ke – on April 30, hoping to provide entrepreneurs and startups with a physical space that provides an “inspiring and supportive environment”.
Space111Ke is currently signing up members online ahead of its launch, with co-workers required to pay US$100 per month for a private workspace or US$165 for a team desk of two.
The co-working space is also billing itself as an incubator for startups, and is welcoming applications from potential members who have an idea or a business at pilot stage.
Space111Ke came about after entrepreneur siblings Edwin Kamau and Lillian Nduati realised entrepreneurs from sectors other than just technology needed affordable workspace and supportive infrastructure in order to increase their chances of survival beyond the startup stage.
“We’re excited about opening this space because it’ll open up opportunities for entrepreneurs to establish viable, fundable and scalable businesses in other sectors apart from technology,” Nduati told Disrupt Africa.
“SMEs in Kenya have a particularly high failure rate and ours is to provide that much needed support through training opportunities, providing seed capital, affordable working space and mentorship so these companies can reach their full potential and grow into thriving enterprises that contribute to the economy and create jobs.”
The space will be open to all entrepreneurs at the startup stage, as well as freelancers, small business owners, students, researchers, independent contractors, work at home professionals, journalists and bloggers, developers and companies looking to offer flexible working time for their employees.
“We want to increase the odds of a startup succeeding, by providing the right support and infrastructure for founders,” said Kamau.
Space111Ke is named after the route of the road based in the Kilimani area of Nairobi, which is already home to a number of hubs, accelerators and incubators.
