The co-working space at the new premises of the Nairobi-based iHub is up and running, aimed at providing members with a shared space to connect, innovate, exchange opportunities and collaborate.
The iHub, launched in 2010, provides a home for Kenya’s tech community and allows developers and entrepreneurs to connect and work on ideas. It currently has more than 16,000 members, and recently appointed a new managing director.
Disrupt Africa reported in September the hub was to relocate from its Ngong Road home as it sought more space having raised funding in order to help it scale operations. A new home was found in Hurlingham in December, and renovation work has been underway ever since.
The co-working space at the new premises is now complete and available for use, while 12 private offices have also been installed. These offices vary in size, holding between four and 12 people.
“The offices allow the luxury of a private enclosed space. Alongside the atmosphere and energy of a collaborative community, the offices allow the luxury of a private enclosed space,” the iHub said.
The new hub is still under construction, though Phase One is now complete. The iHub is now working on the finishing touches on Phase Two, and anticipates finishing in the next two weeks.
Phase Three and Phase Four will include the build out of new small and large private offices, meeting rooms, a lounge, and phone booths. Construction is already underway and is scheduled to be complete by late June.
When completed, the space will host private offices, meeting rooms, a lounge, phone booths, dedicated desks, a printing station, gym, coffee shop and lactation room, as well as a “chill out space” and terrace.
Disrupt Africa reported in December the iHub is also set to launch a fund to invest in startups from across Africa as its restructuring continues. The fund will be an exclusive investment partner of iHub, and will engage, support and promote the entrepreneurs across Africa.
It is initially seeking US$10 million for a Nairobi pilot, but plans to grow to US$40 million over time and target other countries.
