Collaborative workspaces offer wealth of facilities to nurture start-ups

While start-ups have been proliferating in the business and, of course, tech landscape, so have collaborative workspaces such as Wynd in Central and Cocoon in Tin Hau, to name just two.

On top of providing a rentable hot desk and useful networking, these spaces host events and workshops that benefit members and attendees by offering advice, support, training and inspiration – without beneficiaries having to take a degree in computing or an MBA.

Wynd hosts a series of events and workshops called “happenings”. These vary in length, time of day and cost, although some are free. The topics are wide-ranging, from how to draft a business plan, to the relationship between mainland China and Hong Kong. Meanwhile, Cocoon’s roster includes pitch night and hackathons – both with real cash prizes on offer – while a number of events are hosted by well-known organisations such as The Women’s Foundation.

General Assembly stands out as an education provider rather than a workspace. However, as such, it offers a great space for students to join in activities, field trips, networking and making the most of alumni support.

While General Assembly was founded in New York, and has campuses in Britain, the US and Australia, the focus in Hong Kong is on digital industries such as business, tech and design. Courses include web development immersive, digital marketing, mobile development, data science and user experience design.

Riley Batchelor, senior regional director (APAC), explains the thinking behind the institution: “We focus on relevant business application and practical knowledge, designing courses in response to the skills that employers want or that individuals need to get hired.”