Workshop17 takes 'Best Coworking Space' title in Southern Africa Startup Awards

Workshop17 Maboneng

The coworking space provider was recognised for being “a coworking space that deserves recognition for its services, support and resources to fast-growing tech startups, and for creating a culture and environment that fosters innovation”.

Formerly Open Workspaces, Workshop17's first coworking space opened in 2012, and has since grown into five workspaces hosting over 2,000 members and 500 companies, with more locations in the pipeline.

Paul Keursten, CEO and cofounder of Workshop17, says, “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 expansion

Workshop17 West Street, Sandton Central

Its original space, Workshop17 Maboneng, opened in Johannesburg in 2012. Workshop17 V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, followed thereafter. Two years later, Workshop17 West Street, Sandton Central opened in 2017, which also marked the start of Workshop17’s partnership with Growthpoint Properties in a 50/50 joint venture. In 2018, it added two locations, Workshop17 Tabakhuis, Paarl, and Workshop17 Firestation, Rosebank. Workshop17 Kloof Street will open in 2019 at 32 Kloof Street, Gardens, Cape Town.

Workshop17 Firestation, Rosebank

It has now set its sights on opening four new coworking spaces every year for the next five years, including expanding Workshop17 into other cities and beyond borders into other African countries.

The Southern African Startup Awards are part of the Global Startup Awards. 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.