The humble coworking space has come a long way over the last few years; from the come in and build your own desk offering through to spaces incorporating their own fitness studios, there’s something for every type of business.
Adding something new to the mix is Kafnu, set to open next month in Sydney’s Alexandria. Launched by the Singapore-based Next Story Group, the space will be the company’s first in Australia.
Set next door to the oft-Instagrammed Grounds of Alexandria, Kafnu is both a coworking space and ‘mini hotel’. Along with the 16 room hotel, Kafnu will offer dedicated and flexible desks, private offices, meeting rooms and event space, a production studio, and a virtual fitness studio.
Simon Hall, general manager of Kafnu Australia, said launching Kafnu down under was a natural move for Next Story Group, given the largest share of its hotel portfolio is in Australia.
“Following extensive research, the Alexandria population proved to be a great match as their values are similar to that of a Kafnu member: a new generation of creators that we like to call ‘hyphenates’; people with multiple interests, that want to explore, discover, create, and collaborate,” Hall said.
“Alexandria is also the ideal location due to its proximity to the airport and connections to the city centre. Business travellers will find Kafnu an ideal pitstop when visiting from interstate or internationally.”
A Kafnu Alexandria membership will enable access to international locations, with other spaces open in cities including Hong Kong, Bengaluru, and Taipei.
Given the space offers, well, a bit more luxury than your regular coworking space, it’s fair to wonder what kind of member Kafnu is aimed at.
A hot desking membership will set you back $750 a month, while permanent desks are available for $900 per month. In contrast, a dedicated desk at Fishburners in Sydney costs $550 per month (though, of course, Fishburners is subsidised by the NSW Government.)
According to Hall, Kafnu’s target market are “the creators of businesses”, in particular startups and creative entrepreneurs.
“Kafnu has a unique offering, so to compare it with other spaces that are currently in the market is difficult,” Hall said.
He believes that the community element in particular is what will set Kafnu apart; “We’re creating a members club where our members can go to work, socialise and collaborate.
“We are creating a community which will have access to bespoke events that not only assist with networking and business connections, but also allow our members to explore their interests and socialise,” he said.
As for the price, Hall believes the access to the various facilities and amenities – along with the virtual fitness studio, where members can access over 1,500 classes on-demand, Kafnu also includes the production facilities, a gin bar and local craft beer, and members lounges – will help startups and smaller companies manage their costs.
The interesting mix of these facilities all come back to Kafnu’s lofty goals.
“Kafnu Alexandria takes its name from the hamlet in Himachal where adventurers take a breather to rejuvenate, refresh and reflect before their ascent towards the Himalayas,” he said.
“Like its namesake, we want to be the urban village for our members where we can provide them with what they need to ascend to greatness.”
Image: Kafnu Alexandria. Source: Supplied.
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