Nairobi Garage has expanded by opening a new branch in Westlands, which it claims makes it the largest co-working company in Africa with 100 member startups and over 500 desks.
The new Nairobi Garage space in Westlands will open its doors on December 1, with the company saying the expansion was a response to the growing demand for quality working space and entrepreneurial community in Nairobi.
Its second space – the original is on Ngong Road – will see Nairobi Garage bring on board a greater variety of companies in terms of stages and sectors, as well as international tech companies. The likes of Uber and Terragon Group are among the companies that have already pre-reserved 40 per cent of the new space.
“With our expansion, Nairobi Garage will be able to offer affordable shared space to many more of Kenya’s top local startups. We also aim to make it easier for incoming entrepreneurs and investors from overseas who want to get a foothold in Africa. What you get with the Garage is a ready-made and very active community of innovators, looking to learn with and help one another,” said Hannah Clifford, general manager of Nairobi Garage.
The new Garage – at the Mirage, a brand new commercial building on Waiyaki Way – will offer an additional 400 desks, plus a number of team rooms, meeting rooms and event space. The Westlands branch is expected to host around 70 companies, with the office space 25,000 square foot in total, with an additional entertainment rooftop area.
It will offer its members all-inclusive 24/7 office facilities, access to an in-house café, events and workshop series tailored for entrepreneurs and techies, meeting rooms and a presentation and event area.
Passionate about the vibrant tech startups scene in Africa, Tom can usually be found sniffing out the continent's most exciting new companies and entrepreneurs, funding rounds and any other developments within the growing ecosystem.