• Friday, March 29, 2024
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BusinessDay exclusive interview with 989 Coworking

BusinessDay exclusive interview with 989 Coworking

Coworking, as we know it today involving a physical space, started in 2005 when Brad Neuberg used the term to describe a physical space where independent and mobile workers came together to work in a casual environment. In this exclusive interview with 989 Coworking we discover how the coworking industries is evolving in Nigeria.

 Let’s have your background. Also, tell us about your company?

989 Workspaces is a Real estate/Tech company that is fully registered in America and Nigeria and also the parent company to 989 Coworking. We provide affordable shared workspaces, meeting rooms and Co-living spaces to a wide range of entrepreneurs.

 How did you start and the journey so far?

We started in August 2018 with 1 location in Victoria Island, Lagos, we have had our challenges but now we have over 13 locations and growing. We have also infused Co-Living into the mix, this will provide Entrepreneurs and 9-5ers affordable shared accommodation and Coworking. The Co-living project will be launched in November.

 What led to the creation of 989 Workspaces?

The provision of affordable and flexible workspaces for businesses especially Start-Ups and Young Entrepreneurs. We have come to the era where a lot of the workforce are tilting towards entrepreneurship and getting a functional conventional office space is a challenge for many, at 989 Workspaces we are bridging this gap.

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Is the business lucrative?

Yes, it is, but just as it was mentioned earlier it has its own challenges, but it is a gradual progression.

Who are your clients?

Established Businesses, Techprenuers, Entrepreneurs, Start-Ups, Freelancers, Students, 9-5ers etc…

A lot of companies are now providing office spaces for companies, how do you fight competition from them?

We don’t fight, we partner with these companies as there is a growing need/demand for shared workspaces, the market is huge.

 What sets your company apart from others?

Our affordability, diverse range of locations, the vibrant team, our flexibility and the ambience of each of our location. Each location gives you a different feel and that makes it more interesting for our coworkers.

What challenges do you face and how can the government tackle the challenges?

Power supply issues are one of the major challenges that we face followed by expensive internet cost. The government should also support start-ups by providing loans in order to encourage the entrepreneurial spirit in the country etc…

According to BusinessDay findings, prime office space suppliers are, increasingly, yielding more grounds in incentives to existing and intending tenants as office market struggles over declining demand and more than enough supply. Such incentives offered by developers to attract tenants or stimulate demand are renting or leasing below prevailing market rate, allowing flexible payment structure, lease or rent holiday. Is your company also offering incentives and what can you say about this?

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We do all what is stated above and more. We have made our workspaces beyond affordable for Entrepreneurs and we also have our referral/brokers incentive programme where we give our brokers a percentage off every successful deal. In some of our locations, our members enjoy 10% discount on Food & Drinks, access to swimming pools/gym and discount on rooms and spas. We also have a plan called Work Smart Anywhere, it gives coworkers access to any of our locations closest to them.

989 Coworking

How has the office space sub-sector performed since the exit from the recession?

It’s been tough for everyone, especially start-ups and because of these challenges, businesses are looking for something more flexible and affordable spaces for their teams and that’s where 989 comes in as a solution provider.

Our hourly plan starts from NGN200.00 with access to high-speed internet connection and monthly plan starts from NGN20,000 with 24/7 access at some locations. Our Coworking and Co-living platforms provide forums for different individuals and companies to meet and collaborate. Our various locations and their diverse set up are ideal for remote workers, Creatives, Established Businesses, Techprenuers, Entrepreneurs, Start-Ups, Freelancers, Students, 9-5ers, Millennials and Gen Z’ers, to work from The sector has performed really well and it is growing, coworking and co-living is the future of work and living due to the following factors

Affordability – shared spaces have cut out the high cost of rental and facility cost

Flexible payment packages – shared spaces have provided flexible payment plans away from the conventional yearly payment plans. Now coworkers can pay hourly, daily, weekly and monthly

Avenue for networking and collaboration – Coworking and Co-living provide forums for different individuals and companies to meet and collaborate.

The conducive place for remote workers – Shared spaces and their diverse set up have posed to be a hub for innovation and creativity for the Millennial and Gen Z’ers

For more details and inquiries, you can contact our hotline on

Phone number: 2348077784904

Email address: sales@989coworking.comcommunitymanager@989workspaces.com

Our website: https://www.989workspaces.com/989-coworking