HAVING birthed startups the likes of Instagram and Uber, co-working spaces are a relatively new genre of office which is rapidly gaining traction among entrepreneurs and even SME owners in Singapore. Those sharing the same space may not be employed by the same company, but occupants tend to share similar values and are given room for collaboration in an often very aesthetically pleasing setting.

For many, a co-working space exists as a "third space", or an alternative to the home or conventional office, says Sigrid Zialcita. She is managing director of research in the Asia-Pacific region for Wakeman and Cushfield, and according to her - there are over a hundred of them in purpose-built office spaces in the Central Business District (CBD). Around half were added in the last two years and the total co-working stock expanded by around 55 per cent in 2017.

Hence, amid the growing throng, some co-working spaces are choosing to create a strong niche to stand out.