Yesterday it took some time to find a free spot to host a meeting in a coffee shop in Gastown, a historic neighbourhood of downtown Vancouver and the epicentre of much of Vancouver’s startup culture. Laptops were everywhere and when we did find a spot to sit down and talk, we found ourselves speaking softly so as not to disturb anyone from their work. This made me think of the myriad of coworking spaces that have emerged in downtown Vancouver in recent years as startup culture has grown and telecommuting continues to rise.
Here is an overview of co-working spaces in Vancouver:
In Downtown Vancouver
The Profile
Description: The Waterstreet Profile is a co-working community and workspace that offers events, room rentals, and networking activities.
Where: Gastown- 375 Water Street
Cost: 875$/year for startups. Co-working/Studio Membership $225/month
Website: http://waterstreetprofile.com
Launch Academy
Description: Launch Academy is co-working space designed to mentor and educate early stage tech startups. They are focused on accelerating growth and connecting entrepreneurs with resources. Launch Academy is more than just co-wroking space. Being a participant in even their most basic program includes mentoring and lectures from some of Canada’s top tech founders, such as Stewart Butterfield and Ryan Holmes.
Where: Gastown- Suite 300 at 128 West Hastings Street
Cost:$250/month for basic membership. They offer a variety of more intense programs for entrepreneurs for this who are looking for something more involved.
Website: http://launchacademy.ca
Hive
Description: HiVE is a collaborative co-working space targeted at social entrepreneurship, sustainability, tech and creative sectors. In addition to memberships they offer drop-in passes and other more flexible options for those who are looking to participate on a more casual basis or just visiting.
Where: #210-128 West Hastings
Cost: Community memberships (no desk included) start at $30/month and hot desking packages start at $100/month.
Website: http://hivevancouver.com
The Network Hub
Description: The Network Hub offers on-demand workspace from $250-400/month. They also offer their facilities to non-members at drop-in rates.
Where: The Network Hub has one location downtown, at 422 Richards Street. There are also locations in New Westminster, Whistler, and Nanaimo on Vancouver Island.
Cost: $250-400/month or see website for drop-in fees.
Website: https://www.thenetworkhub.ca
Lower Mainland and Burnaby
Suite Genius
Description: For those who wish to avoid the commute to downtown, Suite Genius may be ideal with two locations in the lower mainland. Suite Genius offers membership for less than a hundred dollars per month for those looking to use the space on a more casual or part-time basis.
Where: One location in Mount Pleasant and one in Kitsilano
Cost: Membership ranges from $95/month to $1195/month depending on team size and space needs.
Website: https://suite-genius.com
Cranium Office
Description: The Cranium Office is a collaborative space for technology entrepreneurs. Cranium is focused on helping teams scale their technology business and generate revenue.
Where: 308 East 5th Avenue, Vancouver
Cost: $350/month for individuals and $225/month for team members.
Website: http://www.thecranium.co
Discovery Parks
Description: The Centre at Discovery Parks is a large co-location facility for companies in the high tech and life sciences. They offer office space and lab space to growing companies.
Where: One location is just outside of downtown at 887 Great Northern Way. There is another in Burnaby at 4475 Wayburne Drive.
Cost: Inquire for details
Website: http://www.discoveryparks.com
Anywhere
ShareDesk
ShareDesk.net is the Airbnb of the office world. This website allows you to find office space and meeting rooms available for rent on an hourly, weekly, or monthly basis. It’s ideal for temporary stays and travels, but can also be used to find office space to share locally.