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The Cluster: The entrepreneur’s space – one year on

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The Cluster

A meeting at the Cluster

Co-working is huge in America, especially in San Francisco. There are obvious benefits to it, which we are witnessing daily. After 17 months of operation (and over 130 member companies), we now see that our space is something that is needed in Melbourne (and everywhere else)! We are dedicated to the quality of service to both our in-house tenants and our many virtual office clients (who enjoy telephony, use of address, mail-to-email services and the use of hot-desks and meeting rooms). We want to do more, we want to provide more, and we want to continue to spoil ourselves with the company of other entrepreneurs. Friendships are formed here, and ideas are planted. Business is done, and fun is had. Doing business in a lonely office is no longer the only option.

The interactive games development companies sharing this serviced office space include The Game Developer’s Asscociation of Australia (GDAA), Redtribe, Game Machine Australia, PlayCorp, The Voxel Agents, Desura and Roo Games, plus many other software developers.

I often wonder, as I walk around the office, watching everyone eagerly tapping away on their computers, what the hell are they working on? I know a lot about most people’s businesses, but as much information that I can muster from them, it’s never enough! It was this frustration that led to the creation of “What The Hell Do You Do” nights. These nights are where members present to a room full of Clusterians, “What The Hell They Do”. This particular event always opens listener’s eyes and creates true realizations about who we actually share an office with each day. The level of talent at The Cluster is truly exciting.

The Cluster

Shared space at the Cluster

Clusterian on Clusterian action and interaction is happening every day, as more people meet! Businesses are now working together, networks are being created, friendships are being made, new ideas are being formed and new businesses are starting. We have seen small businesses turn into million dollar entities within a short time. When entrepreneurs join The Cluster, they automatically enter into the “Be the first to hit $1,000,000 profit” competition. I can’t yet put my bets down, as it changes daily, but I have my eye on 5 businesses here, which WILL explode one day, like an egg in a microwave. One of our clients was the winner of the 2011, Start-Up Smart Awards – for fastest growth, and is now ranked number 17 in BRW Fast Starters for 2011. Other awards are numerous amongst members, while others have businesses which are just brilliant ideas or are filling niches that no one else has a toe in (or both)! If I was an angel investor, or venture capitalist, I would like to be a fly on the wall at any of the professional co-working spaces, especially The Cluster!

The saddest thing about my Cluster experience is when a tenant must leave. I am always happy about their sudden growth, and their need for more space which we cannot yet provide. Sometimes I hold onto their leg as they struggle towards the door, eventually letting go as I realize they just need more space for their growing team. Relationships are always maintained and we get regular visits and updates, which cements them as part of this entrepreneurial community. As time has passed, I have become to realize that this exit is necessary in order to create space for other entrepreneurs searching for an appropriate co-working space. The Cluster space is just a small part of their experience of business, and our vision, along with the other co-working spaces in Melbourne, is to provide clients with the best environment and services for their day-to-day office needs. Taking the hassle of renting, fit-outs, furnishing, connecting services, providing kitchen goodies, paying for receptionists and IT, and organizing their own Friday night drinks, ski trips, winery tours, random dinners and speed greeting nights (like speed dating)….is what we, and other co-working spaces, are all about!

The Cluster

The Cluster - Serviced Offices

The most important aspect of creating such a space is the energy created once the space is full of crazy entrepreneurs. An amazing and inspiring space is formed solely from the people who fill it. Physically having the right space to fill comes about by bringing the right people together to create it. This vision will one day happen. It has too. Melbourne needs it. All of our cities need it!

What’s next? The Cluster’s is planning to team up with key groups and individuals to create larger co-working entrepreneurial events and spaces within each capital city of Australia. Clusters in regional areas are also on the table, as there is a need for people in smaller communities to have access to proactive, vibrant and professional spaces. The Cluster is looking to work closely with the state government and local councils to expand the co-working model. Enhancing entrepreneur’s day-to-day working environments is essential for motivating innovation!

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About Kirsten Koci:

Kirsten spent the last 14 years studying business and enjoying the craziness of owning and running a successful fashion company, based in London. After returning from the UK in 2007, Kirsten lectured in fashion business until she started The Cluster in 2010 with Chris Mosely. Kirsten is herself a serial entrepreneur with The Cluster plus some new projects/businesses launching now and at the beginning of 2012. These include The Oddwols (ipad/iphone interactive comedy stories for kids), Binary Digital (Web & App development), dressandpress.com.au (Australia’s Fashion Library) and Bully to Bravery (development of educational DVDs for primary and secondary schools). The Cluster provides the motivation to “Do It All”!


Filed under: Interactive Games Tagged: Desura, Game Machine Australia, GDAA, PlayCorp, Redtribe, Roo Games, Serviced Offices, The Cluster, The Game Developer’s Asscociation of Australia, The Voxel Agents, virtual offices

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