Tucked away in Ekkamai Soi 4 in a renovated retro-style house is the brainchild of Amarit “Aim” and Charle Charoenphan.
Less than two months ago the brothers-in-business (and blood) opened HUBBA, a co-working space for entrepreneurs – a relatively new concept in Thailand.
Unlike some of the more well-known ventures – the likes of which can be seen dotting silicon valley – HUBBA does not focus on a niche market. Come one, come all, as long as you have ambition, creativity and the desire to contribute to the community, the brothers said.
“It’s a one-stop place where start-up entrepreneurs of any kind can come and launch their business, find a partner, share ideas… I expect you to come in here and no matter what it is, you can launch your business and when you grow out of it you can leave, go have your own office and start selling to your first customer in six months,” 30-year-old deputy managing director Charle said.
Charle, a self-described “serial entrepreneur” and SME consultant, has taken back seat to his 26-year-old brother who has a background in social entrepreneurism.
The space has a sleek, modern design while maintaining a communal feel to it with an open floor-plan as you walk in, a row of chairs with stations to plug in your laptop and a long, conference-room-style table on the other side, with a small canteen offering free coffee, tea and snacks just off the main room. There’s even a wooden rocking horse for those so inclined. And, your humble Cococorrespondent dare not forget to mention the trampoline in the spacious, green backyard – the temptation of which was no minor feat to put aside.
There are three office spaces for rent on a month-by-month basis because, as Charle said, “You don’t know if your business is going to succeed or fail, that’s what a start-up is all about, so that’s why our packages are flexible.”
The second floor has two large rooms for private gatherings, seminars, brainstorm sessions, you name it, which can be booked in advance.
HUBBA also hosts a number of workshops and other events on a regular basis – they even have yoga classes coming soon.
Aim said that the space is simply there as a vehicle for HUBBA’s true purpose: to create a culture of entrepreneurism. “Basically this is a workspace, but more importantly it’s a community of start-up entrepreneurs where they come in, they work together, talk together. There’s workshops, people interacting in the space, people going out for drinks together.
“[We want] to create this friendly atmosphere where people help each other’s businesses grow, and at the same time give back to the community by helping the newer generation of start-up entrepreneurs. The space is definitely the magnetic component – people need space to work – we hope that people will stay long and actually bond with our team, the people that work here, and when they’ve outgrown this space, they can become role models, mentors, even investors,” Aim said.
HUBBA does have an investor-in-residence, who, if you have the right plan, may just give your venture the financial boost it needs.
On the day of my visit, I was a bit early and was promptly invited to join the staff for lunch in the outdoor lounge – a nice touch, and one that was commented upon by a young French web-entrepreneur who stopped by to get some work done on his first of a two-day stopover in Bangkok.
“It was quite nice,” 25-year-old Cyril Mazur said. “The space isn’t quite as active as larger ones in other countries, like in the Philippines [where he had been prior to his stay in Bangkok], but for being open for such a short time, I’d say it’s impressive – and the staff are friendly,” he added.
Indeed, the brothers are quite chatty – in a very un-obtrusive way – with their customers as they go about their business.
“Connections are more important here than they are in Europe or America. Everything will become easier for you if you have the right connections… If you are shy, we will force you to interact,” Charle said, adding that most of the Thai members can speak English.
In fact, the membership base is about 25 to 35 years old and 50:50 Thais:foreigners, an element of cultural diversity that is key to creativity, the brothers said.
So what does it take to become a member?
“We accept almost anyone – we are looking for start-up entrepreneurs with a collaborative attitude looking to succeed in their business with HUBBA as a platform for them to achieve those goals, who are willing to do whatever it takes to succeed but at the same time are able to connect with the community and contribute in some way,” Aim said.
And, as the name itself suggests – “HUBBA” being a joining of the English word hub and the Thai word bah – the brothers say a touch of madness may be an asset.
