Entrepreneur Elizabeth Varley is the founder and CEO of TechHub, a physical space for technology startups. Currently based in the emerging tech startup scene of Old Street/Shoreditch area also known as the 'Silicon Roundabout'. Future plans are too expand TechHub working spaces around the world. The TechHub space consists of desk space, co-working areas and meeting rooms.
Techhub works on a membership basis. There are two options, either you can pay an annual fee which will allow you to work at TechHub as and when you need or a monthly subscription which gives you you're own desk space.
Elizabeth wanted to create an exciting community space where entrepreneurs from around the world can work alongside similar minded people all under one roof. TechHub encompasses the vibrant startup community in the area and offers much more than other office desk space rental services. It's the community that makes the difference.
Elizabeth launched TechHub in July 2010 alongside the popular Mike Butcher, European editor at TechCrunch, who is co-founder and board advisor on strategy to TechHub.
TechHub just marked it's first birthday earlier this week and I was lucky enough to be at the birthday celebration party. The strong community that had been built there, was second to none and the people in attendance showed how big a part of the roundabout TechHub has become. In little over a year TechHub has built a massive presence amongst the startup community of the Silicon Roundabout. This is thanks to Elizabeth Varley & Mike Butcher as well as the members who have taken to TechHub as there own.
Elizabeth has made a real two way community where members add value to the network as well as take advantage of the services on offer.
Before the launch of TechHub, Elizabeth managed to secure big name sponsors in the shape of Google, publishing group Pearsons and also BlueVia. These sponsors have allowed TechHub to offer more affordable desk space, which Elizabeth found was what members of the tech startup community really need.
TechHub even got a mention from Google's Chairman, Eric Schmidt in the London Evening Standard Newspaper.
"We are investing in the East London technology project, and will be working with two inspirational organisations, TechHub and Seedcamp, which are already leading lights in London's start-up community."
Elizabeth previously worked with small business advice site Smarta.com in a marketing and engagement role.
Being a entrepreneur, especially a single founder can sometimes be a very lonely experience. TechHub gives entrepreneurs the chance to work on their own business whilst being in the company of others in a similar position. It also gives members the chance to share ideas, get advice, stumble across potential partners etc...
A year in and TechHub has over a couple hundred members signed up to an annual membership and 75 members who have their own desks with the monthly membership subscription. With the success and growth that TechHub has seen over the last 12 months, they are looking at moving to bigger premises to facilitate the growth in membership. The new location will still be in the silicon roundabout area.
So Happy Birthday TechHub! I have no doubt that it will continue to grow and expand globally. I can't wait!
