Broadband Solutions cofounder Sam Bashiry launches jungle-themed workspace

Applications are open for Jungle Hub, a new coworking community founded by Melbourne tech entrepreneur and multi-CRN Fast50 lister, Sam Bashiry. 

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“Business is a bit like a jungle,” says Bashiry. He draws the new coworking venture’s inspiration located in the offices of his Broadband Solutions at Southbank from “surviving in the jungle, not becoming prey and having a map” of the business terrain.

Bashiry stepped away as CEO of Broadband Solutions in March to focus on group strategy and other projects.

Jungle Hub launches at a time of booming supply of coworking office space. US giant WeWork last month signed a 12-year lease on 5250sqm to seat 1000 workers over four levels just across the Yarra River at 222 Exhibition Street, its fourth location in the city. 

Bashiry isn’t fazed by the cashed-up property groups possibly creating a glut of on-demand office space. He says Jungle Hub participants will have the chance to forge close personal and professional links between him and other business mentors he will invite to offer advice and guidance. And he is advancing plans for structured learning opportunities for those who join Jungle Hub. 

The son of Persian non-English-speaking refugees, Bashiry started Broadband Solutions in 2005 with business partner Brad Hughes and a secondhand $1000 router. He says Jungle Hub isn’t just arbitrage of spare office space, and plans to grow from 10 to 50 seats as demand grows.

“Jungle Hub has to be meaningful and serve a purpose; I don’t want it to be office-space leasing,” Bashiry says. “So what’s important is how we add value to peoples’ lives. When I started in business at [age] 27, I had no guidance. I had a dream to start my own business, and it was so daunting.”

Jungle Hub is open to any tech start-up entrepreneur who needs to get out of the house and become more professional while tapping into community networks of other Jungle Hub entrepreneurs and Broadband Solutions’ professional network of partners and customers. 

“We’re helping mums, dads and young kids, so they can focus on what they want to do. This is not a revenue-raising thing, it's about giving back to the community," Bashiry said.

The initial intake of coworkers can access desks during business hours from $100 a week. Flexible and permanent desks are available. Coworkers will also have fast internet access and communications facilities built in Broadband Solutions conferencing solutions. 

Meeting and boardrooms are also available for hire with state-of-the-art electronic conferencing facilities using Broadband Solutions’ proprietary integrated technology.

 Jungle Hub is also offering coworkers ...

Breakout and casual play area with table tennis, air hockey, video games and table soccer.

Serviced and equipped office space with free coffee and fruit daily.

End-of-trip facilities with a shower and bathroom.

A gym with elliptical trainer, free weights, rowing ergo machine, speedball and lockers.

Bashiry is putting the finishing touches on a ‘chill-out’ room coworkers can access, which demonstrates Google Home integrated with Broadband Solutions’ SmartPABX technology.

The tech demo shows hotel customers how voice services in rooms control lights, audio-visuals, room service and deliver other guest needs.