Women in Tek Network: Cambodian First Co-working Space for Women-run Tech Start-ups

 

Phnom Penh, May 28, 2020 – To better support women-led technology start-ups to expand their businesses, The Asia Foundation’s Women in TeK Network (WTN) project with funding from USAID through PACT Cambodia’s WE Act project launched its co-working space and tech common – space, the first of its kind in Cambodia for women-run technology start-ups. This enables start-ups to operate their business and hold trainings, conduct meetings with partners and customers free of charge, and has already benefited 18 women-led businesses. The Network members also have access to resources including individual mentors and can participate in seminars and TekTalks to enhance their businesses.

PACT’s WE Act project aims at supporting young women entrepreneurs in Cambodia to reach their full potential. WTN project, one of the funding recipients under PACT’s WE Act project, has been working to support women-led tech start-ups through different activities such as trainings and seminars, and it increases their visibility and branding. The project is also studying the enabling business environment for tech businesses and is drawing from best practices from neighbouring countries, Vietnam and Thailand.  The members of the WTN Network inspire a new generation of tech start-ups in Cambodia as the digital economy has been tremendously growing in the kingdom.

Ms. Meloney C. Lindberg, The Asia Foundation Country Representative indicated that “early women- led start-up companies usually don’t have their own dedicated space. It is important for them to have well-equipped safe space to work to enable them to build trust among their customers and potential investors so they can focus on growing their businesses.  This vibrant and versatile space is co-located at Tek4Good, with four Cambodian start-ups as residents, giving WTN women entrepreneurs access to other successful technology start-ups.”

Ms. Sabine Joukes, PACT Cambodia Country Director mentioned that “Women Entrepreneurs often mention the need to access a supportive network to enable them to achieve their goals. Women leading technology based enterprises are even more challenged to find these resources. That is why WE Act through The Asia Foundation and with support from USAID set-up this co-working space as part of the network it creates for women entrepreneurs. WE Act looks forward to seeing more women in Tek using this space as a work and resource centre.”
Ms. Panha Theng, co-founder of 606, media and tech solution start-up, emphasizes the importance of  theworking environment for their business as they can share, communicate ideas for further growth of their companies and have the ability to connect to networks of hardworking people.
“This is made possible due to the diversity of businesses in various sectors, creating an environment that accepts creativity and innovation. 606 has grown a lot from being at the coworking space compared to working from home/coffee shops! We are very happy in this environment!” emphasized Panha Theng, Co-founder of 606.
With the ability to accommodate up to 15 people at any given time, the dedicated WTN space is equipped with high internet speed, air-conditioning and other important facilities. The space allows for one on one mentoring, small and targeted discussions with key business entrepreneurs and excellent connectivity to host virtual meetings, the ability for businesses to post content quickly and to create a more interconnected group of young women entrepreneurs.