Why Tech Startups are Choosing Coworking in Cardiff

Cardiff is a city with a proud industrial heritage and a bright future in tech. Wales’ capital is moving from strength to strength, thanks to its work-life balance, low cost of living, and options for coworking spaces.

Tech is a leading sector in Cardiff, with 28% of high-growth companies in this industry. Financial giants like Monzo and Starling Bank attract new fintech ventures to the area.

Cardiff and its commuter towns have been named one of the best regions in the UK for tech entrepreneurs looking for workspaces. Coworking space in Cardiff helps new businesses succeed during this ongoing tech boom.

Cardiff offers a supportive environment for those looking to take advantage of one of the fastest-improving cities in Europe.

This guide will showcase why tech startups move here, with advice on choosing the right coworking space for your business.

Why startups in tech are coworking in Cardiff

Coworking spaces offer entrepreneurs the chance to work alongside their peers. As a collaborative industry, tech startups use shared offices to network and identify new areas of business expansion.

Coworking in Cardiff is popular due to the city’s great location, industry clusters, and strong government support. It’s also close to Bristol, sharing initiatives with this thriving digital hotspot.

Below are 10 reasons why tech companies are setting up in Wales.

1. Tech ecosystem growth

In recent years, the country’s tech industry has seen massive growth, increasing by 20% since 2018. Alongside Swansea, Cardiff is a digital cluster with high standards of startup satisfaction.

Many industry professionals believe this upward trend is continuing. This leaves room for local startups to develop new ideas, promoting a growing ecosystem open to entrepreneurs.

2. Diverse startup landscape

Cardiff is home to several former tech startups that have expanded to become household names. Founded in 2001, Confused.com led the way as an insurance comparison site and remains one of the UK’s top comparison platforms.

Monzo is a challenger bank with an online-first presence, offering banking services in this modern, digital world. It’s been in Cardiff since 2017, and senior staff regularly give talks at local tech meetups.

3. Investment attraction

Cardiff secures significant funding opportunities through its position as a UK tech hotspot, so investors pay close attention to the city.

In 2023, PwC announced a major investment in digital jobs. In partnership with the Welsh Government, this will create over 1,000 positions in Cardiff over the next five years.

Other investments include the Innovation Investment Capital. This £50m equity fund supports high-growth tech companies that move to the region, helping to scale up businesses across the city.

4. Support for fintech

Fintech startups choose Cardiff because of its nurturing business environment. There is a broad network of financial enterprises, and new voices such as IE Hub are making the move to the city.

Deloitte’s 2021 report found that most fintech activity in Wales comes from Cardiff. The city has seen an average of 8% growth each year in new fintech initiatives. This suggests a strong support network within a booming sector of the industry.

5. Access to talent

Cardiff’s three universities provide new businesses with a wealth of graduate talent. The Cardiff School of Technologies connects startups with the next generation of professionals.

Initiatives like the Venture project aim to place talent within companies on the rise.

These local institutions also provide training and support for tech entrepreneurs. Cardiff University promotes support and funding options for nearby SMEs.

6. Networking opportunities

Tech companies are using shared office spaces in Cardiff to make new connections that can lead to new opportunities. Coworking hubs help grow your professional network by cultivating a sense of community with peers.

Cardiff Start is a local collective of creative, digital, and tech startups. This growing group of entrepreneurs shares advice and news relevant to the local industry.

Networking events work to connect multinational businesses with startups in their sector.

7. Innovative companies

Fintech is one of Cardiff’s strengths, but the city is also a hub for innovation across the digital sphere.

Amplyfi works with clients including BP, Bayer, and the Ministry of Defense to enhance their research through GenAI analytics. The company launched with a £50 million investment for long-term capital growth.

Datalyse is an engagement Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform that works with sales teams. Currently, they reach over 10,000 active companies.

8. Diverse economy

In the early 20th century, Cardiff flourished with a traditional manufacturing industry. Moving on from coal and steel exports, today the city’s economy is an engine for finance, media, and tech.

Such a diverse economy creates new opportunities for businesses of all sizes. Startups and SMEs receive support from the city’s larger players, like Admiral and BAE.

Key sectors according to the Welsh government include the following:

• Financial and professional services, such as fintech
• Tech, including cybersecurity
• Energy and environment, particularly renewables
• Creative industries, including TV production
• Tourism, which is part of a £5 billion industry in Wales

9. Increased business presence

Coworking in Cardiff will position your startup in an expanding business hub with projected growth. This developing city has several initiatives underway to secure future expansion.

FOR Cardiff is a Business Improvement District with a focus on improving the city centre. Member businesses gain access to funded training.

A state-of-the-art Cyber Innovation Hub is looking to turn South Wales into a leading cyber security cluster by 2030. The project has received over £9m in funding from the Cardiff Capital Region.

10. Appeal to younger workforce

Skilled workers can take advantage of Cardiff’s low cost of living. With consumer prices roughly 34% cheaper than in London, professionals have more purchasing power in Wales’ capital.

The city has plenty of amenities that appeal to a younger workforce. There’s a local Cardiff Young Professionals platform with regular networking events. Outside of work, the city has a popular social scene and nearby areas of natural beauty.

Attractions include the world-famous Wales Millenium Centre and the Riverside Food Market. Found in the heart of Cardiff Bay, Techniquest boasts over 100 exhibits, touching on science, engineering, and technology.

Coworking spaces in Cardiff

Coworking spaces offer a creative ecosystem with fewer upfront costs. As a startup, you’ll find yourself working from either a dedicated place or a hot desk setup amongst potential clients and partners.

We’ve curated three coworking office spaces in Cardiff that are great for new tech companies. In these business centres, you’ll be able to choose day pass access or a membership package for increased flexibility.

1 Capital Quarter

1 Capital Quarter gives you the benefits of a newly refurbished office while offering coworking spaces. This serviced office space comes with break-out areas to help with project-related and collaborative work.

1 Capital Quarter sits in a thriving business park complex. Your startup will rub shoulders with big brands like Which? and the Development Bank of Wales. Nearby amenities, such as hotels and car parks, ensure visitors find you easily.

After hours, you’re only a few minutes away from central Cardiff, with a host of entertainment venues, as well as bars and restaurants.

Highlights include

• City centre location
• Break-out areas
• Meeting rooms

Information about 1 Capital Quarter

• Location: Tyndall Street, Cardiff, CF10 4BQ
• Starting cost: From £129 per month
• Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, reception hours for other members
• Nearby transport links: Herbert Street Bus Stop (a one-minute walk away), Bute Terrace JK Bus Stop (an eight-minute walk away), and Cardiff Central Station (a 12-minute walk away)

Brunel House

Find a first-class coworking space with Brunel House. Offering incredible views over Cardiff and the Pontcanna Fields, this is a prime work environment for innovation.

Showers are available for those who want to freshen up. You’ll also gain access to the on-site daycare facilities with a membership, allowing new startups to save on childcare overheads.

Brunel House is home to software companies and electronics manufacturers. Providing break-out areas and open spaces, this centre is ideal for creating new connections.

You can reach Cardiff Queen Street Station in less than 10 minutes. After hours, you’ll be close to shops and restaurants, as well as the local cinema.

Highlights include

• Disabled facilities
• Business lounge
• On-site daycare

Information about Brunel House

• Location: 2 Fitzalan Road, Cardiff, CF24 0EB
• Starting cost: From £129 per month
• Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, reception hours for other members
• Nearby transport links: Fitzalan Place Bus Stop (a two-minute walk away), Cardiff Queen Street Station (a seven-minute walk away)

Cardiff Gate Business Park

Join over 90 thriving enterprises with coworking office space at Cardiff Gate Business Park. This centre combines a business park location with multinational networking opportunities.

Tech startups will enjoy the lower costs associated with a desk outside of the city centre. Make connections with Data Recovery Wales in the building, as well as with several other IT businesses in the area.

Cardiff Gate Business Park offers a sandwich service with vending machines for an afternoon snack. Opt for a bookable meeting room for project work.

Highlights include

• Parking
• Showers
• Business lounge

Information about Cardiff Gate Business Park

• Location: Malthouse Avenue, Cardiff, CF23 8RU
• Starting cost: From £129 per month
• Opening hours: 24/7 for Private Office and Dedicated Desk members, reception hours for other members
• Nearby transport links: Cardiff Gate Services Bus Stop (a five-minute walk away)

Explore Cardiff coworking spaces with Regus

For any tech startup, finding the best coworking space can help kickstart your first few years of operation. At Regus, we’re well-placed to support you in getting the space you need at an affordable price.

Create new opportunities and meet potential clients in our professional, open-plan office spaces. Get a quote by contacting our experts today, and we’ll help you choose your new Cardiff location.