Urban MBA, the ‘university for street entrepreneurs’, has signed a three-year lease on 4,680 sq ft of office space with Powis Street Enterprises at its Ed-tech Business Hub at 3 Wenlock Street in Hackney.
Spread across two floors, the charity’s new London HQ comprises a podcast space, education and training rooms, acceleration hubs, a tech hub for AI/VR, breakout space and co-working desks.
Technologywithin – wifi and internet services provider to the UK flexible space industry – is supporting Urban MBA with software, equipment and connectivity, in addition to wider commercial support.
Kofi Oppong, CEO of Urban MBA, said: “This is a long time coming! We have been looking for the right space to further our programmes at Urban MBA, and here we are. We are on a mission to shake up the education system using training and education tools that engage and support minority-led businesses in particular. Mirza and James – our landlords – have supported us with an affordable lease in a quality, Central London location moments from London’s OG tech hub; this is our platform to elevate our offer.”
Mirza Fur, director of Powis Street Enterprises, added: “As entrepreneurs in the tech and media sector, when we sat down with Kofi and Urban MBA we completely understood exactly what a difference they can make to organisations, UK Plc and most importantly to individuals. We simply jumped at the chance to help and support the charity in any way we can. An affordable HQ is hopefully the start of a long and socially rewarding partnership for all parties. All with one goal. Giving real-world opportunities to those that don’t always have the options available to them”.
Jon Seal, managing director of technologywithin, said: “The businesses of the future are in tech and Kofi is leading the charge; not only supporting young people getting into business, but now providing them a collaborative base in Hackney too. Technology is enabling this. You need high-speed, reliable connectivity, the right software and kit to manage the space, so we’re delighted to do our bit in supporting Kofi, the team and the next generation of talented tech entrepreneurs.”
