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Coworking in the Basel Area - An Interview with Karin Crisanto

25.08.2020

Karin Crisanto recently joined Basel Area Business & Innovation as Head of Innovation Space and Infrastructure. She previously worked for more than 17 years at IWG/Regus, the world's leading coworking provider. There, she managed several coworking spaces in South America and Switzerland. She is also a multilingual talent and makes an excellent Ceviche. A passion of hers is helping customers find their ideal coworking space in the Basel Area or elsewhere to be as productive as possible.

Karin Crisanto, Head of Innovation Space and Infrastructure, Member of the Management Board

What made you join Basel Area Business & Innovation?

I like the combination of commercial real estate and innovation. Where I worked before, we just focused on infrastructure. With the Switzerland Innovation Park Basel Area, we position ourselves differently. Here, we focus on a premium workspace, a community of great minds, and a range of services to support startups.

Basel Area Business & Innovation promotes growth and innovation. Through the Switzerland Innovation Park Basel Area, we offer coworking and lab spaces in the Basel Area. I find that very interesting.

What are some of the upcoming challenges?

One of our main challenges is that we need to constantly adapt and innovate our offer for shared and private workplaces. We need to provide what the market is looking for in the future.

We are already planning ahead and will be moving soon! As of 2022, the GRID Campus of Collaboration will be our new home. Herzog & de Meuron designed the vast, modern innovation research hub, and Senn Resources AG developed it. It’s a significant expansion for us. We can’t wait to move in.

Why do we need coworking and innovation spaces? Are they still relevant in today’s COVID world?

More than ever! Businesses are trying to be as flexible as possible. They need the ability to change and transform their offices quickly. Fewer opt for fixed spaces and long-term rentals.

Which four tips would you give startups looking for their first coworking space?

1. Know how much (or how little) space you need.

2. Know your budget.

3. Don’t sign a long-term lease.

4. Find an office with like-minded people that can advise on your business journey.

If you would like to know more about Karin’s work and how we can help you find your ideal coworking in the Basel Area, visit our website.

If you want to connect with Karin directly, get in touch with her via LinkedIn.

Learn what it’s like to work in Switzerland, what permits you need as a foreign worker and how to find work here. Check out our working in Switzerland page for more info.