We Do Coworking Better: Juhn Teo, CEO of Common Ground

Common Ground is the first company to deliver services at the nexus of office management, work productivity and technology. It empowers workers and the business community to transform their work culture through beautifully designed spaces, meaningful people engagement and adoption of digital technology.

SME Business Review had the opportunity to speak with Juhn Teo, co-founder and CEO of Common Ground, about the company’s growth, its community-driven approach to workspaces, and what lies ahead for the co-working space provider. Here’s what Juhn had to say.

Interview Excerpts

Common Ground has built a reputation for creating flexible, community-focused workspaces. Could you tell us what initially inspired you to start this company?

We saw a gap in the market for co-working spaces that weren’t just about providing office space but about creating environments where people could collaborate, connect, and grow. We realized that modern workers, especially entrepreneurs and small businesses, needed more than just a desk—they needed a community. That’s where we wanted to differentiate ourselves. We wanted to build a space that encourages both productivity and collaboration.

How do you approach designing these spaces? What kind of atmosphere are you aiming to create for your members?

We focus on creating an environment that’s conducive to both focused work and collaboration. Every space we design has to serve both purposes. We ensure that our workspaces are flexible, so our members can choose the kind of work environment that best suits their needs. We also prioritize open areas where people can mingle and share ideas. It’s about creating a balance—private spaces for deep work and open spaces for the kind of spontaneous collaboration that drives innovation.

Common Ground has become known for fostering a sense of community among its members. What’s your secret to cultivating such a dynamic and engaged environment?

It’s all about intentionality. We don’t just give our members access to a desk and leave it at that. We make an effort to build a community by hosting regular events and networking opportunities. These events are designed to encourage members to get to know one another and work together. We also integrate technology into the experience with our mobile app, which helps members connect based on shared interests. We want our members to feel like they’re part of something bigger than just a workspace.

Flexibility is clearly a key component of your offering. Could you explain how Common Ground tailors its services to meet the varying needs of startups, freelancers, and larger companies?

Flexibility is one of our core values. Startups need flexibility, and so do freelancers. At the same time, larger companies also benefit from flexible office solutions, especially as they scale or need to adjust their operations. We offer private offices, dedicated desks, and hot desks, so whether a company needs to house a team of five or a team of fifty, we can accommodate that. Our members can easily scale up or down based on what they need. Our spaces are designed to adapt to those changing needs.

 With locations across Southeast Asia, how do you choose where to open new Common Ground spaces?

Location is crucial. We want to be accessible to people who need flexible workspaces in places that matter to them. We carefully select locations that are close to business districts and major transportation hubs. We also think about the communities we’re entering—each city has its own entrepreneurial spirit, and we want to contribute to that. We also want to ensure that our spaces will be easy for members to access and use effectively. Accessibility, convenience, and community all play into where we decide to expand.

Could you tell us more about the role of technology in Common Ground’s success?

Technology plays a huge role in improving our members’ experience. For one, our app lets members book meeting rooms, track their membership, and access all of our services in one place. It also helps them connect with others based on shared interests and goals. Beyond that, we’ve integrated various digital tools to streamline operations within our spaces, from online booking systems to virtual services. It’s all about making things more efficient for our members and offering them more value.

Networking is an important part of Common Ground’s offerings. How do you see these events and workshops benefiting your members?

 Networking is one of the reasons people choose co-working spaces in the first place. We host a variety of events, from educational seminars to social mixers, to help our members connect with others in meaningful ways. It’s about more than just business—it’s about building relationships. The people who come to Common Ground bring a wealth of experience and knowledge, and we want to help them share that. These events give our members a platform to meet like-minded people, collaborate, and grow their businesses.

Sustainability is an important value for Common Ground. How are you working towards more sustainable operations?

Sustainability is a priority for us. We’ve implemented energy-efficient lighting, waste reduction programs, and sustainable materials in our spaces. We also focus on reducing our overall environmental impact, whether it’s through better resource management or encouraging our members to adopt sustainable practices. It's not only about making the right choices—it's about leading by example and inspiring others in the community to do the same. We believe that businesses can grow while being responsible stewards of the environment.

What advice would you give to entrepreneurs looking to create successful, community-driven businesses?

I would tell them to always keep the community at the center of what they do. Build something that not only meets a need but also creates value for the people you serve. Listening to your customers and being adaptable is key to building long-term success. And don’t be afraid to experiment and innovate—sometimes the best ideas come from taking risks and pushing boundaries.

What’s next for Common Ground? How do you see the company evolving in the next few years?

We plan to continue expanding, both within Southeast Asia and potentially beyond. We’ll keep evolving with the needs of our members, refining our offerings and improving the spaces. We’re always listening to feedback and looking for ways to better serve our community. In the coming years, I see us continuing to innovate in how we design and manage co-working spaces, incorporating new technologies, and further enhancing the community-driven experience.

Juhn Teo, Co-Founder & CEO, Common Ground

We saw a gap in the market for co-working spaces that weren’t just about providing office space but about creating environments where people could collaborate, connect, and grow.