Fishburners is often one of the first coworking spaces startups hear about when looking for a place to work in Australia. Its role in the Sydney startup scene is well known, but many founders still want to explore other options before settling on a space.
When comparing alternatives to Fishburners, startups usually look beyond desks and meeting rooms. How flexible a space is, whether it supports remote teams, and if virtual office services like business addresses are available can all influence the decision. Some providers are built around startup programs and events, while others focus on offering practical workspaces that can adapt as a business grows.
This guide looks at several coworking spaces that startups commonly consider alongside Fishburners. Each option takes a different approach to workspace, support, and virtual office availability, helping founders decide which setup best suits how they work today and how they plan to operate in the future.
Need a quick summary? Check out the table below, otherwise enjoy the breakdown!
Searching for more providers? Read our article on Alternatives to Hub Australia.
| Provider | Coworking Style | Virtual Office Support | Community Experience | Work Environment | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Servcorp | Structured, professional coworking | Comprehensive virtual office services | Limited, informal networking | Quiet and business-focused | Startups that want polished offices and strong virtual office support |
| La Porte Space | Design-led coworking | Available but not the main focus | Curated events and creative interaction | Boutique and visually driven | Creative teams that value aesthetics and flexible space use |
| Stone & Chalk | Startup hub coworking | Limited and secondary | Strong tech and fintech ecosystem | Busy and collaborative | Tech startups seeking mentors, partners, and industry access |
| Tank Stream Labs | Community-driven coworking | Basic and supporting only | High peer interaction among founders | Energetic and fast-paced | Early-stage tech founders who value momentum and collaboration |
| WOTSO | Practical, flexible coworking | Functional and moderately developed | Light and optional | Calm and utilitarian | Teams wanting flexibility, multiple locations, and predictable setup |
1. Servcorp: A More Structured Workspace Option
Servcorp provides professionally managed coworking spaces, private offices, and virtual office services. While it is often associated with established companies, many startups also look at Servcorp when coworking is the main requirement, especially if they want a reliable workspace without committing to a traditional lease.
The company operates more than 150 locations globally, primarily in what are considered prestigious business centers across major cities. This scale can be useful for startups that expect to grow across locations or want a consistent coworking setup in different markets. Alongside its physical workspaces, Servcorp also offers virtual office services, allowing teams to maintain a business address while working remotely or across multiple locations.
Servcorp supports a global community of over 50,000 entrepreneurs, which creates opportunities for connection across its network, even though the day-to-day coworking environment remains more structured than typical startup hubs.
Workspace Setup and Services
Servcorp’s coworking spaces focus on consistency and day-to-day functionality rather than event-driven activity. The environment is generally quieter and more structured than startup hubs built around accelerator programs.
Coworking members have access to fully serviced workspaces, with essentials in place from day one. This often includes stable high-speed internet, access to meeting rooms, and on-site staff who handle reception and basic administrative tasks. For startups using coworking as their primary workspace, this setup reduces the need to manage office operations internally.
Virtual Office Availability
Virtual office services are a key part of Servcorp’s offering. Startups can use a professional business address, along with mail handling and call answering, without renting physical desk space full time.
This is particularly relevant for founders running remote teams, testing new markets, or combining coworking access with flexible remote work.
Business Use Case
Servcorp is commonly considered by startups that are moving past early incubation and want a more polished coworking environment. It can suit teams that need flexible access to workspace while maintaining a professional presence through virtual office services.
Why Consider Servcorp as an Alternative to Fishburners?
Startups looking beyond Fishburners often consider Servcorp for its consistency and professional setup. Feedback across third-party review platforms frequently points to reliable service, well-managed spaces, and strong support from onsite teams, particularly reception and administrative staff.
Reviews also tend to highlight the quality of Servcorp’s locations, which are commonly described as polished and suitable for client-facing work. This can be appealing for founders who want coworking without operational distractions, as well as dependable virtual office services tied to established business addresses.
A common consideration is that the environment feels more formal than startup hubs built around events or programs. Networking happens more organically, which suits some teams but may feel limiting for founders seeking a highly social or community-driven experience.
2. La Porte Space: A Design-Led Coworking Environment for Startups
La Porte Space is known for its emphasis on thoughtfully designed coworking environments that appeal to startups in creative and professional fields. Instead of positioning itself as a large startup hub, it focuses on how a space feels and functions on a day-to-day basis.
Its locations are based in Sydney, where it has become a recognizable option for teams that want coworking space with a more refined and intentional atmosphere. Alongside physical workspace, La Porte Space also offers virtual office services, which makes it relevant for startups that combine remote work with time spent in a shared office.
Workspace Setup and Facilities
Coworking at La Porte Space is built around flexibility and visual quality. The layout supports focused work while still allowing teams to interact naturally throughout the day.
Members typically have access to:
• Open coworking desk areas
• Private offices for small teams
• Shared meeting rooms
• Event spaces used for workshops, launches, or internal sessions
This setup works well for startups that see their workspace as part of how they operate and present themselves, rather than just a place to sit and work.
Community and Events
La Porte Space places importance on building an engaged coworking community. Workshops, talks, and networking sessions are held regularly, creating opportunities for members to connect outside their own teams.
The community often includes founders, creatives, and early-stage startup teams. This mix can make the space feel active without being overwhelming, which appeals to companies that want interaction but still value focus.
Virtual Office Availability
In addition to coworking, La Porte Space offers virtual office options such as business address services and mail handling. This suits startups that want a professional Sydney address without needing full-time desk access.
Some teams start with a virtual office and add coworking later as their needs change.
Business Use Case
La Porte Space is commonly considered by startups that want coworking with a strong design focus and a smaller, more curated community. It can suit teams that value flexibility, creative energy, and the option to combine coworking with virtual office services.
