O3

O3, a distinctive coworking and cafe concept originating in Auckland, New Zealand, has expanded its innovative model to Melbourne, Australia, with locations in Southbank and Brunswick. Founded by Luca Yang, the enterprise was born from his personal quest for a motivating environment that seamlessly blends productivity with social interaction, inspired by a Beijing coffee shop's conducive atmosphere. O3 aims to establish itself as a "third place"—a vital communal hub beyond home and traditional workplaces—fostering connection and motivation, particularly among younger generations grappling with social isolation.

At its core, O3 offers more than just a physical space; it provides a unique ecosystem for study, work, and social engagement. Members can utilise cooperative areas, meeting booths, and individual study nooks, all within an aesthetically stimulating environment featuring creative design elements like a treehouse and an indoor car. This thoughtfully curated physical setting is designed to inspire focus and collaboration, serving a diverse clientele that includes students, engineers, surgeons, musicians, and founders.

Distinguishing itself from conventional coworking spaces, O3 integrates its physical venues with a robust digital platform, accessible via a dedicated mobile app. This app facilitates 24/7 entry for members and features in-app elements such as "O-Coins," a rewards system that adds a layer of gamification to the experience. Crucially, the app also incorporates "Oysters," socially intelligent AI agents designed to help individuals connect by identifying nearby members and suggesting potential interactions, thereby seamlessly merging the digital and physical aspects of community building.

O3 operates on a membership-based model, offering various weekly and monthly subscription plans tailored to different needs, including options for unlimited access and weekly cafe credits. This innovative approach, which created a new market for student-focused coworking akin to a gym membership, has driven substantial growth without relying on paid marketing. In under a year, O3 has achieved over $2 million in annual revenue and amassed more than 1,000 subscribed paying members.

Under Luca Yang's leadership, O3 has rapidly cultivated a significant online presence, boasting over 100,000 followers across its digital channels, alongside a thriving in-person visitor base. As part of the Startmate Summer '25 Accelerator cohort, O3 is recognised for its mission to redefine social infrastructure, emphasising genuine connection over mere performance. The company’s success underscores its commitment to building a motivated world through accessible, engaging, and community-driven spaces.