In our first Member Minutes feature, we chat with Darren Epstein, MD of Roamwork Cape Town. From his roots in the Eastern Cape to leading one of Cape Town’s top coworking hubs, Darren shares insights on shared office etiquette, the city’s tech boom, and his plans to grow Roamwork’s event space. Also, his go-to lunch? The half classic wrap from Wild Eatery.
Welcome to the first edition of Member Minutes, a monthly series where we spotlight the inspiring people behind the businesses in our community. This month, we sat down with Darren Epstein, Managing Director of Roamwork Cape Town, to talk about his journey, the evolution of Cape Town’s coworking scene, and why shared office etiquette matters more than you might think.
From the Eastern Cape to the Mother City
Darren grew up in the Eastern Cape before moving to Cape Town, where he studied engineering at UCT. While he started out in the motor industry, it didn’t take long for him to pivot into the world of property and entrepreneurship.
“I enjoyed traveling, did an around-the-world trip—but I realized Cape Town is the place to be. I came back 25 years ago and never looked back.”
With its beaches, mountain trails, and strong community of friends, Darren says Cape Town ticked every box. It also happens to be one of the fastest-growing tech hubs on the continent.
“Cape Town has really boomed. A lot of foreign companies are setting up here, leveraging local talent to service clients abroad. It’s become a real magnet for tech-focused businesses.”
Building Culture in a Shared Space
Roamwork has been around for seven years, and under Darren’s leadership, it has grown into a vibrant shared workspace with two floors buzzing with activity.
But beyond the desks and meeting rooms, Darren believes coworking is about culture—and that means learning the unwritten rules.
“The biggest thing is etiquette. People don’t always realize that a hot desk area is meant for focused work. Sometimes they need a little coaching, but they get the vibe eventually. Then it’s off to a call pod or meeting room for Zoom calls.”
What’s Next for Roamwork?
Two years ago, Roamwork expanded to include a fourth floor, adding more capacity to meet the growing demand. Now, Darren and his team are putting renewed focus on their event space, a dynamic 90-seater used for everything from workshops to training sessions.
“We’ve got a great team behind it, and we’re looking to grow that side of the business in a big way this year.”
And for Lunch?
If you’re ever in the area and wondering where to grab a bite, Darren recommends Wild Eatery.
“I’m enjoying Wild Eatery at the moment. The half classic wrap is my go-to.”
