There’s now proof that small packages do pack bigger punches. Testament to this is the latest rooftop apartment located in Istanbul’s bustling Cihangir neighbourhood – all 41 square metres of it.
You read right. There’s no floor-to-ceiling windows, theatre rooms, fancy fireplaces or infinity pools here. It’s just plain and simple clever interior design which efficiently utilises every corner down to a tee, creating an abode worthy of any man.
The apartment was completed by Escapefromsofa in 2014 and followed a strict design code of the ‘Swiss Army Knife’, that it, using rich tonal colours to set the mood and dark hardwood floors tie everything together.
What stands out the most however is the eclectic collection of masculine furniture strategically strewn across the living room and tight hallways. The liberal use of floor art also adds a whole new dimension to the apartment with the help of juxtaposing textures and colours.
A blink and you’ll miss it kitchen is also squeezed in next to a central column. You won’t be making Master Chef style banquets anytime soon but dishes for you and a date is more than achievable.
Short of one of the coolest bike rack/bike combos we’ve ever witnessed, we’re going to let the photos do the talking and inspiring.
The Pagani name has been around for more than two decades now but with the completion of the Italian marque’s dedicated new facility, the badge appears to have finally joined the supercar fraternity.
Pagani’s existing San Cesario sul Panaro facility will continue to stand with the new factory set to eclipse it from just a stone’s throw away. Given that the new factory will handle an output of 300 cars per year (with an initial cap of 45 cars/year), it was only fitting that a time lapse video was created documenting the build from dirt to destination.
What’s cool about the new plant is that it also retains some of Pagani’s heritage with rustic details strewn throughout the high-tech decor. Inspiration for the building design comes complements of a greenhouse from a French chateau owned by one of Pagani’s well-heeled customers.
The first model earmarked to roll out of the new plant will be the Huayra Roadster which will only be built to a limited production of 100 examples.
Want one? You’ll have to wait when the car officially debuts at the 2017 Geneva Auto Show in March.
Christmas is steeped in tradition. From stockings by the fire to cookies left out for Saint Nick, the holiday season is filled with enduring rituals.
Top of that list is the tree: lit with string lights, hung with ornaments and tinsel, topped with a star or an angel. It’s a magical sight for many, but if you’re not the traditional type, the classical ornate tree can be too much. If you wanted to live in the North Pole, you’d be a mall Santa.
Try something different this year. The internet is filled with unique alternatives, from the quirky and clever to the clean and modern. Laser-cut cardboard is an environmentally-friendly option. Plywood shows off your DIY skills. A wall decal is the ultimate in one-step decoration. And that’s just for starters.
Check out our gallery of modern Christmas trees for inspiration. These cool, contemporary alternatives won’t offend your minimalist sensibilities or get you branded a Grinch.
When you’re running your own race and building an empire in this big bad world there’s never really time for rest.
That’s why every man taking on a startup needs a place of inspiration, motivation and solace in order to get the proverbial shit done. The answer? A new wave of working domain for the country’s most innovative minds to thrive.
We’ve hit up Sydney already and this week we’re taking a look at the best coworking spaces in Melbourne.
Spaces Works
A globally established coworking space
Spaces Works is a globally established coworking space with locations spanning across Europe, America and the Asia Pacific region. Their Richmond office conveniently located in the heart of Melbourne’s creative hub and CBD boasts a comfortable and stylish decor which is enough to satisfy any interior design junkie, let alone a startup.
Besides a tailored service, Spaces Melbourne benefits from the vibrant surroundings of its ideal location which also includes access to parks and riverside bicycle trails away from the hustle. Work-life balance achieved.
Rapid Wi-Fi, meeting rooms, showers, bike cage and a cool central location makes Space & Co. one of Melbourne’s sweetest premium offerings in coworking spaces. The interior design is a merger of flexibility and innovative fit out. Culture also seems to be a big deal at Space & Co. so if it’s an office with character you’re after then check these guys out. There’s two convenient locations which should satisfy the most discerning business startup.
Space & Co.: 530 Collins Street & Melbourne Central Tower Level 9, 360 Elizabeth St
Gravity Coworking
A traditional corporate space enhanced with luxe interior appointments
Quality, prestige and a conducive working space forms the cornerstone of Gravity located in the heart of Melbourne’s legal and financial district. The fit out and furnishing is the first thing that will strike guests first with a traditional corporate building space being enhanced with high quality interior appointments.
Natural light flows in from all four sides of the building whilst in the facility department, Gravity boasts showers, change rooms, bike storage and a secure on site basement car park. Transport and food is also a breeze with close proximity to Flinders Lane.
Think, create, thrive. The Commons houses some of the city’s most driven entrepreneurs and thriving business people. Their list of services is rather extensive with a centralised location in Collingwood, 24-hours access, private phone booths, rapid internet, conference meeting rooms, dog friendliness and the mother of all mother nature gardens in the central atrium. That’s what you call serenity to go with your creativity.
If Revolver Coworking sounds familiar then you’re not wrong. Taking over the guts of the legendary Revolver Music Arcade in Melbourne’s Prahran, Revolver Coworking is a re-imagination of the space for productivity rather than a messy spot to get loose. The interior retains the Revolver’s semi-industrial aesthetics and plays host to some of the country’s most successful startups.
When the sun goes down, the Revolver still takes on a life of its own as a space which hosts everything from seminars to workshops, parties, and launches.
Impressive interior decor to complement any startup
HUB Australia’s Melbourne branch extends across two levels of the Mail Exchange building and brings with it some of the most impressive interior decor to complement a startup or business.
Conveniently located minutes from Southern Cross train station, Hub Southern Cross sports all of the luxe appointments that would normally be found in a trendy hotel thanks to designs by leading international firm, HASSELL. As such HUB affords itself an onsite gym, break out areas and a dedicated cafe with barista. You’ll never leave work again. And that might not be a bad thing.
State of the art facilities meet the clean and contemporary ambience of Blix Spaces in the heart of Port Melbourne.
Natural light flows fills the open air space that is built for collaboration, workshops, meetings and launches. If it’s something a bit more corporate you’re after, Blix also delivers with an executive board room alongside small nooks and a large social area complete with table tennis, espresso machine and bar.
Blix Spaces: Level 2, 283 Normanby Road
Thrive Network
Old world charm without the new world gimmicks
Sporting old world charm, Thrive Network is the new home of professionals who demand a work space with a cool balance of communal, creative and collaborative elements.
It’s also strict on the code it represents, leaving behind the table tennis and arcade games for a purists approach to growing a successful business. Facilities include rapid internet, meeting rooms, board rooms, conference rooms, break out areas for relaxation, showers, bike storage and a concierge service. Stepping outside of Thrive will serve up some of the suburbs best cafes, restaurants and shopping.
It seems like everyone wants to be an entrepreneur these days. In the generation of “The Social Network” we’ve all become obsessed with startup culture and the lure of making millions.
When your side hustle becomes your full-time hustle and you want to boost things up a level, the next natural step is often getting external funding to grow your business.
There are several sources that you can consider for an injection of cash; loans from family and friends, small business loans from a bank or credit facility, or capital raising from investors.
“An investor’s job is to buy equity in your business today and your job is to spend that money wisely to generate a return for that investor in the future. It’s not something to necessarily celebrate but more of a necessary evil.”
As always, there are pros and cons of externally raising funds and credit should be given to all those entrepreneurs who are running businesses that have never sourced money externally – those who’ve maxed out credit cards, worked two or three jobs at a time to keep things afloat and made many sacrifices to now hopefully own something that they love to run every day.
Bringing in external money will of course impact the future course of your business and there are many factors to carefully consider.
Exactly how you will do this will be unique for each situation but for today I’m going to focus on getting funding from external investors.
External Investor Basics
Before I get into how to raise money from investors, a reminder of exactly what raising money from investors is: It’s essentially selling a portion of the ownership of your business in exchange for cash which you then invest in the future growth of the business.
An investor’s job is to buy equity in your business today and your job is to spend that money wisely to generate a return for that investor in the future. It’s not something to necessarily celebrate but more of a necessary evil.
By raising capital, you are acknowledging that you don’t have sufficient profits to do it on your own. It’s a willing sacrifice or realisation that to take two steps forward you sometimes need to take a step back.
Types Of Investors You Should Trust
Investors can come from a wide variety of sources. Your professional network, specialist investment firms (private equity or venture capital), people like me who manage other people’s money, or even family and friends.
When looking for investors, try and engage with people who have a really good understanding of what you do and who can actively help you achieve your goals. If you are short on business-acumen, look for investors who have a reputation of being savvy business people.
If you lack distribution capability in a given market, partner with investors who have access to those markets. Good financial partners should offer more than just money. Money is great, but where it comes from it also important. Your goal should be to raise money from the right people, at the right time, for the appropriate valuation.
Investor Pitching 101
LinkedIn is a great place to find people in the ecosystem in which you want to operate. Try sending some people a direct message and instead of just attaching your pitch book and a spiel about how you are “Uber for…” – offer them something they actually want.
Think, “what can I do for this person for free that will encourage them to give me 10mins of their most precious asset (time) to talk about what I actually want to talk about?” You can even practice on me – https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukelaretive.
Pitching to investors is about selling part of your business and selling anything is about smart grinding. Get comfortable with cold calling, random meetings, engaging with a community, attending events and try to always improve your approach.
Vary your tactics and test what works and what doesn’t. It’s not good enough just to get someone’s attention. You’ve got to keep that attention long enough to get them to consider your value proposition and hopefully invest.
Once you’ve found a potential investor that you connect with, also think about how you are selling yourself to them and the value that you can offer. The specifics of your business model are important but so is the person behind it – you.
Follow Through With Strategy
Successful entrepreneurs run great businesses, but more importantly, they are highly effective operators with diverse skill sets. They’ll win at whatever they put their mind to. You are selling yourself as much as you are selling your business so keep that in mind.
Finally, and importantly, get some professional legal advice. Selling equity in your business is a significant negotiation and you have a lot at stake.
A decent lawyer will help you navigate the legal requirements and ensure that all contracts, terms and agreements protect your interests.
Special thanks toLuke Laretive who is a Senior Private Wealth Adviser @ Shaw and Partners. This is general advice and you should consider it in light of your personal circumstances.
Lapo Elkann, the grandson of Italy’s powerful Agnelli family and industrial empire worth US$3.1 billion has been arrested in New York for staging his own kidnapping in a botched ransom ploy.
The 39-year-old who co-founded luxury design house Italia Independent was charged with filing a false report after he called his family to inform them that he was being held against his will by kidnappers in his Kips Bay apartment in Manhattan.
A $10,000 ransom was requested by Elkann for his safe release but that’s not where the odd story ends. It was later found that Elkann made the false claim about his kidnapping after he had spent a cocaine-fuelled weekend with a male escort companion.
After receiving the ransom message, a representative of the Agnelli family had fronted up with the ransom money to police. Elkann and his male escort cohort were eventually found outside of the escort’s apartment where they were brought in for questioning.
It was then discovered that the elaborate kidnapping was a hoax.
News of the Elkann kidnapping first surfaced on the New York Daily News where a press officer for the New York police department confirmed that the charges against Elkann’s own fake kidnapping were true. The male escort was also charged but NYPD eventually dropped them.
Those who know of the wealthy entrepreneur’s past will also be aware of his history with recreational drugs. He once spoke publicly about surviving a drug overdose in 2005 which almost took his life but subsequently recovered from after a stint in rehab in Arizona.
In a recent interview with Sunday Times, Elkann spoke of how happy he was since his recovery. “Chemicals are no longer part of my life,” he said at the time.
“Today, living with sobriety makes life much easier. It also makes it more interesting, because you live things naturally, not doped. The dumbest thing I did was harming myself.”
Since his arrest, shares in Elkann’s Italia Independent design company have tanked.
As the world becomes increasingly connected, it can feel like our planet is shrinking. Fewer and fewer places are safe from tourists wielding selfie sticks and digital nomads seeking their next remote offices.
But there are still some destinations off the beaten path (or just barely on it) that entice visitors simply because they’re so difficult to reach. These far-flung havens boast abundant natural beauty and the bare minimum in fellow humanity. To get there, you’ll need a steady set of sea legs.
The best way to get away from it all is to leave land behind and set sail. Below you’ll find seven unforgettable places you can only reach by boat. Eye patch and shoulder parrot not included.
Raja Ampat Islands | Indonesia
The Raja Ampat archipelago is home to the richest marine biodiversity on earth. Its native species include whale sharks, manta rays, and the endangered Pacific Leatherback turtle, plus a variety of reef fish, corals, and crustaceans found nowhere else on the planet. Unsurprisingly, the Indonesian islands are a bucket list destination for divers around the world. Visitors have several accommodation options on land, accessible by boat from the Sorong airport, or may book a cabin on one of the luxury ships that tour the area.
Svalbard Archipelago | Norway
Halfway between Norway and the North Pole is Svalbard, a fascinating and untouched stretch of island wilderness that must be navigated by polar expedition ship. Beluga whales, walrus, seals, reindeer, polar bears, Arctic foxes, seabirds, and a few thousand human inhabits miraculously co-exist in this harsh landscape. Svalbard is so remote that it hosts the Global Seed Vault, a secure bank designed to preserve an assortment of plant seeds in case of a major regional or global catastrophe. The stark, eerie beauty of the islands is worth seeing at least once.
Victoria Island | Patagonia, Argentina
The spectacular natural scenery of Patagonia is no secret, and some of its finest is found on Victoria Island in Nahuel Huapi National Park. The park’s namesake lake is the largest and deepest in Argentina‘s Lake District, and at its centre is the natural reserve of Victoria Island. Once on the island, visitors can explore its magnificent giant trees and hope for a sighting of the wild boar, red deer, pheasants, and pudú (the world’s smallest deer) that call it home. The island was also once home to native populations who left their mark in the form of cave paintings.
Deception Island | Antarctica
Despite its ominous name, Deception Island has long offered a safe harbour to sailors in need. Today the island, which sits above an active volcano, is a tourist attraction and a scientific outpost. Visitors can explore the dilapidated remains of a whaling station and an aircraft carrier, as well as the largest cemetery in Antarctica. The highlight of a trek to this ultra-remote locale is a dip in one of its natural hot springs. It’s not everyday you can relax comfortably in your trunks in the midst of a frigid martian landscape.
Pak Ou Caves | Laos
Near the meeting of the Ou and Mekong Rivers in Laos are the two Pak Ou Caves. The Tham Ting (lower cave) and the Tham Theung (upper cave) have been places of Buddhist worship for hundreds of years. More than 4,000 sculptures of Buddha in varying poses line the caves, lit only by a few candles and the torch beams of curious visitors. The local boatmen who ferry tourists back and forth to the caves often make a second stop at Ban Xang Hay (aka ‘Whiskey Village’) so their passengers can refresh themselves with a stiff drink after their explorations.
Navagio Beach | Zakynthos, Greece
This hidden pocket in the Ionian Islands is one of Greece‘s most Instagrammable sights. Navagio Beach, also known as Shipwreck Beach or Smugglers Cove, has it all: vanilla sand, sheer limestone cliffs, clear turquoise water, and yes, an actual shipwreck. To reach this particular slice of heaven, visitors must take a boat and pack in everything they’ll need as there are no facilities on the beach. Don’t forget to take in the panorama from the viewing platform at the top of the cliff.
Marble Cathedral | Patagonia, Chile
Mother Nature has spent millennia carving out this monumental wonder: a network of swirled marble caverns arched over the azure waters of South America’s second largest freshwater lake. The mineral impurities in the marble form graceful calligraphy swirls that reflect the colours of the lake below. When the waters are at a suitably low level, it’s possible to slip through the stunning passages in a small boat or kayak. Though the Marble Cathedral is relatively under-the-radar as a tourist destination, it never fails to leave those who find it speechless.
Welcome to the end. The end of the prime that was once every young man’s domain. The only issue now? You’re pushing forty and have somehow become the last man standing in this once bountiful playground.
Let’s be a bit more specific. Your squad has grown up, they’re getting hitched, they have gotten hitched and some are beginning to spawn freakish looking offspring at an alarming rate. Your Facebook feed is constantly filled with ‘X is now engaged with Y’, and hourly updates of [insert cute shit baby did today].
Gathering the guys for a weekly catchup like old times? You can forget about that. Being the last man standing doesn’t need to mean there’s something wrong with you. Perhaps you took the saying ‘going with the flow’ a bit too literally. Maybe you haven’t found the right person who’ll appreciate your dungeon for its cool Scandinavian interior decor.
Regardless, here is a lone wolf’s survival guide for when your squad is no more.
Stop Feeling Sorry For Yourself
Sorry not sorry
Two simple rules apply when you begin seeing signs that your wolf pack is starting to deteriorate faster than Donatella Versace’s face. One, don’t be jealous and two, don’t feel sorry for yourself. Marriage is not a job promotion and it takes a lot of work to succeed with the right person.
It doesn’t guarantee a fruitful future (even though that’s the intention) and it’s certainly not for those who just want to half-ass it since everyone else is doing it. If you need proof, ask your newly crowned father friend if he wants to grab a drink after work on Friday and see his response. It will likely be a mix of “Sorry man, I can’t I’m on kid duties…” and “Sorry man, I need to help out the wife at home…”
Now repeat that every Friday for the next ten years. Not up to the task? Don’t feel sorry for yourself and be happy your former brethren is able to take on such a monumental task which you’re not yet ready to commit to.
Join A Cult
Tupperware parties are lit
Okay maybe not a cult. But there’s this new thing called the internet which provides access to some of the most unique gatherings of people in the world. Think a road cycling club, a rock climbing crew, Hillsong, crossfitters, a surf club and anything else that piques your manly interest. It’s an awesome way to make new friends who have a life outside of wedding planning and baby formula mocktails. Please don’t join ISIS though.
Make Friends With Divorced People
Coolest people you’ll ever meet
Speaking of making friends, divorced people are some of the most fun people to be around in today’s scene. Once they’re over the early stages of mourning a relationship, they seemingly blossom into an entirely new being full of gusto and lust for life with a slight streak of insanity.
In essence they’re rediscovering what they love about life on their own terms and that’s where they can become some of your best friends without the burden of still being on youth allowance. Seriously though, they’re usually a bit more grounded from life’s hard knocks. They’re your new squad.
Revel In The Delay Of Dad Bod
Dad-bod delayed
Do we really need to elaborate on this one? We’ve already investigated how to dress up the Dad-bod but the best solution is prevention. And unless you’re a Hollywood dad paid to keep up appearances for a living, chances are once you leave the wolf pack to pursue a life of love and family, your six pack also takes a hike. Revel in the fact that you still have the time to go for a run without a pram and hit the gym to be in peak optimum condition.
Move To A Suburb With Similar Demographics
Brothers from other mothers
Most who see their friends withering away from their usual hangs tend to remain in the same spot crying into their pillows at night wondering where it all went wrong. The solution is simple: Move to another suburb inhabited by like-minded people who are independent, friendly, driven and more importantly, single. Think places like New York, Sydney’s Bondi or Melbourne’s St. Kilda in Australia or anywhere else with a cool social scene and you’ll find yourself amongst new friends in no time.
Don’t Get Married
Run, you fools
This one’s a no brainer. The worst thing you could do is succumb to relationship peer pressure simply because it’s trendy. Marriage isn’t a game of Super Mario and the idea is to only do it once. So tell Svetlana sorry, but you won’t be able to fly her over from Russia for some Spag Bol this weekend. Or any other weekend. Ever.
Do Get A Dog
Dog days
Dogs are the most cost effective ways to replace a dwindling wolf pack with attention from passing strangers and potential friends and dates. Want an actual wolf? Get a husky. Everyone loves a husky. Just don’t train it to kill on demand. If you opt for a Daschund, call it Chorizo and you’re onto a winner.
Don’t Let Mother ‘Introduce You To A Friend’
It’s a trap
And lastly no matter what, do not let mother dearest dictate your love life. It’s a given that she’s more desperate to see grandchildren than you are at this stage and she will hook you up with Aunt Mavis’ second cousin just to see this mission through.
Italian luxury marque Maserati will be joining the ranks of the performance electric car segment if all goes to plan by 2020.
The movement to make electric cars cool was first pioneered by Tesla and now major manufacturers are following suit since witnessing the American tech company’s unrivalled success.
Details are sparse at the moment but what we do know is that the electric supercar will take after the form of Maserati’s Alfieri concept vehicle, a car which debuted at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show.
The Alfieri EV will be in direct competition to Porsche’s 911 models albeit providing more space. In their crosshairs is also Bentley’s GT and Jaguar’s F-Type. Those who can’t wait until 2020 can opt for a conventional petrol V6 version which will launch earlier in 2019.
If ever there was a sign that an electric supercar war was brewing, this is it. And everyone is gunning for the Tesla Model S.
