One winter morning in Cape Town, mid 2024, Kevin Vermaak sat down with a hot coffee and a to-do list longer than a Karoo gravel road. At the top of the list: Find office space. Nedbank Gravel Burn was still just a spark of an idea – a bold vision to create the world-class gravel stage race. But first, him and his core team needed a place to work.
Then, a LinkedIn notification popped up, followed by a conversation that connected him to Stefano Migliore – fellow cyclist, entrepreneur and co-owner of WeWork South Africa. Kevin and Stef had first crossed paths back in 2005, when Stef tackled the Cape Epic. It was a brutal introduction to long hand endurance racing, yet the experience had sparked his admiration for how the event was built – its culture, community, and entrepreneurial grit. Stef had kept an eye on Kevin’s journey ever since. Within days, they were swapping ideas and a week later, Nedbank Gravel Burn had its HQ at WeWork Cape Town.
A Place to Get Things Done
“WeWork is more than desks and Wi-Fi,” says Migliore. “It’s about creating an environment and a culture where entrepreneurs can truly focus. You walk in, open your laptop, and you’re ready to move. That time saved, though it may seem small, really matters.” WeWork’s values – entrepreneurship, community and forward-thinking – mirrored exactly what Kevin and his team are cultivating with Nedbank Gravel Burn. It’s no coincidence that both ventures are driven by a desire to foster meaningful connections, bold ambition and laser-focused execution. “Day one, we sat at our desks and hit the to-do list. We didn’t have to worry about buying a printer, setting up desks…” Kevin says. “That clarity and focus was invaluable.”
Kindred Spirits
Entrepreneurs are wired differently. They see potential where others see uncertainty. They chase visions before they’re fully formed, knowing that environment shapes outcomes. “WeWork exists to support people exactly like that,” Stef explains. “Founders, creatives, small teams, and even big teams with high standards to uphold – whatever their industry, we provide space for them to do what they do best, without distraction. Focus is everything.”Kevin agrees: “Stef is someone who genuinely understands the determination and work required behind an ambitious vision. Partnering with WeWork made perfect sense for Nedbank Gravel Burn, helping us sharpen our focus from the outset.”
Partners on the Journey
Since establishing their headquarters at WeWork, Stef fully embraced the Nedbank Gravel Burn’s spirit – buying an OPEN WI.DE gravel bike and committing to prepare for the inaugural event in October. “Entrepreneurship demands endurance,” Stef says. “Like gravel riding. Both feature resilience, adaptability and a community around you. It’s a natural fit.” WeWork Cape Town marks the start of the weekly Around The Mountain Gravel ride – a club outing for the local gravel cycling community that circles Table Mountain.
WeWork also became the venue for Nedbank Gravel Burn’s two major media events – the event’s official launch and the title sponsorship signing with Nedbank, casting the limelight on the event and its partners.
As Nedbank Gravel Burn continues its journey toward becoming one of the world’s most iconic cycling events, WeWork remains a critical partner – providing the entrepreneurial launchpad and the connections that come with that – from which bold ideas turn into reality.
About WeWork
WeWork South Africa, part of the global WeWork community, provides premium flexible workspace in Cape Town and Johannesburg. Designed for entrepreneurs, startups, remote teams, and creative professionals, WeWork spaces offer an environment that fuels focus, innovation, and connection. It’s more than a place to work; it’s a community built for those shaping the future.
