Ask HN: Would you pay for a shared office/startup space? What would it need?
I've got some entrepreneurial friends who have been discussing opening a shared office space–hoping to eventually expand it into a chain.
The idea would be, a small biz/soho/startup type pays a monthly fee (say $100-$300/mo) for access to a large, comfortable office/workspace with internet, printers, monitors, file server, coffee, etc. A receptionist attends the space during business hours and can answer the phone. Members can access the space 24/7 via key-card. No walk-ins/non members so that it builds a sense of community among those who share it.
They're thinking of starting in Seattle and possible Portland or SF/valley.
I'm sure things like this already exist, but:
- Would you ever use such a facility?
- What would you pay?
- What services/features would be great and set it apart?
- Could it turn a profit?
30 comments
[ 1.6 ms ] story [ 84.5 ms ] threadIt was VERY nice to have access to a meeting room and kitchen, and great location. I didn't even think of having a communal printer or fax. I just did all the printing from home. We also used a very 1.0 key system that was fine.
With regards to this turning a profit, the same idea was tried a couple of years ago in Toronto and it was actually making a profit. I believe it was called something like 'Indoor playground' or 'Digital Playground' but I can't find a website or link. The last I heard was that it was closed down due to a problem with the landlord being a dick, not running out of money. The founder also went on to do greater things.
An affordable space where I could work surrounded by hackers would be very nice. Definitely interested.
depending on what you need, you could just download all the documentation you need and have your email client and calendars sync up later on.
Southwark council to have a list of libraries that offer WiFi:
http://www.southwark.gov.uk/YourServices/LibrariesSection/fr...
I haven't tried them yet, as I haven't begun my work-at-home stint, but will definitely look into them for a change of scenery once in a while.
I think it's making a profit, it's packed!
Check out http://www.seattle20.com/ for other shared work spaces in the area, this will give you an idea where you stand, e.g. here are 4: http://www.seattle20.com/blog/The-Ultimate-Guide-for-the-New...
I'm in Seattle, on the east side. There is no way I am coming over to the west side - the bridges are clogged. Also consider that other shared paces are on the west side, so there is a bit of a vacuum here.
So ... do you think Bellevue/Kirkland area could be just as desirable as west side?
Also, I'm not in Seattle, so west side == downtown ?
i'd probably pay up to $100/mo. for a desk, chair, wifi, and (clean) bathroom
let me know if you get something going
The problem is that bridges and Seattle downtown highways get clogged for hours each day, effectively rendering east and west side distant cities. On the east side only Bellevue downtown gets clogged and even then it's fairly small and easy to avoid.
East side (Redmond, Bellevue, Kirklnad, Woodinville, Sammamish) are better for me and right about anyone else who lives on the east side. Microsoft has its offices in Redmond so you are likely to find a lot of customers. In fact you should become friends with some softies and ask them to hang your posters in the kitchens within the buildings. Nintendo offices are also nearby, fwiw.
The other thing in favor of the East side is that most exisitng shared spaces are on the west side, except I think one which is sort of expensive.
Well, I could be a bit selfish here so you will need to do a bit of your own research too. :-)
StartPad: http://startpad.org/software-coworking-office-seattle
Office Nomads: http://www.officenomads.com/
Thinkspace: http://www.thinkspace.com/coworking.asp
Giraffe Labs: http://www.giraffelabs.com/whatyouget
I think they charge ~$1500 per person, and I think its a total waste of money. I rather work out of my own apartment or house at the early stages.
I think somewhere around $300/month for one person in their Sunnyvale office, but I might be mistaken.
It is gaining quite a bit of traction here in nyc.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coworking http://www.nwcny.com/
I might go up on the price, but not much. Office space is getting pretty cheap were I am (Austin, Texas).
The amenities I use regularly: cube, printers, kitchen, coffee, snacks.
Amenities I appreciate having available: meeting rooms, private phone rooms.
The community is good to have around. Entrepreneurial, networking events, other users in interesting non-technical fields.
We looked into it, but found it too expensive so we got together and rented a large open-plan office that now holds five desks. Each share of rent is proportionate to the amount of space we're using and we share internet and a common lounge area. Works for us, but good group dynamics are very important!
http://hivecoop.pbwiki.com/
Despite having an 8-5 job already, at $100/mo. I would be tempted to sign up just for a place to work on side projects.
I heard the founder of this speak. He said he is turning a much higher profit than typical brick-and-mortar businesses. He rents out some of the space very creatively for non-office things as well, such as birthday parties. He is also very active in the community, for instance he hosts freelancer meetups.
Also, note that the neighbors of BlankSpaces "include FedEx Kinko’s, Wells Fargo, Starbucks and Staples."
it would also be good if it was cheap for startups or maybe allowed to get discounts for startup stock.