9 Successful Companies that Started in Co-Working Spaces

Success typically doesn’t start overnight.

It could start in someone’s bedroom, as they mess around with making beats on their laptop. Perhaps it started with someone working around the clock on their new book. Maybe it even started by accident, that small window of a miracle we all hope for. 

Although, it’s also very possible it started at a round table with a few people drinking their coffee and sharing ideas. It was hours of writing notes, debating points, and pacing across the rug. Bringing people together like that is one of the beauties of a co-working space.

Top view of multiracial young creative people in modern office. Group of young business people are working together with laptop, tablet, smart phone, notebook. Successful hipster team in coworking. Freelancers.

Make sure to keep reading to discover 9 successful companies you know that have started in a co-working space. You’ll probably be surprised by a few.

1. Instagram

Instagram is one of the best ways to keep up with everyone. From your best friend from high school to the ex you aren’t over, you can virtually keep up with everyone’s life. It also happens to be one of the most successful companies that started in a coworking space. 

Imagine the founders, Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger, sitting down every day at a small table and spreading out sheets of paper with scribbled notes. They could have brought their own salads for lunch and complained about how they didn’t get sleep because of a loud neighbor.

No matter what happened, they came together at a space and created one of the most popular phone applications. Instagram has changed how we keep up with people we care about. 

2. Uber

Uber is one of the most successful companies originating from a co-working space and has changed how the majority of people get from point A to point B. It’s a great convenience in a new city without your car or a lifesaver when you need to get home from the bar. 

One of the biggest perks about a co-working space is not having to pay tons of money for office space, cleaning staff, office supplies and furniture, and loads of coffee your employees would be drinking. You can save money to help launch your company.

That’s exactly what Uber did, and look where it got them.

3. Spotify

Tucked away in San Francisco is a co-working space called RocketSpace. This space is the original home of one of the top music-streaming platforms out there. With over 40 million songs on Spotify, users can’t get enough. 

Giving you the option to skip adds and save songs to your device, Spotify users have the choice to go premium when they pay a monthly fee. It didn’t become this popular with beginner’s luck.

It grew in a co-working space full of creative and hard-working people.

4. Indiegogo

One of the most important things a co-working space stands for is support. That also happens to be one thing this successful company also stands for in the world.

Indiegogo is a platform for young dreamers and entrepreneurs to share their ideas. It allows for crowdfunding and the option for supporters to comment on ideas. The platform also provides plenty of resources for those looking to launch into success.

5. Timehop

If walking down the old memory lane is your favorite activity, you’ll love Timehop. This successful company created an app that allows you to see what you posted on different social media platforms however many years ago. 

Jonathan Wegener, the founder, built his idea in the convenience of a co-working space. Thanks to him, you’re able to go back and relive all of the uncomfortable statuses you made as a young high schooler. 

6. Ziprecruiter 

Los Angeles produces some of the most well-known entertainers in the world. It’s home to glamour, Instagram-worthy food stops, and plenty of success stories from co-working spaces. Ziprecruiter is one of the stories.

This site matches great candidates with the jobs they are looking for. You may have used it in your own job searches, and you probably know someone who has used this platform. 

7. Wanderfly

This successful company will be your best friend on your next big travel adventure. Wanderfly takes your budget, passions, and desires into consideration to offer recommendations when traveling. 

While the founders were working hard to raise funds for the site, they took advantage of all the things a co-working space could offer them. 

8. Charity: Water

This successful company guarantees all of your proceeds will go to funding clean water for people in need because all of their operating costs are taken care of by private donors. Magic like this didn’t happen randomly. It happened in a co-working space.

If you’re passionate about helping others and helping fund clean water projects, thank the founders of this company for all of their hard work.

9. Ofo

This company is providing a greener option for getting around town! Starting in a co-working space in London, Ofo created a system for bike-sharing that eliminates the worry of locking it. 

You can find this company in over 20 nations around the world. Companies like this are not only helping out people, they are helping the environment. 

Why a Co-Working Space?

Co-working spaces offer the room and freedom for dreamers to make their dreams into realities. They offer support, financial savings, and a community to build within when starting a company. 

While we may pass co-working spaces in our own city and just acknowledge them as cute places to get some work done, don’t underestimate the possibilities that are being created within their walls. You could be surprised at what’s accomplished at the table next to you.

Successful Companies with a Home in a Co-Working Space

Above are only 9 successful companies that have their start in a co-working space. There are tons more that are changing the world day by day because of someone who worked to put their ideas into action. 

Whether it’s getting you around town or allowing you to creep on old friends, these companies are changing the way we live our lives. Don’t miss out on what’s happening around you, and become part of a co-working space.

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