From the genesis of a great idea, through hours of hard work, your product is coming together and your startup is growing. There have been endless iterations, ups, downs, and you've agonized over every single decision.
Now it's go time.
Your startup needs a location to support scaling and growth. Big decision-making isn't going to end anytime soon, which makes it more important than ever to find a home that encourages innovation and continuous improvement.
As a tech entrepreneur growing a startup, you have probably heard of companies basing themselves in coworking spaces like WeWork (the multi-location coworking space giant) and RocketSpace (the niche tech campuses exclusively for high-growth tech startups). Both are clean, professional, appealing, and look like nice places to work. So, how do you decide which space should be home to your growing startup?
WeWork and RocketSpace have some striking similarities, but are also quite different. In this piece, we'll explore the similarities, differences, and benefits of each, to help you decide which space is the right fit for your tech startup.
RocketSpace vs. WeWork
How are RocketSpace and WeWork Similar?
Top-of-the-line Amenities
The amenities at both WeWork and RocketSpace are designed to help boost your productivity. Both offer robust perks like 24/7 access, comfortable desk and office space, breakout areas, and kitchens stocked with coffee.
At RocketSpace, administrative needs like reception service, printing, scanning, mail delivery, package holding, and reliable 4+ Gbps internet are an additional plus for tech companies working on campus.
Customizable Membership
For small startups or solo entrepreneurs, both WeWork and RocketSpace offer flexible membership plans, allowing for growth (or scaling back — most successful startups have had to scale back at some point in their history). Each offer workspace membership options ranging from flexible drop-in desks to private office space.
Moving a larger team to WeWork or RocketSpace provides versatile workspace and the ability to book meeting rooms, event space, and secure private office space. Organizations on the hunt for reliable, affordable workspace experience rent savings compared to the overhead of leased space, and enjoy the added benefits of events and networking opportunities.
At RocketSpace, larger teams can mix and match dedicated desks and private offices to accommodate 60+ team members (The new London tech campus will accommodate teams up to 100).
Events and Learning Opportunities
Both locations offer robust communities and networking opportunities. WeWork focuses on community building events, like happy hours, summer camp, and pop-up parties. RocketSpace offers tech focused events and speakers, learning opportunities, and networking for both the member community and greater tech community - including corporate innovators from Fortune 1000 companies looking to connect with startups.
Want more info on top coworking spaces for tech startups, plus key networking events, top VCs, and more? Grab a copy of our Silicon Valley Startup Guide.
How Are RocketSpace and WeWork Different?
On the surface, both coworking spaces offer a good office space solution: low cost office space, fewer admin hassles and responsibilities, and access to interesting communities and educational opportunities.
However, the tech community is unique.
Startups fighting for attention and funding in the dog-eat-dog world of San Francisco's tech scene need every possible advantage. RocketSpace was developed to provide a unique space to vetted tech companies seeking a high-growth environment of like-minded individuals. On this point, RocketSpace and WeWork begin to diverge.
A Tech Ecosystem
RocketSpace focuses on creating the perfect "tech ecosystem," designed to pool the best resources and people into one space — all geared toward providing the speed and direction that tech startups need to scale and succeed. WeWork provides networking and community, but is open to any coworker or team seeking office space.
WeWork is less concerned with building a niche community, and attracts freelancers and teams from any industry and vertical.
What Does This Mean for a Tech Startup?
The RocketSpace tech campus environment is dedicated to the successful growth of startups. It's a culture of innovation, with only seed to Series C funded technology focused businesses (with MVPs and users or customers) working on campus. Weekly sessions provide the opportunity to bounce ideas back and forth among a community of top thought leaders in tech. The ability to network, and brainstorm, with leading tech entrepreneurs in San Francisco sets RocketSpace apart from other San Francisco coworking spaces.
While WeWork attracts talented and interesting individuals, there are no pre-requirements to work there. That means you may be sitting next to a freelance cookbook writer, or a recruiter. You miss out on an opportunity to rub elbows with top tech talent, VCs, and RocketSpace's Fortune 1000 corporate-client roster in San Francisco.
RocketSpace and San Francisco: An Ideal Partnership
RocketSpace is conveniently located in the heart of San Francisco, making it convenient for both close residents and commuters from around the Bay Area. Our coworking space is close to public transportation, restaurants, shops, gyms, and is ideal for city dwellers whose long hours make commuting a non-essential drain on resources.
With turn-key office space, tech startups find themselves fully immersed within a community of like-minded individuals with access to campus amenities like:
- Meeting rooms for conference calls and meetings with investors or important clients.
- Breakout spaces like the outdoor terrace, pool table, ping pong table, and lounges.
- Monthly Trend Talks, weekly workshops, and regular events to provide valuable startup-centric info on taxation, financial planning, and funding.
- Networking opportunities are endless. Just grabbing a water from the kitchen is an opportunity to connect with someone new.
Which Coworking Space is Best for My Tech Startup?
It's clear that coworking is a good fit for anyone looking to reduce administrative costs and the distractions of office management. Choosing the best coworking option for your tech startup requires a deeper consideration.
If you're looking for a trendy environment with coworkers from all types of industries, WeWork is a good choice. They offer gorgeous facilities, comfortable amenities, and plenty of social networking.
If you're a tech focused startup looking to surround your company with other innovative, and vetted, entrepreneurs in tech to boost your chances of growth, then RocketSpace may be your ideal workspace.
