Author: Eileen Trenkmann, http://www.linkedin.com/in/eileentrenkmann
Co-working has seen a significant increase in the last years in Germany. Recent studies assume that there are over 500 co-working spaces currently in operation in Germany. In 2018 German co-working spaces had an average of 68 members. While this is still global average, this has been a rise of 13% compared to 2017. The prices differ fundamentally and start as low as EUR 60 for a flex desk depending on the city and the location. In the last three years many co-working spaces have expanded their network of co-working hubs. This has contributed to 28% of co-working spaces not making profit yet, while 41% stated that they neither make profit nor suffer any loss. Co-working spaces are a good start for any international startups to build their network as many co-working spaces also offer community events and have dedicated networking channels such as slack. While co-working spaces are mostly frequented by individual users and freelancers (79%), an increase of small companies and startups also working out of co-working spaces can be observed. To cater to this need, co-working spaces have started to provide more dedicated office space – a rise of 10% compared to 2017. A survey among startup founders found out that five of the top ten co-working spaces are located in Berlin. However, cities such as Cologne, Hamburg and Munich are also among the top ten. Co-working spaces are spread across Germany and can be found even in small towns like Bad Tölz or Einbeck. Estimates suggest that co-working spaces exist in more than 100 districts. And even bigger corporates are realising the benefits of co-working spaces and increasingly outsource office spaces to foster a startup mentality among their employees. Berlin is the top co-working city in Germany and is the only German city in the world-wide top ten co-working real estate markets.
In the following some of the popular co-working spaces are highlighted:
- Factory: When founded on 2012 Factory was one of the biggest startup campuses in Germany at its time. Today, Factory has two campuses in Berlin – one in Mitte and one in Kreuzberg. To become a member of factory campus, startups and freelancers have to undergo an application process that can take up to a month. However, Factory captivates with their industrial charm and plenty of opportunities to network and participate in events. A nomad flex desks that allows campus access four times a month starts from EUR 50. A full access flex desks costs EUR 119 a month and a full access plus fixed desk or lab for startups starts at EUR 279 a month.
- Betahaus: Betahaus was initially founded in 2009 in Berlin and was one of its first kind in Berlin. Today Betahaus has co-working spaces in Hamburg, Sofia and Barcelona. As other co-working spaces, Betahaus offers a range of community events, including their regular BetaBreakfast during which startups can introduce their companies. A flex desk in Berlin costs EUR 99 (excluding VAT) in Berlin and EUR 89 (excluding VAT) in Hamburg. Pro access starts from EUR 250 a month for both locations.
- WeWork: The WeWork Network consists of 17 Hubs (2 being recently established) spread across the cities of Berlin, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Cologne and Munich. Prices start from EUR 100 for a hot desk and can go up to EUR 1.210 for an office space. WeWork considers itself as a hybrid model and offers besides co-working a range of other facilities such as access to its global network of entrepreneurs, special events, personalised help, etc.
- Unicorn: Unicorn has been one of the fastest growing co-working spaces in Germany. Within a short span they have opened co-working hubs in Berlin, Cologne, Hamburg, Munich, Potsdam and Lisbon. Only in Berlin Unicorn currently operates 12 hubs. There prices are competitive and start from EUR 69 (excluding VAT) for a flex desk in their co-working space Brunnenviertel in Berlin. Unicorn captivates with their original Barista coffee included in the co-working price.
- Regus: Regus is one of the largest co-working providers in Germany and is currently present in 35 German cities. They offer office space, virtual offices, co-working offices, conference and workshop rooms, a business lounge and emergency offices as their products. Regus is frequented by freelancers, startups, SME and big companies and offers individual solutions for every need. Prices therefore differ largely.
While this is only a small collection of co-working spaces available, more comprehensive information on available co-working spaces can be found on platforms such as Coworking Spaces.