Myself (ustream) + Roommate (Publictivity) are thinking of starting a coworking space using extra space in our house (it's a three story townhouse) in Palo Alto. We're thinking of turning the living area + garage into a coworking space for hackers, entrepreneurs,etc. in the next month. Thoughts?<p>a) it's our place, so different than most coworking. b) we've never done this before. what are the downfalls? c) what would make it interesting to you?
I've been to both Citizen space and Hat Factory in SF. Hat Factory is too inconvenient for me, and Citizen Space is too expensive ($350/m). You can get a real, private office in a cool space in San Francisco for $400 if you know the right people (artists). Paying money to go to someone's house with a bunch of other people I don't know doesn't appeal to me. It could potentially appeal to me if I lived in Palo Alto and it was really cheap, like $30/m or less. It seems like you'd have to have some additional benefit, because I don't see the advantage over simply going to work at a friend's house, which is free. Maybe it would appeal to people with no friends? If you're trying to make some extra money you might be better off just renting out the garage. If you are trying to meet more nerds, hosting a "super happy dev house" type event once a month might have the same effect. You could make money with that idea too, by charging $5 at the door for beer.
Ive seen the space, I like it. Very nice, it's relatively big (~ 15 ppl max) its within walking distance (across the street) of one of the best places for breakfast in the area, and on the route of 2 frequent bus lines.<p>About security (of the owner): It's not like you would not know who everyone there is (think LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter), plus you could set in place some basic common sense safeguards (lock doors to your rooms, add those nifty security cables to laptops)<p>Security of tenants: Same as above, lock door(s) to office entrance, perhaps some CCTV at the door (cheap remote hosted)<p>Overall, I think it's a good idea, and I think you should do it.
Hi,<p>Why would you do that? Actually I did something similar in my garage, but with a very high selection threshold, and very short term stays. If you are recommended by someone I trust and needed a place to stay for a specific purpose, then I would host you.<p>In that particular instance, I believed in quality vs. quantity.<p>Now, for the good news: it's a great way to meet amazing people and you'll be glad you have done it, 5 years from now. In the short term, you won't be so glad. It just takes a very long time for these things (karma) to come back to you, but it's great.<p>Alain - fairsoftware.net
a) Should I prefer working in your house to a traditional coworking space?<p>b) It's been said by noodle, but 1) security, and 2) liability. There's also the risk that more people = more distractions, but that's a risk in any coworking environment.<p>c) Is it priced competitively with other coworking options? Is is in walking distance to good food, bars? How big is your place (which is to ask, is there plenty of space for every person/group you invite?)? Will you include an application to assure the quality of those in the space? Will you give a break to YC-funded companies? What's the length of stay... is it plenty of time to start a company?<p>Lots of questions, but it's an interesting idea.
<i>"... b) we've never done this before. what are the downfalls? ..."</i><p>Everyone steals your stuff. There is probably a "trust" issue you would want to address. Maybe some reference checks, a bond? What I'd try is finding an existing startup that you can get some "symbiosis" with. It might also be a way to find extra founders? What ever you do write it up and post the results. I'm sure there are some interesting outcomes.<p>Of course maybe you are an optimist. What are do you have to offer? Broadband, wifi, couches, smart hackers? Startup rentals by hackers is a new idea, wonder if it takes off?
the obvious answer to the downfall question is security and liability. unless you know and trust everyone as a friend, you're going to be taking on a serious risk both personally and financially.