Levels of Maturity of Independent Coworking Spaces (+ Infographic)

Rosee Shrestha -

The lifecycle of coworking spaces goes through different stages, mirroring the journey of the communities it nurtures. From early pioneers like C-Base (Berlin's groundbreaking 1995 hackerspace) to influential spaces like St. Oberholz (one of the first coworking cafés in Europe) and betahaus Berlin (Europe's first dedicated coworking space in 2009) - both proudly powered by Cobot since 2010) - we've seen how independent spaces evolve while staying true to their community roots.

Through our experience supporting thousands of coworking spaces worldwide, we’ve identified five distinct stages that independent hubs typically progress through. These aren’t fixed checkpoints, but rather:

  • A way to anticipate what's coming next
  • A reminder to celebrate how far you’ve come
  • A guide to finding the right resources for your current phase.

👉 See the full infographic at the end of the blog!

Level 1: The Idea

This place does not exist yet. It’s just an idea or in the planning phase.

Turning Your Coworking Idea into Reality

A strong foundation ensures the space is built to meet its goals, whether they are focused on impact, profit, or a balance of both.

  • Understanding the Purpose: Beyond providing desks and internet, what deeper problem does the space solve? Is it fostering collaboration, reducing isolation for freelancers, or supporting startups with resources and networking? Define the vision, mission, and unique value proposition to differentiate your space from others.
  • Site Selection: Choose a strategic location that aligns with your concept and target audience. A coworking space’s location is its most important asset and an ideal location reflects where your members already live, work, and connect.
  • Market and Community Research: Identify demand, competition, and your target audience. Understand the needs of freelancers, remote workers, and startups in your area. What gaps can your space fill?
  • Space Layout & Design: Design the space with your community in mind. Include diverse rooms for different needs—open desks, private offices, meeting rooms, and collaborative areas that enhance productivity and creativity. Consider neurodivergent-friendly spaces, quiet zones, and vibrant collaboration areas.
  • Business Model and Financial Planning: Develop a membership structure that balances affordability with long-term financial health. Explore tiered memberships, day passes, and corporate partnerships. Create a detailed financial plan that includes startup costs, operational expenses, and revenue projections.
  • Legal & Compliance: Register the business, secure permits, and comply with local regulations.

If you’re in this stage, you can check out these resources to help you get started:

Level 2: The First Steps

Your doors are open! At this stage, the focus is on being financially stable and attracting the first members. The team behind the space is likely balancing operational challenges while figuring out how to build a sense of community and purpose.

Bringing Your Space to Life

  • Refine Your Brand Identity: First, understand what makes your space unique, then develop branding that authentically communicates this to your target community. Develop a name, logo, website, and community message that reflects inclusivity and purpose.
  • Technology Setup: Equip your space with tools that enhance comfort and productivity, like automated lighting, and ergonomic furniture. Networked printers and scanners enable secure remote printing, while multimedia kiosks and digital billboards foster collaboration. Maybe even a coworking management software.
  • Early Marketing and Member Acquisition: Start building awareness before opening. Use storytelling, social media, and local networking to attract early adopters. Host open houses, networking events, or free trial days to introduce people to your space.

Resources to ensure a smooth launch:

Level 3: Mature Space

Your space has found its rhythm. You’ve got a loyal group of members, events are part of the routine, and the word is spreading. Now it’s time to deepen connections and keep your community engaged while ensuring financial stability.

  • From Customers to Community: Shift focus from attracting members to deepening their sense of ownership. Encourage members to take pride in the space and contribute to its growth.
  • Efficient Operations: Streamline daily tasks such as bookings, invoicing, and member engagement with management tools (like Cobot 🤓).Cobot automates administrative tasks, from managing memberships and invoicing to booking meeting rooms and tracking member activity. This allows you to focus on building relationships and growing your community.
  • Member-Led Initiatives: Support members who want to host events, mentor others, or organize community activities. Fostering a sense of belonging helps create a thriving community.
  • Support Systems & Governance: Introduce ways for members to share feedback and contribute ideas, like advisory groups or regular community meetings. These initiatives help maintain a positive atmosphere and collective decision-making.
  • Community Storytelling: Share success stories and achievements from within the community. Empower members to become ambassadors who naturally promote the space through their own networks.

Resources to strengthen your community and ease operations:

Level 4: Legacy Builder

Level 4 is where the space has become an integral part of the local community and has possibly grown into multiple locations. Its presence and culture have made it synonymous with coworking in the area.

Growing Your Impact and Stability

  • Purpose-Driven Expansion: Growth should be intentional and mission-aligned. While revenue is essential to sustaining your business and supporting your team, it’s important to ensure that your expansions add value to your community and stay true to your core purpose.
  • Community-Centered Success Metrics: Measure success by how your space impacts the lives of its members—whether through professional growth, personal well-being, or community connections.
  • Partnerships with Purpose: Form collaborations with local businesses, educational institutions, or community organizations. These partnerships add value and build long-lasting relationships.
  • Financial Sustainability: Diversify your revenue streams with memberships, events, and partnerships. A steady income helps maintain stability while scaling up.
  • Legacy Building: Invest in leadership development to build a strong internal team that can carry the vision forward, keeping the community spirit alive.

Resources to sustain and grow your impact:

This is the bridge between a business that brings people together and a community that thrives on its own.

Level 5: Champion

This space has moved beyond being a coworking space—it has become a cultural and community landmark. It’s a space that has not only impacted its local area but has also shaped coworking as a global movement.

Leaving a Lasting Mark on the Coworking Movement

  • Inspiring New Spaces: Share your experiences, lessons learned, and best practices. Become a mentor and contribute to the broader coworking community by sharing your journey.
  • Community-Driven Legacy: The space is driven by its members, who carry the values and culture forward. Even if the business evolves or changes, the impact continues through the people, and connections it fosters.
  • A Lasting Legacy: The relationships and networks it created leave a lasting impact and contribute to shaping the future of coworking.

Impact is about people, not space. Members carry forward what they gain from the community, making a difference wherever they go.

Resources to inspire and lead:

Ready to level up your coworking space?

No matter which stage you’re in, Cobot offers tools to help you manage your space efficiently and keep your community thriving.

Book a Free 15-minute Call with our friendly team in your language to learn more 🥳