There’s an old adage that goes like this: “Don’t despise small beginnings.” For many of the world’s favorite and most prominent brands, this timeless saying rings true. Why? Because they got their footing in unlikely places, not glittering skyscrapers or prestigious social circles. Some of today’s most inspiring companies got started in, you guessed it, coworking spaces!
The Rise of Coworking Spaces
Instead of assigned desks in traditional office buildings, professionals everywhere have turned to the coworking model. With flexible leases, monthly memberships, and cost-effective pricing, coworking is an attractive alternative, especially for startups, freelancers, and remote workers. Coworking spaces come with plenty of amenities, useful office equipment, and integral networking opportunities, all without skimping on professional, focus-friendly environments. Despite its growth, coworking is a novelty to many people, but that hasn’t stopped global entrepreneurs from bringing their vision to life inside these lively communities. Keep reading to see how coworking built some of your favorite brands below!
Airbnb
Airbnb, the hotel industryās nemesis, was created by Brian Chesky, Joe Gebbia, and Nathan Blecharczyk in 2008. The trio worked from a collection of shared offices in San Francisco in the early days of its development. The shared proximity allowed the founders to collaborate with other developers and tech professionals more efficiently, which resulted in the revolution of travel lodging globally.
Square
The POS system powering small businesses everywhere also got its start in the center of San Francisco. Founded in 2008 by Jack Dorsey and Jim McKelvey, Square was developed and refined inside a well-known coworking space called The Generator. Surrounded by other innovators, entrepreneurs, and tech minds, Dorsey, McKelvey, and their co-founder, Tristan OāTierney, were able to continually evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of their product, long before it was introduced to the public. Squareās success is a testament to coworkingās reputation of being a solid launchpad for tech entrepreneurs and startups.
WeWork
Perhaps itās a no-brainer that the globeās most famous coworking brand was born inside shared office space, but weād be remiss not to share it. Green Desk was founded in 2010 by Adam Neumann and Miguel McKelvey and was renamed WeWork when the company was sold. With a strong vision for communal, energizing workspaces for entrepreneurs and startup owners, WeWork grew to redefine whatās possible inside coworking spaces and is now found in 40+ countries worldwide.
Everybodyās favorite digital scrapbook also started in 2010. Founded by Ben Silbermann, Evan Sharp, and Paul Sciarra, Pinterest first began as an app called Tote. The platform was a shop comparison app, but since the majority of the world didnāt have the tech infrastructure to support it, the trio pivoted from its original intent. Pinterestās development grew inside a small, communal office space, which hosted the perfect environment for the development and scale Pinterest needed to become the creative, brainstorming titan we know and love today.
Studio Casa Vita
Ok, you caught us! We couldnāt help but add one of our members to the list, but their story is worth the recognition. Gina Elkins, founder and owner of interior design studio, Studio Casa Vita, told her husband that one day sheād have an office at Common Desk – City Place in Spring, Texas. After watching the buildingās construction for months, Gina finally got her opportunity to tour our new space. True to her word, Gina joined Common Desk with a 3-person office. Shortly after, Gina upgraded her business to a 9-person office and now, Studio Casa Vita operates from one of our larger suites. Gina has been with Common Desk for over a year and their success and growth inside our space brings us constant joy.
Angela, our Community Lead from CD – City Place, shared a few words regarding Studio Casa Vitaās success and the power of coworking:
āStudio Casa Vita is one of my favorite member success stories. They utilize all that our coworking portfolio offers to their businessā benefit. From client meetings in the city through our web of locations in Houston, to utilizing conference rooms, Studio Casa Vita has leveraged the tools and resources available to them to excel in their industry. Theyāre also big fans of our espresso bar and make intentional appearances at community events as their schedule allows. We have a front row seat to watch their success and cheer them on!ā


What Makes Coworking Spaces Such a Great Solution for Startups?
If youāre wondering what it is about coworking spaces that produce such successful companiesāitās simple! Coworking brands handle the big stuff, like workspace, equipment, and location, so you can focus only on the details thatāll take your business to the next level. Below are some characteristics that contribute to the appeal of coworking spaces for business owners.
Cost-efficient
Itās no secret that many startups, freelancers, and entrepreneurs have limited funds at the outset of their journey. With a lack of disposable income to play with, professionals getting their dream off the ground must be strategic in how they allocate money. Thankfully, coworking spaces offer memberships, passes, and other amenities that cut overhead costs without sacrificing necessary resources.
Flexible
Coworking spaces are known for their flexibility. Instead of long-term, fixed office spaces, entrepreneurs can count on the convenience of month-to-month memberships and short-term office leases that allow them to pivot frequently, whether theyāre upscaling or downsizing. Coworking spaces give new business owners peace of mind in the midst of volatile markets and unforeseen challenges that come with starting a new company.
Networking
One of the biggest benefits of coworking spaces is the amount of people that use them. Professionals across industries are utilizing coworking spaces like never before and you never know who youāll meet at a coworking space. Whether an accountant, architect, counselor, tattoo artist, or interior designer, professionals everywhere are making connections, exchanging ideas, and sharing wisdom inside collaborative workspaces. Time and again, weāve seen business folks from opposite industries become the best of friends. For startups, meeting other innovative minds is a huge help, especially when the going gets tough. Who you know plays a big role in gaining opportunities, so if your pool of connections feels stagnant, coworking spaces offer insights and the fresh perspectives you need to reenergize.
How to Choose the Right Coworking Space for Your Startup?
Not all coworking spaces are created equal. While itās true that most coworking brands have similar amenities, each coworking space hosts a slightly different ecosystem. In the beginning phases of your company, itās important you choose a space that reflects your goals and has the tools you need to succeed. Below are some categories to consider when choosing a new workspace.
Amenities and Add-ons
Whatās absolutely essential for you and your team to have? If youāre constantly on client calls, prioritize high-speed and protected WiFi. Need to meet in an enclosed space frequently? Conference rooms are a must. Are you starting a notary business and need printers and scanners? Make a list of your ventureās non-negotiables and ensure the space you choose includes them in your membership or has the potential to accommodate them.Ā
Preferences
Everybody works differently. While some teams like to meet at long tables in open spaces, others prefer tight-knit booths or chat rooms for calls and to protect sensitive information. While coworking companies tend to have a mix of private and open layouts, taking tours will help you get a feel for the interior thatāll serve your endeavors the best. Some factors to keep in mind when touring a new space are the spaceās traffic volume and the size and daily functions of your team.
Location
As the saying goesā¦ location, location, location! At Common Desk, weāre proud to do business in game changing markets like Dallas, Houston, and Salt Lake City. When deciding where to plant your professional roots, consider factors like what kind of industries are present around your office of interest. Should you be in your cityās tech sector? What about the manufacturing or art district? How far is the location from you and your teamsā home? Traffic and commute lengths can also play a role in how pleasant your coworking experience is. Common Desk is pleased to display a portfolio of locations that spans Midtown rows, city squares, outskirts of major interstates, and more.Ā

Why is Common Desk the Right Choice for Your New Business?
As you shop for a new coworking space, consider Common Desk! For nearly 13 years, weāve supplied professionals of all team sizes with flexible memberships and outstanding customer service. Common Desk offers a full menu of memberships to choose from, whether you need a student membership, business mailbox and address, or furnished team suite for a swiftly growing enterprise. Weāre proud to offer practical, cost-effective memberships that are packed with amenities, flexible for lifeās unforeseen circumstances, and give you tons of locations to use across three states.
As said, many coworking spaces have similar amenities, however our locations stand out, as we not only emphasize beautiful, unique interiors and quality products, but work endlessly to make our spaces warm, inclusive, and uplifting. From partnerships with local artists and vendors to creative networking events and a commitment to celebrating community wins, our coworking culture makes the workweek the place you actually want to be. Check out what our members and guests said below:Ā
āI have been working out of Common Desk – McKinney Square for 2 years now, I have used the shared space and a private office for some of my tenure. The staff is always attentive and responsive. The facility is well maintained and the events planned always bring the community together.ā ā Jesse Ardila
āLove Common Desk, it is a great place to work and stay focused! Working from home can hamper my creativity, and coming here made a major shift in my ability to focus, be more creative, productive, and separate life and work more. Friendly staff, great environment and amazing location. Highly recommended.ā ā Aida Rojas
To get started coworking and scale your dream idea, sign up for a tour here!