Why Community Matters More Than Square Meters
A desk alone doesn't make a successful founder. We explain why the network in a coworking space is the real game changer.
Maria Chen 
When I founded Abstrakt in 2018, I could have simply rented an office building and leased desks. Instead, I asked myself: What do founders really need?
The answer wasn’t “more square meters.”
The Myth of the Perfect Office
Many startups invest heavily in prestigious offices early on. Glass walls, designer furniture, a €3,000 coffee machine. The result? A beautiful space where a small team works in isolation.
What’s forgotten: A startup’s most important resources aren’t material. They’re knowledge, experience, and connections.
What Community Really Means
At Abstrakt, we don’t treat community as a marketing buzzword. For us, it means:
- Shared knowledge: When one member solves a problem, everyone benefits
- Honest feedback: No yes-men here, just constructive criticism
- Serendipitous encounters: The best ideas happen at the coffee machine
- Emotional support: Founding is a rollercoaster – it helps not to be alone
The Numbers Speak for Themselves
Over the past six years, we’ve observed:
- 73% of our members have made an important business contact through Abstrakt
- 12 startups were co-founded by members who met here
- €50M+ has been raised by our members – often with intros from the community
How We Foster Community
Community doesn’t happen by itself. We actively invest:
Curated Events
Every month we organize formats like “Founder Breakfast,” “Demo Day,” or “Fail Night.” No networking events with business card exchanges – real conversations instead.
Transparent Culture
Everyone here knows what others are working on. The intro board in the entrance shows all members with their current projects and requests.
Spaces for Connection
Our lounges, kitchen, and rooftop terrace are deliberately designed for encounters. No closed offices, but open spaces.
The ROI of Relationships
Of course, the value of community is hard to measure in euros. But ask our members:
“My co-founder and I met at an Abstrakt event. Without that chance encounter, our startup wouldn’t exist today.” — David Park, Clearview Analytics
“When we were looking for our first funding round, an Abstrakt member introduced me to his investor. Three months later, we had the funding.” — Anonymous Founder
The Invitation
If you’re looking for a place where you can simply work – there are cheaper options.
But if you’re looking for a place where you can grow, where you meet people who push you forward, where you become part of something bigger – then we should talk.
Anyone can rent square meters. Building a real community – that’s the real art.
Maria Chen is the founder and CEO of Abstrakt. She believes the best companies are built in community.