4 Flexible Office Space Options for Startups

There are several additional challenges startups must work through in order to get situated.  Let’s first take a look at a few reasons why traditional office space might be a challenge for startups.

Landlord Interests

Landlords may think your business is cool and has great potential, but at the end of the day, they aren’t thrilled to lease your company office space. Why? First and foremost, you are risky.  Your business is much more likely to default than a fortune 500 company.  You are like a guy with a credit score of 400 who’s asking a bank to loan him money to buy a Maserati. Second, they know you don’t want to sign a long-term lease.  The value of a building is based in large part on future cash flows.  Short term leases aren’t as valuable to owners.

Lack of Flexibility

Startup businesses are dynamic.  They hopefully will outgrow their space quickly.  They need the flexibility to expand or contract as their business changes.  Landlords look for 3-10 year leases.  You probably don’t want to sign a 5 or even 3 year lease without any termination options.

Steep Deposit

Since you are at a greater risk of default, Landlords will more than likely want a larger-than-normal security deposit, unless you have the financials to prove otherwise.

Time

Typically for a small lease it takes 4 -12 months to find a space, negotiate the terms, and complete the tenant improvements.  You don’t have that kind of time or energy.  By the time you’re ready to move into the space you select today, you will need something very different! Also: WeWork raises the bar for workplaces | More about car-sharing

4 Flexible Options

The good news for startups is that there are a variety of flexible office space options created to provide a solution to the needs of growing businesses. Just a few years ago, the only real option was Regus or other providers of executive suites.  Today we can divide the options into four primary groups: spec/flex suites, coworking space, shared space, and executive suites.

Spec Suites or Flex Suites

Spec and Flex Suites are office suites that are already built out and ready to be occupied.  They range in size from a 6 person (1,000 SF) office to a 30 person office (5,000 SF).  You can get in these spaces quickly and with shorter lease terms.  Of course you will be paying a rent premium for the flexibility, but in many cases the flexibility benefits will exceed the increased cost.  Many landlords will allocate 5-10 percent of their buildings to ready-to-go spaces.  This would be a direct lease with the Landlord, but since the suites are plug-n-play (no tenant improvements), they will generally entertain a shorter term. They are generally unfurnished. You can find these space online at 42Floors, officespace.com, hiRise and digsy.

Coworking Space

Coworking spaces are a great option for small companies with just a handful of founders/employees.  It is fast and easy to get going.  No long-term 60 page leases to sign.  Typically users of coworking space pay a monthly fee for the desk or area they are renting out.  Many coworking spaces give you the option to rent by the hour, day, or month.  You will also be close to other companies (typically startups).  The office layouts are generally very open, modern, and vibrant.  It’s a good place for those that enjoy working around other people.  For those that prefer their own private office, this probably isn’t your best bet. Coworking spaces come will ample amenities not found in traditional office leases.   They come with Wifi, refreshments, and many times have workshops and events.  They are generally fully furnished as well. WeWork is the largest coworking space provider.

Shared Office Space

A less common option for office users is to share available space within an existing company’s space.  Think Airbnb for office space. A few entrepreneurs have created open marketplaces connecting companies with extra space to companies or freelancers that need space.  The best sites to find shared space are LiquidSpace, ShareDesk & Pivot Desk.  There is even an app called Breather that lets you quickly and easily book office space.

Executive Suites

Executive suites are the oldest and perhaps least innovative of the four options.  Regus has been the largest provider of executive suites in the U.S..  Fully furnished and ready to go, they provide typical, corporate-like space available on short-term lease options. There are many new options available to startups that didn’t exist just a few years ago.  Landlords recognize this growing need and are beginning to provide more options.  If you have questions about which option might be best for you company, feel free to reach out to me.