Co-working spaces are often credited with introducing innovative elements like communal workspace, standing desks, wellness programs and the latest technology to modern office culture. Many also include pingpong tables, nap pods, arcade games and draft beer. The fun and games can be a turnoff for people focusing on productivity. For women seeking a co-working space, the WeWorks of the world can also feel bro-centric.
A growing number of women entrepreneurs are starting co-working spaces exclusively for women. Hera Hub founder Felena Hanson said she found women to be underrepresented in the co-working market, and launched Hera Hub to target that demographic. Women-only co-working is here to stay and here are five companies laying the groundwork.
Hera Hub
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Hanson launched Hera Hub in San Diego and now has three spa-inspired locations in the San Diego area. Hera Hub is expanding, with spaces in Washington, D.C., Phoenix and Uppsala, Sweden, while offices in Chicago, Atlanta and Irvine, California, are planned.
Membership plans range from $79 to $389/month.
The Wing
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Lauren Kassan and Audrey Gelman founded The Wing in Manhattan's Flatiron District in 2016. Amenities include wall art curated solely by women artists, a library dominated by books from women authors and a lactation room for working mothers. The Wing opened a SoHo location and raised $8M in Series A financing in April to open another three locations.
Memberships run $215 to $250/month.
Rise Collaborative Workspace
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This St. Louis workspace includes 11 private offices, three conference rooms, more than 3K SF of flexible workstations and a luxury coffee, tea and snack bar. Memberships range from $120 to $350/month, and reduced rates are offered for high school girls.
Shecosystem
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This Toronto co-working space offers only flex space, has gender-neutral bathrooms and amenities include art by local women artists and a "Red Tent" for monthly new moon gatherings. Full-time memberships start at $200/month, annual memberships are $300/month and community memberships run $300/year, with an additional $35 fee to set up memberships.
EvolveHer
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Alicia Driskill opened EvolveHer in Chicago's River North last month and is self-funding the venture. The 5K SF space is designed to feel like a second home and encourage members to interact with each other. EvolveHer offers morning meditations, monthly member lunches, business-relevant talks every second Tuesday of the month and belly-dancing workshops.
Memberships range from $100/month for a community plan to $389/month for a full-access membership. A $125 registration fee is applied to all new memberships.
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