Why did New York-based MicroOffice co-founder David Rotbard set his sights on Chicago? Less density than the coasts but significant market depth and growth potential, says the co-working maven, who’ll be speaking at Bisnow’s Chicago Creative Office Summit tomorrow. Entrepreneurs are setting up shop and staying put, with capital from small venture funds. The firm opened its Coalition co-working space in the penthouse suite of 18 S Michigan Ave last month (snapped last year while under construction), and occupancy continues to rise as it rolls out regular educational programming. The space has been tailored to green tech companies (like Energy Foundry).
A finished shot. (Bet you weren't expecting that carpet.) It’s important to bring community clusters together, David says, “The success rate is higher and the motivation is greater.” At its newest project, Coalition River North (405 W Superior), MicroOffice has more bandwidth since they own the entire 50k SF building. David’s thought about tapping into the financial technology sector, in addition to social impact startups--for-profit companies focused on making a difference. David himself is just back from a trip to Burma.
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