Startup Corner: Jeremy Adams, Originate

Minimally viable product …
Desk, chair, Internet and coffee. Obviously entrepreneurs need more than that to be successful. But it’s the essentials.

Problem solving …
There is a large and powerful move away from cubicle life. With job security and stability drying up in many traditionally robust business sectors, more people are trying out startups and entrepreneurship. That often leads to working extra hours in your basement, away from people. Co-working solves the problems of working from home. But Originate is much more than that. With the buy-in of our members, we have something to offer that is more than a desk – it’s a community. A community filled with other startups and entrepreneurs who are at all different points along the way, ready to give advice or lend a hand.

Hurdles …
Creating awareness in the space that co-working is a real total solution for the entrepreneur. And continuing to build community and create value for our members.

Seed money …
100 percent self-funded. We had some desks and chairs lying around, and we had to pay bills.

Next phase …
With over 30 members, we are doubling our square footage and desk count in The eFactory. We also are adding additional event space so we can continue to provide value to the members of Originate and the startup and entrepreneurial community.

Greatest need …
More people to give co-working a chance. There is a whole segment of people who are plugging away in their home offices who would benefit greatly from the opportunities and network in a co-working space. Get out, smell the fresh air, meet new people.

Pivot …
Running a co-working space, it is easy to get hung up on lots of external stuff. And what we have seen is that people love or hate co-working based almost entirely on their level of involvement in the community. What that means for us is that events and culture are as much, if not more, important than desk size and chair comfort. We were able to come to this realization early because of the quality of our members.