Second But Elsewhere & CoWorking Mexico
I recently wrote about an idea for a SMS Taxi service in Mexico. After I discussed the post with a friend of mine he said that "actually, people at ESCP-EAP should come up with those kind of ideas all the time". And he's right. (Background: ESCP-EAP is a BSchool in Europe, they offer, inter aliae, a great three year-three country-three languages MSc program)
Given that you study business and get to know (at least three) vibrant cities in Europe, there should be plenty of opportunities to observe proven business models in one country and a lack of these products or services in another. Some random ideas I had: self-service video rentals in the UK, which I didn't see in Spain or a lunch salad bar, which I used to go to when I worked at Cognosis (recently they're popping up in Paris and Germany).
Another idea in this SBE (Second But Elsewhere, as mentioned here) category: A CoWorking space in Mexico City.
CoWorking is a "cafe-like community/collaboration space for developers, writers and independents". They basically offer different monthly subscription models (from one day to 5 days a week), an individual desk, wireless, access to kitchen facilities, the possibility to rent a meeting room and last but not least: the company of fellow workers.
There are about 100 cities covered in the U.S. and Canada alone (including initiatives to set one up). They offer at least one, often multiple spaces. And there are a couple of them further south in Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay as well. Why is it that in Mexico this idea hasn't gained a foothold yet? I definitely see an opportunity here (given the size of Mexico City and additionally the many visitors from the U.S., Europe and other countries to the city).
What do you think?
Images by:
Hillary_h (coworking logo) and NoNeck (coworking Brooklyn)
3 Comments:
I really like the idea of more co-working spaces that fit to the needs of current knowledge workers and creatives. In Germany there are also already different approaches to this concept.
It would be good if more technology and innovation centers would make a little space for more flexible office space with flexible contracts. As you said, why not rent a pretty office for a two week bootcamp? There should be demand.
Hi Benedikt!
I'm actually in the process of setting up a coworking space in Guadalajara jointly with a group of designers and developers there.
Should be up and running by September!
You ought to come down and say hi sometime! :-)
Mike
Hi Mike,
great that you're starting a CoWorking space in Guadalajara, I really hope it'll work out for you!
Unfortunately I'll be leaving Mexico in a couple of weeks, travelling the south of your country, Belize and Guatemala until then, and won't have time to drop by but I hope to have another chance when I come back!
Good luck,
Ben
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