Digital 52 2️⃣3️⃣ - On building an ecosystem around an agency, a coworking space, and a community platform: the story of Protein Studios.

Are you ready to make your way to London to discover how coworking can become a part of a company’s ecosystem?

Read the story of Protein Studios on page 234 of “Around The World in 250 Coworking Spaces”.

A simple question we’ve been exploring on different occasions over the last few years is, 'Who starts coworking spaces?' The obvious answer is people, sure. But what are those people’s backgrounds? Did they all come from the real estate world? Can coworking spaces be initiated by companies? Today’s story will help you build an answer. Who are we featuring? A London brand consultancy called Protein. While it started as an agency, its growth in size and clients has fueled the creation of an entire ecosystem of Creatives, leading them to launch their coworking space: Protein Studios. How does one go from operating an agency with offices in different countries to also operating an online community and a coworking space? You are about to find out.

➡️ A little refresher

Who’s behind the featured space?

Meet William Rowe, the Founder of Protein.

While Protein started as an agency, William launched, in 2013, Protein Studios, a coworking space in the heart of Shoreditch.

“Protein has spent the last 15 years building a diverse global community of curious minds, so creating a physical space was a natural step for us. We wanted to connect with our community in person and create a network for creative businesses to tap into under one roof.”

➡️ Key Figures

• Opening year: 2013
• Size when they started: 3,000 sqft (300 sqm)
• Size today: 13,000 sqft (1,300 sqm)

➡️ A little tour around Protein Studios

➡️ Behind-the-scenes

Things you didn't read in aw250cs