Republikken: Over 17 Years of Purpose-Driven Growth in Coworking
The journey that awaits will reveal how growth can amplify impact and strengthen community bonds when rooted in clear values and a deep understanding of local needs.
As coworking matures into a defining feature of modern urban landscapes, the question of growth continues to challenge the industry’s pioneers. Beyond the metrics of square footage or member numbers, true growth lies in amplifying a brand’s purpose, deepening community engagement, and creating meaningful impact.
The experiences of Workshop17 in South Africa and Republikken in Denmark offer a glimpse into how coworking operators can balance ambition with authenticity, navigating the complexities of scaling while preserving their identity.
The journeys of these two coworking brands highlight contrasting yet complementary approaches to growth. Workshop17 embraced partnerships and asset-light models to extend its footprint across multiple locations, emphasizing operational agility and ecosystem integration. Republikken, in contrast, is staying deeply embedded in Copenhagen’s creative fabric, growing in the same building. Both demonstrate that growth isn’t about chasing size—it’s about cultivating spaces that resonate with their communities, sparking innovation, and fostering collaboration.
This exploration connects the dots between these two approaches, offering a framework for coworking operators to grow with intention. Whether it’s embracing a flexible business model, diversifying services, or creating a unified brand narrative, Workshop17, and Republikken show that thoughtful scaling can transform coworking spaces into much more than places to work from.
➡ Growth in Coworking Spaces, What We Learned So Far
➡ 5 Key Insights into Growth at Republikken
➡ Coworking Case Study: An In-Depth Conversation with Ivan Lopez Garrido, General Manager of Republikken
Growth in Coworking Spaces, What We Learned So Far
Drawing from Workshop17’s journey, this section explores actionable insights into how coworking operators can expand thoughtfully, balancing operational agility with deeper connections to their communities. From mission-driven decision-making to local ecosystem integration, discover what it takes to grow not just in size, but in significance.
