An office for a startup is an important element for the future development of an enterprise. In fact, the office is a kind of visiting card of any company, the face of the enterprise. Managers and staff of the company are usually located in such premises.
Startups themselves are an important sector of the national economy, which works even in today's difficult conditions. Ukrainian startups retain significant prospects for further development and continue to attract investors. National developers are constantly creating unique solutions, continuing to attract investors, and working to bring Ukraine closer to victory. In addition, a large number of projects from Ukrainian developers are successfully implemented on international platforms.
However, this segment was also affected by the war. Some companies were forced to stop their activities and development, and some were relocated to safer areas due to constant shelling and occupation of certain regions.
The future success of the company and its development directly depends on the choice of premises for the office. At the same time, such premises can be purchased or rented, and both options have advantages and disadvantages. It is also extremely important to properly organize the search for a suitable room.
Profile specialists are sure that in most cases, it is more expedient to rent this or that premises, and not to buy it. This is especially relevant in today's crisis conditions, when companies have limited budgets and, due to the dynamic situation, must maintain relative mobility. Exceptions are large-scale companies that are experienced players in the market, have significant revenues, and the ability to use significant funds. Small companies, especially those at the initial stage of development, can face problems due to the significant cost of premises. Therefore, a more appropriate option would be to search for a room for rent on your own, or with the help of specialized specialists and companies, or to use the services of modern business centers.
Modern office for a startup: advantages of renting, features
The procedure of renting an office has several advantages over the purchase of premises:
- absence of the need to attract significant funds, as in the case of the purchase of commercial real estate;
- availability of the possibility of prompt relocation in case of need, which is appropriate for companies that are developing;
- searching for an office for rent is a much faster and easier process;
- the opportunity to rent an office in a business center or co-working space, using the existing infrastructure.
An important factor for startups that are just beginning their activities on the market is the ability to quickly change their location. In today's conditions, such parameters are becoming even more relevant. In addition, at the initial stages of activity, it is quite possible to make mistakes in choosing the location, or the room and its technical features. In the case of purchased real estate, relocation processes may be delayed. At the same time, the termination of the lease is carried out quickly enough, and without significant financial costs for the tenants.
There are special trends for startups. At the initial stages of activity, when modern founders work out ideas and various prototypes, an office is not considered a profitable investment. In most cases, small startup teams work from home or on weekends, holding meetings 1-2 times a week in coffee shops or coworking spaces. Usually, startups move to a permanent office when there is free money for rent for at least six months.
One of the common business models among start-up companies is remote work with the possibility of visiting offices. Representatives of the sector believe that a place for meetings, communication and events is needed in any case. Despite the large number of advantages of remote activity, interaction between employees, communication is a necessary criterion for the existence of a modern company. Informal communication develops the team, allows you to come up with new ideas.
In addition, as business representatives note, issues of company activity are resolved faster and better in the office. Also, "onboarding" in offices is much faster and more efficient.
Office: what is it, how to choose the right premises?
When choosing premises for a company, it is necessary to pay attention to some important nuances:
- location — the issue of location is especially relevant for such organizations whose work involves interaction and communication with potential customers on their own territory. The best solution will be to choose a place in the central parts of the settlement, or with the availability of transport infrastructure, food sector enterprises close to the office for the convenience of employees;
- features of the competitive environment — you should not locate the office in business centers or locations where direct competitors already work;
- the general condition of the office premises — availability of repairs, lighting features, various amenities and necessary technical means;
- availability and current state of engineering communications;
- total cost of rent;
other criteria are the availability of a security service, garbage collection, heating and a list of other services.
It should be convenient to get to the office space for both staff and partners or clients. It is worth clarifying the availability of parking spaces, metro, stops of various public transport.
In some cases, it will be an advantage to rent an office next to other start-ups in related industries, or companies with experience in international markets. Such contacts will make it possible to establish cooperation, exchange experience, and even find potential collaborators for projects in the future. At the same time, it is necessary to assess competitive risks.
It is recommended to have room for future team expansion. Over the course of a few months or years, the team can grow significantly. It is necessary to predict such changes and choose a flexible office space. It is worth considering in advance how many personnel are needed as of now, and how many more specialists will need to be hired if the demand for the product grows.
It is necessary to pay attention to possible hidden costs. For this, you need to communicate with the lessor and find out possible potential costs. Among such expenses may be: compensation for utility services, ongoing repair of the premises, repair of machinery or equipment, or an increase in the cost of rent. It is necessary to plan the budget in advance, and to be sure that there will be enough funds after six months or a year of rent.
An equally important factor is the general atmosphere in the office. Design, modernity, availability of lighting are important criteria. The office should become a place that stimulates the activity of specialists, increases productivity, stimulates creativity, and generally has a positive impact on the work of the company. In addition, modern offices emphasize the status of the company during negotiations with clients and partners. There are many offers on the market for budgets of various scales.
Office premises: modern co-working spaces for startups
Another trend in the field of startups is the use of co-working spaces instead of their own offices. In such premises, the necessary technical equipment for work, furniture, and catering establishments have already been installed. In addition, there is no need to hire service personnel - plumbers, electricians, cleaners and other specialists.
Coworking spaces are used by people from various sectors of activity, which will allow startups at the initial stages of their activity to find contacts, potential partners and even customers for a future product. Quite often, in modern coworking spaces you can meet founders of various sectors, developers, marketing specialists and marketers.
The flexibility of space in coworking spaces is also an important factor. Depending on the inflow of investment funds, the speed of the company's growth, the number of employees also increases. Coworking allows you to quickly solve the issue of changes in the existing team. If the company is growing rapidly, the issue is resolved without difficulty.
Modern co-working spaces offer different rental options. From general open spaces to individual offices prepared for work. You can also rent equipped halls for conferences or negotiations.
However, due to the fact of growth, the most large-scale startups mostly switch to renting a separate office space.