Since its inception over a decade ago, coworking software has adapted to meet the changing needs of coworking operators and their members. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key moments in its evolution.
Brad Neuberg is credited with founding the coworking movement (as we know it today) in 2005, when he decided to open a collaborative workspace.
‘...I decided to create a new kind of space to support the community and structure that I hungered for and gave it a new name: coworking.’ – Brad Neuberg
Fast-forward to the early 2010s, and the coworking scene was gaining traction. What started out as a very niche part of the real estate sector was becoming increasingly popular with startups – and established businesses were taking notice too. It was around this time that software developers identified a gap in the market.
How coworking software started
Coworking operators found themselves in need of software designed specifically for them; an all-in-one tool that would manage memberships, bookings, billing, events – and all the other aspects associated with running a shared workspace. Until this point, they’d had to ‘make do’ with spreadsheets to keep track of everything.
While coworking was still a niche at this point (and the spaces themselves tended to be smaller than they are today), some operators were starting to expand. These spaces required a software solution that would facilitate seamless workspace management across multiple locations.
Fortunately, coworking software came along just in time to save the growing sector from disorganisation and spreadsheet nightmares!
Nexudus was one of the early pioneers of coworking software. In 2012, Nexudus’ founders, Adrian and Carlos began developing what was then known as ‘Nexudus Spaces’. Prior to this, a mutual friend had opened a shared workspace in the south of Spain, and the pair immediately fell in love with the concept of coworking.
Coworking space software platforms like Nexudus evolved alongside the coworking movement itself, acquiring new and improved functionalities over time. The billing and booking functionalities were introduced early on in the software’s journey, while the data analytics and reporting side of things emerged much later on.
Integrations have played an important role in coworking software from the beginning. If Nexudus doesn’t have a specific coworking space management functionality, it will seamlessly integrate with another provider that does. That’s why we integrate with accounting software (like Xero and Quickbooks), numerous building access control systems, and a range of other useful and relevant digital platforms.
Our software has two main aspects. The first centres on the operational side, allowing the people who run coworking spaces to do so smoothly – whether it's organising people or workflows. Then there’s the Member’s Portal, where members can pay their invoices, book resources and interact with the community.
A coworking software functionality timeline
Coworking software has undergone a lot of change and development since its inception in the early 2010s. There are a handful of companies who offer coworking software that caters to the needs of the shared work environment. Let’s take a quick look at some key coworking software milestones we’ve witnessed:
Initially, coworking software systems provided basic workspace management functionalities, including desk and meeting room booking, and event management.
This meant coworking managers could spend less time on the administrative side of memberships and more time coming up with ideas to attract new members. Coworking was still a new-ish concept at this point, so coworking spaces had to work hard to educate the public and organisations about its features and benefits.
As coworking spaces proved themselves viable and became more established, novel coworking software functionalities emerged. New and exciting integrations enabled coworking spaces to link with their chosen payment processors and financial systems, making payments more transparent for both members and operators.
With the operational groundwork in place, coworking spaces could focus more intently on the member experience. Attracting new members is one thing, but retaining them requires long-term planning and the technology to support it.
Coworking software providers recognised this, and so developed functionalities to support coworking operators in their quest for happy customers. Mobile apps for members and new communication functionalities in member portals helped coworking spaces meet the needs of users in an increasingly hybridised workplace.
When it came to coworking software, customisation was key.
The best coworking software systems recognised the need for personalisation and enabled operators to support different membership models, including options for hot desking, private offices and virtual offices. Of course, customisation is still just as important now as it was a few years ago – as is flexibility.
Internet of Things (IoT) tech has numerous uses, from reducing waste to maximising the efficient use of energy. By the 2020s, a growing number of coworking spaces were already using IoT to track the utilisation of resources, using data-informed insights to reconfigure their layouts in order to generate more revenue.
Coworking software solutions could now begin leveraging data to provide coworking operators with insights into a range of variables. Nexudus’ data-powered Trends & Insights functionality, for instance, allows operators to project booking demand and track how each resource or workspace is performing.
These data-driven developments paved the way for a new era of workspace optimisation and dynamic decision-making.
Where coworking software is heading
In the short-term (at least), coworking software will continue to sharpen its focus on creating a seamless and user-friendly experience; an intuitive and tailored workplace journey for each individual who accesses a smart coworking space.
Coworking spaces will also continue to integrate with smart building technology with the aim of saving money and reducing their carbon footprint. Operators who use Nexudus Sensors can (or will soon be able to) adjust aspects such as heating, lighting and air quality in their space, in response to their real-time occupancy data.
Here’s how it works:
While the future looks exciting for coworking software (check out what’s in store for Nexudus users this year), there will always be challenges to keep in mind. Not least of all, coworking software suppliers must ensure that privacy and cybersecurity safeguards are robust in our hyper-personalised age. It’s also important to ensure equitable access to these new and emerging technologies. This is where education and training initiatives – like Nexudus Academy – play such a crucial role.
At Nexudus, we’re passionate about creating fully customisable, easy-to-integrate software that manages your entire space - from reception to rooftop. For over 11 years, our award-winning tech has helped workspace owners and operators be more efficient, provide members with an unforgettable experience and gather advanced analytics for better decision-making. Discover how we can help you today.
Explore 5 emerging trends shaping female-focused coworking spaces in 2024, from wellness amenities to DEI initiatives, empowering women entrepreneurs and supporting inclusive communities.
We have come to a place in the world, where everything has a price, literally everything. So when it comes to great offers that are free, the right thing to do would be to grab the offers at all cost! At Nexudus we care deeply about our customers, which is why we have engineered the best white-label cost-effective solution platform because we understand that you shouldn’t have to break the bank to run an effective and successful business.
Celebrate International Coworking Day on 9th August 2024, with these 10 engaging ideas! From open days and free passes to wellness activities and community lunches, discover how coworking spaces worldwide mark this special day. Join the global coworking movement and enhance connections, collaboration, and community spirit.
Discover the top 10 innovative coworking spaces around the world that redefine creativity and productivity. From Milan to Bali, explore unique workspaces that inspire. Happy coworking!
In our latest blog, we dissect the pivotal coworking trends for 2024, from the rise of independent coworking spaces to the integration of advanced technology, illustrating how these developments are reshaping the landscape of flexible workspaces and highlighting Nexudus' role in this dynamic evolution.
Our latest blog offers a deep dive into the nuances of membership plans, featuring insights from coworking expert Marc Navarro. Learn from real-life examples and expert advice to master the delicate balance of pricing.
In a world where diversity and inclusion are not just ideals but necessities, our new blog delves deep into the essence of creating accessible workspaces for everyone.
Read our blog for an insightful exploration into a pivotal moment in coworking history to find out more about the tipping point, a concept introduced nearly 24 years ago is now defining the coworking industry's future, set to reach its peak in 2024.
The companies in this list started small but dreamed big. They didn’t begin in corporate skyscrapers, but rather in coworking spaces! Keep reading to find out which globally recognised brands are the product of coworking spaces, you may be surprised to find some of the names in this list 👇🏽
Around The World In 250 Coworking Spaces is a unique book project about coworking, community & design that explores the wide-ranging stories of coworking spaces and coworkers around the globe. Unifying space managers, software providers interior designers and so much more, the book details the authors' travels into a collection of their personal journey 'through the new world of coworking.'