The growing startup scene in and around D.C. gives a big boost to connected industries that support new up-and-coming businesses. Co-working spaces are one of the most obviously helpful and increasingly omnipresent examples. The D.C. area is full of places for entrepreneurs and new companies to set up shop. We decided to take a look at a few of the notable co-working spaces in the area for comparison in terms of costs and amenities. We decided to leave out the accelerators and incubators that have more limited definitions of who is allowed to join and focus on the ones that are universally open (with one partial exception). Check them out below.
Area Locations: 4
Cost: $45 per month for common areas, up to $400 per month for desks, up to $625 per month for offices
WeWork is something of a juggernaut nationally, with offices all over the country. It has a plethora of offices in New York City, dominating the scene there. For whatever reason, it's a less overwhelming presence in D.C., at least for now. It hosts a variety of companies, not just tech ones, and is used sometimes as a temporary space by companies moving from one office to another while they sort out a final destination. It offers private spaces, beverages (including beer on tap) and basic office amenities in the common areas, with the private offices suitable for companies that need them. It tends to pick good spots for happy hour events too, and frequently tenants host events.
Area Locations: 9
Costs: $59-$249 per month depending on hours
Cove is very much the casual co-working space. It offers the usual shared space with Internet access along with coffee, reservable conference rooms and so on, but with the option of paying for just a handful of hours and then an hourly rate after that. You also have the option of buying unlimited time at a monthly rate. Cove caters to a mix of small startups, independent contractors and students looking for somewhere to study that isn't either where they live or just a coffee shop. The ninth location, in Chinatown, hasn't opened yet, but will be soon.
Area Locations: 1
Cost: $89-429
Hera Hub is more specialized than others on the list in that it is specifically for women entrepreneurs and freelancers, those who might instead be working from their homes. It offers meeting and working space and encourages collaboration among members in a way different from other co-working spaces or from accelerators and incubators. Its other locations are all in California, with just the one in D.C., and its prices are dependent on what use and amenities the members are paying for.
Area Locations: 1
Cost: Day passes cost $30, part-time membership is $275 a month and full-time membership is $400 a month
PunchRock, located in Adams Morgan, is a co-working space aimed specifically at social entrepreneurs and those involved in social causes. In addition to office space it also offers meeting rooms for additional rental costs. It encourages members to collaborate on shared goals and hosts events including workshops and classes on technical and business subjects for its members.
Area Locations: 1
Cost: $30 for daily up to $550 per month for all of the amenities available and best location
Canvas, which was acquired by design agency HZDG earlier this year, offers wide open space in its office south of Dupont Circle. It is completely open apart from conference rooms as part of a philosophy of encouraging creativity and collaboration. Members are encouraged to collaborate and the space is used for meet-ups, lectures and even art galleries.
Area Locations: 6
Cost: Open desks start at $300 per month and office space starts at $900 per month
UberOffices offers a combination of open spaces and private offices with basic office amenities and locations in several central areas. It has a stocked kitchen (including beer) and relaxation rooms with massage chairs. It also hosts regular networking events as well as events arranged by different companies and organizations.
