Bridging the Gap Between Traditional Office Leasing and Flexible Work Environments!
In the world of business, new ideas drive change, and ambitious individuals push limits. Eugene Tavyev embodies this spirit. He’s the brains behind Spacepool, a young startup that’s changing how we think about workspaces.
Spacepool isn’t just a regular marketplace; it’s like a guide helping companies find flexible workspaces nearby. But it doesn’t stop there. It’s also a handy tool for companies and landlords who want to make the most of their spaces. That means they can save money by using spaces that might otherwise go unused.
This story shows how fresh ideas can make a real difference. Startups like Spacepool help companies adapt to a changing world. Come along as we explore Eugene’s journey—a story of passion and innovation driving change, shaping industries, and creating new opportunities.
Below are the highlights of the interview:
Can you tell us about your background and what led you to become a founder?
I started my career on the agency side of things before moving to the commercial property development world. My desire to make a meaningful impact and challenge the status quo inspired me to take the leap into entrepreneurship and establish my venture.
What inspired you to start your own company, and what is the mission or vision behind your company?
I was inspired to start my own company because I wanted to make office environments more accessible to the public. Back then, there were no user-friendly marketplaces available, only agencies with an online presence, but even they didn’t provide clear availability and pricing information. At Spacepool, our mission is to revolutionize how people discover and use shared spaces. We’re working towards a world where anyone can easily access unused or underutilized spaces for various needs like co-working, events, and creative projects. By bridging people with spaces, our goal is to encourage collaboration, creativity, and community growth. Our vision involves building a platform that not only optimizes space usage but also generates fresh opportunities and enriching experiences for individuals and businesses alike.
How did you identify the problem or need that your product/service solves, and can you provide an overview of your product/service and how it differentiates from others in the market?
Identifying the problem was a result of personal experience and observation. I noticed the struggle people faced in finding accessible and affordable office spaces. Traditional agencies had a digital presence, but the lack of transparent availability and pricing made the process frustrating.
This drove me to create Spacepool, a user-friendly platform that connects individuals and businesses with shared spaces. Our platform allows space owners to list their unused or underutilized spaces, while seekers can easily browse, book, and pay for these spaces online. What sets us apart is our focus on simplicity and transparency. We provide real-time availability and straightforward pricing, empowering users to make informed decisions effortlessly. Additionally, our emphasis on fostering collaboration and community differentiates us from others in the market. We’re not just about space; we’re about creating meaningful connections and opportunities in dynamic environments.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when starting your company, how did you overcome them, and how did you go about building your team and finding the right people to join your company?
Starting Spacepool came with its share of challenges. One major hurdle was breaking into a market that lacked a streamlined solution for shared spaces. Convincing space owners to list their properties on our platform required overcoming skepticism about a new approach. To tackle this, I focused on illustrating the value proposition—how Spacepool could boost its income while minimizing its efforts. Building a team was equally crucial. I sought individuals who shared our vision and were adaptable problem-solvers. Networking events, industry seminars, and online platforms proved helpful in identifying potential team members. Assessing their alignment with our mission and their expertise in relevant fields ensured we had a well-rounded team. Finding the right people also meant recognizing that cultural fit was paramount. Collaboration and innovation thrive in an environment where team members align with the company’s values and ethos. Regular team meetings, open communication, and a supportive work culture further solidified our team’s cohesiveness.
What strategies did you use to secure funding for your company, and what advice would you give to other founders seeking investment?
Securing funding was a dynamic journey that involved a mix of strategies. Initially, I utilized personal savings and support from family and friends to kickstart Spacepool. As we progressed, I explored angel investors and participated in pitch events to raise seed capital. Crafting a compelling pitch deck that highlighted our unique value proposition, market potential, and growth strategy was key to capturing investor interest. The path to securing funding can be as diverse as the entrepreneurs themselves. It’s like navigating a maze – you can anticipate twists and turns, but the experience will ultimately be your own.
How do you approach marketing and promoting your product/service to reach your target audience, and can you share any success stories or milestones that your company has achieved so far?
Our marketing approach is grounded in a two-pronged strategy: digital presence and community engagement. We leverage social media platforms, targeted online advertisements, and search engine optimization to enhance our visibility among our target audience. By utilizing data-driven insights, we’re able to tailor our messaging to resonate with potential users seeking shared spaces. In terms of success stories, we’re thrilled by the growing number of spaces listed on our platform, which signifies increasing adoption from both space owners and seekers.
What is your long-term vision for the company, what steps are you taking to achieve that vision, and how do you prioritize your time and stay focused as a founder?
Our long-term vision for Spacepool is to become the go-to global platform for anyone seeking shared spaces, transforming the way people access and utilize these environments. We envision a world where our platform seamlessly connects individuals, businesses, and communities with a vast array of spaces, fostering collaboration, creativity, and innovation on a global scale. Prioritizing time and maintaining focus as a founder can be a challenge, but I’ve found a few strategies effective. Setting clear goals and breaking them into smaller, actionable steps keeps me aligned with our company’s trajectory.
What are some important lessons you’ve learned along the way, what advice would you give to aspiring founders, and how do you foster innovation and creativity within your company?
Throughout my journey, I’ve gathered valuable lessons, and a pivotal one emerged when COVID hit. The pandemic forced us to adapt swiftly and creatively. We pivoted Spacepool into offering on-demand workspaces such as day passes and day offices. This adjustment was crucial as it addressed the immediate needs of remote workers and businesses seeking flexible solutions. Interestingly, before the pandemic, such on-demand options were virtually nonexistent in the market. To aspiring founders, I would offer a few pieces of advice:
- Embrace calculated risks
- Seek a supportive network
- Maintain persistence
Additionally, the lesson from our pivot is clear – flexibility is paramount. The ability to swiftly modify your approach based on changing circumstances can make or break a business. Fostering innovation and creativity within my company has taken on a new dimension post-COVID. Our experience during the pandemic highlighted the importance of being agile and responsive. We continue to prioritize cross-functional collaboration, empowering our team members to contribute fresh ideas. We also encourage exploring emerging technologies and trends that could shape the future of shared spaces. By integrating lessons from our pivot, we’re creating a culture that’s not only innovative but also adaptable to whatever challenges lie ahead.
What role do you believe technology plays in shaping the future of your industry, and how are you leveraging it in your company?
Technology is a pivotal force in shaping the future of the shared spaces industry. It’s revolutionizing how spaces are discovered, booked, and utilized. With the rise of digital platforms, individuals and businesses now have the convenience of accessing spaces that were previously underutilized or overlooked. Moreover, technology enables real-time availability updates, streamlined booking processes, and enhanced user experiences, which are crucial for driving adoption in this rapidly evolving landscape. At Spacepool, we’re deeply immersed in leveraging technology to transform the industry. Our platform integrates cutting-edge tools for space discovery, booking management, and secure online payments. We invest in data analytics to provide valuable insights to both space owners and seekers, enabling informed decisions.
Please give us a few testimonials from your clients and awards or recognition that accurately highlight your achievements in the corporate niche.
“Extremely efficient team, very responsive and helpful, and I had managed to confirm a last-minute office space for my team within 24 hours. We used this space over three days, and the staff was extremely friendly and helpful. The space was lovely, clean, and spacious.- Rosie A. – Director at Clinic-All Services”
“The platform was easy to use, and used the chat when I was unsure of anything – super quick and easy. – Eleanor, Operations Executive at Recruitment agency Vertical-Advantage
“Very good and easy-to-use platform for finding coworking places – everything was working fast and reliably. Definitely will be going back. – Patryk W., Freelancer”
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