While others are putting all their eggs in the metaverse basket, these startups are betting on real-world, in-person experiences and community building.
Jamie Snedden founded Groundfloor in 2021 after moving to S.F. Originally from the U.K., Snedden moved here after his wife's job required them to relocate.
"I realized that it didn't help me because my work setup was worse. I didn't have my screens and everything that I need at home, and I still wasn't talking to anyone," Snedden told me."What I was feeling was actually isolation."Each club will have around 3,000 to 4,000 square feet and have slightly different amenities depending on the actual space.
"We're not looking for huge shiny buildings in Grade A offices downtown," Snedden said. Rather, he's looking for former retail spaces that are sitting empty."We're able to tap into these assets that really fly under the radar and are not interesting to many of our competitors or startup investors, at least, to the point where many of the landlords that we talk to are up for funding the buildout themselves just to open doors.
And they even offer a work exchange program on a case-by-case basis for people who can't afford the full cost of membership. In exchange for reduced fees, members can offer services like hosting classes or events. In fact, all members are encouraged to bring their skills and interests to the community.Investors apparently see potential in the business model, too. Groundfloor has raised $2 million in seed funding from investors 2048 Ventures, Vitalize, Sterling Road and Gaingles.