Ask HN: Startup idea – disconnected, physical space charged by hour • Hacker News Board

Re: Ask HN: Startup idea – disconnected, physical space charged by hour

#21

Post by khazhoux » Wed, Aug 17, 2022, 7:54 AM UTC

Blunt feedback:

This isn't a startup. You're looking at the intersection of people who:

* Need to get away from distractions.

* Lack self-control to reduce distractions themselves.

* ...but do have discipline to check in regularly to this distraction-detox zone.

* Have something they can do to fill up time that doesn't require connectivity. No google docs, and no streaming music.

* Are not claustrophobic.

* Will visit regularly.

* Will pay.

Re: Ask HN: Startup idea – disconnected, physical space charged by hour

#22

Post by [deleted] » Wed, Aug 17, 2022, 7:57 AM UTC

[deleted]

Re: Ask HN: Startup idea – disconnected, physical space charged by hour

#23

Post by peyton » Wed, Aug 17, 2022, 8:00 AM UTC

khazhoux wrote: post #21

Blunt feedback: This isn't a startup. You're looking at the intersection of people who: * Need to get away from distractions. * Lack self-control to reduce distractions themselves. * ...but do have discipline to check in regularly to this distraction-detox zone. * Have something they can do to fill up time that doesn't require connectivity. No google docs, and no streaming music. * Are not claustrophobic. * Will visi…

Yeah it needs to get you laid or paid. I’d make it more of a social thing somehow and do a proof of concept ASAP. Otherwise you’re competing with walking out the door without a phone. Which is, like, hmm… maybe?

Re: Ask HN: Startup idea – disconnected, physical space charged by hour

#24

Post by filipcte » Wed, Aug 17, 2022, 8:02 AM UTC

NookaSpace started doing this in Europe, about 2 years ago. They do offer 4g/5g internet though. https://nookaspace.com

Re: Ask HN: Startup idea – disconnected, physical space charged by hour

#25

Post by a_imho » Wed, Aug 17, 2022, 8:03 AM UTC

On a related note, what are some of the best places/ways to discuss startup ideas or even get collaborators?

Re: Ask HN: Startup idea – disconnected, physical space charged by hour

#26

Post by spoonjim » Wed, Aug 17, 2022, 8:03 AM UTC

Anything that requires physical space is expensive to deliver. So you need to have a high perceived value. My guess is no devices is not enough. It would have to be like no devices + sauna or no devices + massage or no devices + luxurious bathtub etc.

Re: Ask HN: Startup idea – disconnected, physical space charged by hour

#27

Post by bluelightning2k » Wed, Aug 17, 2022, 8:03 AM UTC

A startup is a company designed to scale. Generally through some leveraged mechanism e.g. software, network or marketplace where the economics work better at scale.

What you are describing (putting aside the issue of whether this is appealing) is a small business not a startup.

On the plus side of that equation it's relatively easy to start and inexpensive to try.

Re: Ask HN: Startup idea – disconnected, physical space charged by hour

#28

Post by anonymoushn » Wed, Aug 17, 2022, 8:05 AM UTC

We have manga cafes around here. I don't think the margins and staffing requirements suit the "startup" business model, but if you were Adam Neumann then you could still raise $350bn for this.

Re: Ask HN: Startup idea – disconnected, physical space charged by hour

#29

Post by Raed667 » Wed, Aug 17, 2022, 8:06 AM UTC

So you're competing with free public libraries? Most in my city have study booths that have a whiteboard, a table and a couple of chairs, and are isolated form the main walkways.

Re: Ask HN: Startup idea – disconnected, physical space charged by hour

#30

Post by Scarblac » Wed, Aug 17, 2022, 8:07 AM UTC

Europe is full of empty churches that would make nice places to put a few desks in, with a basket at the door to leave phones in. But it's not going to make money.