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Loosecubes is shutting down

blog.loosecubes.com

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Re: Loosecubes is shutting down

#3
post #2

What a shame... I really loved their service. Also, quite surprising given they raised a pretty big Series A just a few months ago. http://techcrunch.com/2012/06/05/loosecubes-series-a/

I agree that it’s surprising. I hope we get a postmortem; I’d like to know why they are closing the doors. Lack of traction (seems like they had some though)? Trouble monetizing?

Re: Loosecubes is shutting down

#4
So sad to hear this. Everyone should take a spin through their product and marketing screens before they close up shop, the design is a real work of art.

I had some time to sit down with Campbell a few times when she was just launching the company - so much positive energy and a real dedication to community building

Sadly I think it may have just been a little ahead of its time...

Re: Loosecubes is shutting down

#5
Disappointing! I just signed up a few weeks ago and have happily used Loosecubes several times to find some great coworking spaces. They introduced me to the good folks at PARISOMA in SF and Buro in Miami.

So sorry to hear about this. Of course, I didn't pay them anything for those intros (and I would have, btw) but I imagine that in general has something to do with their decision to close up shop.

I'd be interested to learn a few things: 1. What was the story behind their (hoped?) business model, and why did they decide to close the doors? 2. I wonder if someone will pick up the mantle where they left off -- perhaps not at the same scale -- but there is absolutely a need for this sort of coworking directory.

Perhaps a side-project-in-waiting for someone...?

Re: Loosecubes is shutting down

#7
Sorry to hear this, but in my experience, coworking spaces are able to manage their own marketing (web) and payment (square) systems, rendering the LC discovery/reservation/transaction model a tenuous one.

On top of that, I think there's just less demand for short-term, drop-in work space than LC seems to be predicated upon.

I'm sure LC learned a ton of valuable lessons and I hope they'll share.

Re: Loosecubes is shutting down

#8
post #2

What a shame... I really loved their service. Also, quite surprising given they raised a pretty big Series A just a few months ago. http://techcrunch.com/2012/06/05/loosecubes-series-a/

I agree that it’s surprising. I hope we get a postmortem; I’d like to know why they are closing the doors. Lack of traction (seems like they had some though)? Trouble monetizing?

Yeah, a "why" is definitely lacking. They must have had either a monetization plan or an aggressive growth plan when they raised that money, and 5 months is a short time to prove either.

Could be internal struggles or personal reasons.

Re: Loosecubes is shutting down

#10
post #7

Sorry to hear this, but in my experience, coworking spaces are able to manage their own marketing (web) and payment (square) systems, rendering the LC discovery/reservation/transaction model a tenuous one. On top of that, I think there's just less demand for short-term, drop-in work space than LC seems to be predicated upon. I'm sure LC learned a ton of valuable lessons and I hope they'll share.

I always imagined that LC was looking to cater to businesses that happen to have a few spare desks or offices, but don't want to open a side business having to manage a coworking space; much like AirBNB allows me to rent out my couch without having to put up a neon SuperMotel9 sign in my window.
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