Regenerator’s Dilemma unpacks disruptive trends and the innovators shaping our neighborhoods and cities. Today we’re looking into the Startup Campus model and the impact it can have on a local economy.
Here’s what I’ll cover:
Startup lingo gets confusing. A breakdown of terms and where the Startup Campus sits.
Four key pillars to the model, with variations from location to location.
Innovation-led impact. Economic, social, and political.
Lost Between Definitions
It’s easy to get lost in tech industry buzzwords. Let me introduce one of Europe’s newest – the Startup Campus. What exactly is it? A concept far larger than coworking, but not quite fitting what researchers dub an 'innovation district.' Not your standard incubator either, this concept is difficult to place a label on.
It’s a term lost between definitions. And it gets murkier too.
A historical overview highlighting the rapid development of startup and innovation campuses.
What I call the Startup Campus, others call an Innovation Campus. Or Innovation Hub, Innovation Centre, Tech Hub, and more. Yep, I know – it’s confusing.
The difference? For ease of argument, I’ll use the term Startup Campus. And I’ll get onto why.
First, let’s unpack it.
Beyond their massive scale, these brick-and-mortar initiatives have one thing in common. They're grassroots, born from the startup scenes of Europe. Sometimes supported by government, sometimes created in spite of. The secret ingredient? They’re led by the community, creating a ‘for us, by us’ vibe. And when executed correctly, this becomes a compelling USP.
You see, if these spaces are meant to be innovative, they should be first and foremost about startups. Shouldn’t they?
So let’s call it like it is for today.
This is the Startup Campus Model.
Startup campuses are unique real estate plays serving innovators and high-growth startups. Think of them as communities with bricks around them. They’re innovative places producing economic (and often social) benefits for the neighborhoods and cities that host them. Consultants call this the ‘physical infrastructure’ of an innovation hub.
Working in this space for almost a decade, I can tell you there’s no blueprint to execute the concept. No one’s cracked this. It varies from location to location. But after looking across the continent, I’ve identified four central pillars to the model:
Physical Space: spaces designed for startups of different growth stages, with corresponding rental contracts. This means a mix of desks, private suites, and large office rentals. Here, the distinction from a standard office is the curation of the end user. And moving beyond desk rental is an important evolution beyond coworking.
Connection: events, programs, tours, activities, and other formats. Operational models vary, but Startup Campuses employ a team to execute activities that connect people, and bring a building to life. Content leans towards startups and tech. Alternatively, culture, music, and lifestyle formats can prevail. Or even a mix. Early, strategic architectural interventions can further enhance connection.
Openness: Although focused on a specific community, the model seeks to ‘open up’ innovation to those on the periphery. This takes form in the operational design of programs, company curation, or collaboration with academia, government, and other third parties. Going one step further, the spatial design of a location can enhance openness.
Diverse Revenue Streams: rent arbitrage, corporate sponsorships, events, startup programs and accelerators, and/or management fees. Different locations rely on different revenue streams, and vary their business models catering to their strengths. But for those who don’t get their real estate business in check, maintaining and scaling operations becomes a hamster wheel.
The elements that make a campus appealing and functional.
Innovation-led Impact. Why it Matters
While in some ecosystems the 'geography of innovation' has evolved organically over decades, in Europe many locations benefit from expediting this process. I’ve heard locals explain, “…why wait for a Sand Hill Road if we can create our own version of it?”
When supercharging this process, the impact can be enormous. Research proves that startup-led innovation creates impact far beyond the tech community. This includes significant economic impact, including job growth, venture capital raised, and (ultimately) gross value added to a local economy. Recent examples from Paris and Helsinki are compelling. And there are more.
More importantly, the Startup Campus can serve as a symbol, allowing stakeholders on the fringes of an ecosystem to gain a better understanding of what the startup world entails, and engage with it. For me, this is the model’s most exciting feature. Campus operators become key links building bridges – for academia, corporates, government, and others – into the startup ecosystem. And this extends further to neighborhood residents.
This point is real, and it's serious.
Speaking from experience, our team has welcomed countless Prime Ministers, EU Commissioners, Ministers, and other delegations to our campuses over the years. Check the social media accounts of others, and you’ll see the same. Celebrities too. The ability for ‘outsiders’ to visit different stage startups (all under one roof, in under an hour) makes an ecosystem so much more tangible. And yes, it’s the type of ‘startup tourism’ that many despise. But it’s provided measurable results.
So I hope I've started to demystify buzzy tech world definitions, and dive a bit deeper into the Startup Campus model. Soon, we’ll look deeper into some case studies from around Europe.
But let's leave it at that for now.
This is the Startup Campus. A model made with <3 from Europe.
Stay tuned for more.
[This article was originally published as a part of the Regenerator's Dilemma series.]
Regenerator’s Dilemma unpacks disruptive trends and the innovators shaping our neighborhoods and cities. Today we’re looking into the Startup Campus model and the impact it can have on a local economy.
Here’s what I’ll cover:
Startup lingo gets confusing. A breakdown of terms and where the Startup Campus sits.
Four key pillars to the model, with variations from location to location.
Innovation-led impact. Economic, social, and political.
Lost Between Definitions
It’s easy to get lost in tech industry buzzwords. Let me introduce one of Europe’s newest – the Startup Campus. What exactly is it? A concept far larger than coworking, but not quite fitting what researchers dub an 'innovation district.' Not your standard incubator either, this concept is difficult to place a label on.
It’s a term lost between definitions. And it gets murkier too.
A historical overview highlighting the rapid development of startup and innovation campuses.
What I call the Startup Campus, others call an Innovation Campus. Or Innovation Hub, Innovation Centre, Tech Hub, and more. Yep, I know – it’s confusing.
The difference? For ease of argument, I’ll use the term Startup Campus. And I’ll get onto why.
First, let’s unpack it.
Beyond their massive scale, these brick-and-mortar initiatives have one thing in common. They're grassroots, born from the startup scenes of Europe. Sometimes supported by government, sometimes created in spite of. The secret ingredient? They’re led by the community, creating a ‘for us, by us’ vibe. And when executed correctly, this becomes a compelling USP.
You see, if these spaces are meant to be innovative, they should be first and foremost about startups. Shouldn’t they?
So let’s call it like it is for today.
This is the Startup Campus Model.
Startup campuses are unique real estate plays serving innovators and high-growth startups. Think of them as communities with bricks around them. They’re innovative places producing economic (and often social) benefits for the neighborhoods and cities that host them. Consultants call this the ‘physical infrastructure’ of an innovation hub.
Working in this space for almost a decade, I can tell you there’s no blueprint to execute the concept. No one’s cracked this. It varies from location to location. But after looking across the continent, I’ve identified four central pillars to the model:
Physical Space: spaces designed for startups of different growth stages, with corresponding rental contracts. This means a mix of desks, private suites, and large office rentals. Here, the distinction from a standard office is the curation of the end user. And moving beyond desk rental is an important evolution beyond coworking.
Connection: events, programs, tours, activities, and other formats. Operational models vary, but Startup Campuses employ a team to execute activities that connect people, and bring a building to life. Content leans towards startups and tech. Alternatively, culture, music, and lifestyle formats can prevail. Or even a mix. Early, strategic architectural interventions can further enhance connection.
Openness: Although focused on a specific community, the model seeks to ‘open up’ innovation to those on the periphery. This takes form in the operational design of programs, company curation, or collaboration with academia, government, and other third parties. Going one step further, the spatial design of a location can enhance openness.
Diverse Revenue Streams: rent arbitrage, corporate sponsorships, events, startup programs and accelerators, and/or management fees. Different locations rely on different revenue streams, and vary their business models catering to their strengths. But for those who don’t get their real estate business in check, maintaining and scaling operations becomes a hamster wheel.
The elements that make a campus appealing and functional.
Innovation-led Impact. Why it Matters
While in some ecosystems the 'geography of innovation' has evolved organically over decades, in Europe many locations benefit from expediting this process. I’ve heard locals explain, “…why wait for a Sand Hill Road if we can create our own version of it?”
When supercharging this process, the impact can be enormous. Research proves that startup-led innovation creates impact far beyond the tech community. This includes significant economic impact, including job growth, venture capital raised, and (ultimately) gross value added to a local economy. Recent examples from Paris and Helsinki are compelling. And there are more.
More importantly, the Startup Campus can serve as a symbol, allowing stakeholders on the fringes of an ecosystem to gain a better understanding of what the startup world entails, and engage with it. For me, this is the model’s most exciting feature. Campus operators become key links building bridges – for academia, corporates, government, and others – into the startup ecosystem. And this extends further to neighborhood residents.
This point is real, and it's serious.
Speaking from experience, our team has welcomed countless Prime Ministers, EU Commissioners, Ministers, and other delegations to our campuses over the years. Check the social media accounts of others, and you’ll see the same. Celebrities too. The ability for ‘outsiders’ to visit different stage startups (all under one roof, in under an hour) makes an ecosystem so much more tangible. And yes, it’s the type of ‘startup tourism’ that many despise. But it’s provided measurable results.
So I hope I've started to demystify buzzy tech world definitions, and dive a bit deeper into the Startup Campus model. Soon, we’ll look deeper into some case studies from around Europe.
But let's leave it at that for now.
This is the Startup Campus. A model made with <3 from Europe.
Stay tuned for more.
[This article was originally published as a part of the Regenerator's Dilemma series.]
Regenerator’s Dilemma unpacks disruptive trends and the innovators shaping our neighborhoods and cities. Today we’re looking into the Startup Campus model and the impact it can have on a local economy.
Here’s what I’ll cover:
Startup lingo gets confusing. A breakdown of terms and where the Startup Campus sits.
Four key pillars to the model, with variations from location to location.
Innovation-led impact. Economic, social, and political.
Lost Between Definitions
It’s easy to get lost in tech industry buzzwords. Let me introduce one of Europe’s newest – the Startup Campus. What exactly is it? A concept far larger than coworking, but not quite fitting what researchers dub an 'innovation district.' Not your standard incubator either, this concept is difficult to place a label on.
It’s a term lost between definitions. And it gets murkier too.
A historical overview highlighting the rapid development of startup and innovation campuses.
What I call the Startup Campus, others call an Innovation Campus. Or Innovation Hub, Innovation Centre, Tech Hub, and more. Yep, I know – it’s confusing.
The difference? For ease of argument, I’ll use the term Startup Campus. And I’ll get onto why.
First, let’s unpack it.
Beyond their massive scale, these brick-and-mortar initiatives have one thing in common. They're grassroots, born from the startup scenes of Europe. Sometimes supported by government, sometimes created in spite of. The secret ingredient? They’re led by the community, creating a ‘for us, by us’ vibe. And when executed correctly, this becomes a compelling USP.
You see, if these spaces are meant to be innovative, they should be first and foremost about startups. Shouldn’t they?
So let’s call it like it is for today.
This is the Startup Campus Model.
Startup campuses are unique real estate plays serving innovators and high-growth startups. Think of them as communities with bricks around them. They’re innovative places producing economic (and often social) benefits for the neighborhoods and cities that host them. Consultants call this the ‘physical infrastructure’ of an innovation hub.
Working in this space for almost a decade, I can tell you there’s no blueprint to execute the concept. No one’s cracked this. It varies from location to location. But after looking across the continent, I’ve identified four central pillars to the model:
Physical Space: spaces designed for startups of different growth stages, with corresponding rental contracts. This means a mix of desks, private suites, and large office rentals. Here, the distinction from a standard office is the curation of the end user. And moving beyond desk rental is an important evolution beyond coworking.
Connection: events, programs, tours, activities, and other formats. Operational models vary, but Startup Campuses employ a team to execute activities that connect people, and bring a building to life. Content leans towards startups and tech. Alternatively, culture, music, and lifestyle formats can prevail. Or even a mix. Early, strategic architectural interventions can further enhance connection.
Openness: Although focused on a specific community, the model seeks to ‘open up’ innovation to those on the periphery. This takes form in the operational design of programs, company curation, or collaboration with academia, government, and other third parties. Going one step further, the spatial design of a location can enhance openness.
Diverse Revenue Streams: rent arbitrage, corporate sponsorships, events, startup programs and accelerators, and/or management fees. Different locations rely on different revenue streams, and vary their business models catering to their strengths. But for those who don’t get their real estate business in check, maintaining and scaling operations becomes a hamster wheel.
The elements that make a campus appealing and functional.
Innovation-led Impact. Why it Matters
While in some ecosystems the 'geography of innovation' has evolved organically over decades, in Europe many locations benefit from expediting this process. I’ve heard locals explain, “…why wait for a Sand Hill Road if we can create our own version of it?”
When supercharging this process, the impact can be enormous. Research proves that startup-led innovation creates impact far beyond the tech community. This includes significant economic impact, including job growth, venture capital raised, and (ultimately) gross value added to a local economy. Recent examples from Paris and Helsinki are compelling. And there are more.
More importantly, the Startup Campus can serve as a symbol, allowing stakeholders on the fringes of an ecosystem to gain a better understanding of what the startup world entails, and engage with it. For me, this is the model’s most exciting feature. Campus operators become key links building bridges – for academia, corporates, government, and others – into the startup ecosystem. And this extends further to neighborhood residents.
This point is real, and it's serious.
Speaking from experience, our team has welcomed countless Prime Ministers, EU Commissioners, Ministers, and other delegations to our campuses over the years. Check the social media accounts of others, and you’ll see the same. Celebrities too. The ability for ‘outsiders’ to visit different stage startups (all under one roof, in under an hour) makes an ecosystem so much more tangible. And yes, it’s the type of ‘startup tourism’ that many despise. But it’s provided measurable results.
So I hope I've started to demystify buzzy tech world definitions, and dive a bit deeper into the Startup Campus model. Soon, we’ll look deeper into some case studies from around Europe.
But let's leave it at that for now.
This is the Startup Campus. A model made with <3 from Europe.
Stay tuned for more.
[This article was originally published as a part of the Regenerator's Dilemma series.]
Regenerator’s Dilemma unpacks disruptive trends and the innovators shaping our neighborhoods and cities. Today we’re looking into the Startup Campus model and the impact it can have on a local economy.
Here’s what I’ll cover:
Startup lingo gets confusing. A breakdown of terms and where the Startup Campus sits.
Four key pillars to the model, with variations from location to location.
Innovation-led impact. Economic, social, and political.
Regenerator’s Dilemma unpacks disruptive trends and the innovators shaping our neighborhoods and cities. Today we’re looking into the Startup Campus model and the impact it can have on a local economy.
Here’s what I’ll cover:
Startup lingo gets confusing. A breakdown of terms and where the Startup Campus sits.
Four key pillars to the model, with variations from location to location.
Innovation-led impact. Economic, social, and political.
Lost Between Definitions
It’s easy to get lost in tech industry buzzwords. Let me introduce one of Europe’s newest – the Startup Campus. What exactly is it? A concept far larger than coworking, but not quite fitting what researchers dub an 'innovation district.' Not your standard incubator either, this concept is difficult to place a label on.
It’s a term lost between definitions. And it gets murkier too.
A historical overview highlighting the rapid development of startup and innovation campuses.
What I call the Startup Campus, others call an Innovation Campus. Or Innovation Hub, Innovation Centre, Tech Hub, and more. Yep, I know – it’s confusing.
The difference? For ease of argument, I’ll use the term Startup Campus. And I’ll get onto why.
First, let’s unpack it.
Beyond their massive scale, these brick-and-mortar initiatives have one thing in common. They're grassroots, born from the startup scenes of Europe. Sometimes supported by government, sometimes created in spite of. The secret ingredient? They’re led by the community, creating a ‘for us, by us’ vibe. And when executed correctly, this becomes a compelling USP.
You see, if these spaces are meant to be innovative, they should be first and foremost about startups. Shouldn’t they?
So let’s call it like it is for today.
This is the Startup Campus Model.
Startup campuses are unique real estate plays serving innovators and high-growth startups. Think of them as communities with bricks around them. They’re innovative places producing economic (and often social) benefits for the neighborhoods and cities that host them. Consultants call this the ‘physical infrastructure’ of an innovation hub.
Working in this space for almost a decade, I can tell you there’s no blueprint to execute the concept. No one’s cracked this. It varies from location to location. But after looking across the continent, I’ve identified four central pillars to the model:
Physical Space: spaces designed for startups of different growth stages, with corresponding rental contracts. This means a mix of desks, private suites, and large office rentals. Here, the distinction from a standard office is the curation of the end user. And moving beyond desk rental is an important evolution beyond coworking.
Connection: events, programs, tours, activities, and other formats. Operational models vary, but Startup Campuses employ a team to execute activities that connect people, and bring a building to life. Content leans towards startups and tech. Alternatively, culture, music, and lifestyle formats can prevail. Or even a mix. Early, strategic architectural interventions can further enhance connection.
Openness: Although focused on a specific community, the model seeks to ‘open up’ innovation to those on the periphery. This takes form in the operational design of programs, company curation, or collaboration with academia, government, and other third parties. Going one step further, the spatial design of a location can enhance openness.
Diverse Revenue Streams: rent arbitrage, corporate sponsorships, events, startup programs and accelerators, and/or management fees. Different locations rely on different revenue streams, and vary their business models catering to their strengths. But for those who don’t get their real estate business in check, maintaining and scaling operations becomes a hamster wheel.
The elements that make a campus appealing and functional.
Innovation-led Impact. Why it Matters
While in some ecosystems the 'geography of innovation' has evolved organically over decades, in Europe many locations benefit from expediting this process. I’ve heard locals explain, “…why wait for a Sand Hill Road if we can create our own version of it?”
When supercharging this process, the impact can be enormous. Research proves that startup-led innovation creates impact far beyond the tech community. This includes significant economic impact, including job growth, venture capital raised, and (ultimately) gross value added to a local economy. Recent examples from Paris and Helsinki are compelling. And there are more.
More importantly, the Startup Campus can serve as a symbol, allowing stakeholders on the fringes of an ecosystem to gain a better understanding of what the startup world entails, and engage with it. For me, this is the model’s most exciting feature. Campus operators become key links building bridges – for academia, corporates, government, and others – into the startup ecosystem. And this extends further to neighborhood residents.
This point is real, and it's serious.
Speaking from experience, our team has welcomed countless Prime Ministers, EU Commissioners, Ministers, and other delegations to our campuses over the years. Check the social media accounts of others, and you’ll see the same. Celebrities too. The ability for ‘outsiders’ to visit different stage startups (all under one roof, in under an hour) makes an ecosystem so much more tangible. And yes, it’s the type of ‘startup tourism’ that many despise. But it’s provided measurable results.
So I hope I've started to demystify buzzy tech world definitions, and dive a bit deeper into the Startup Campus model. Soon, we’ll look deeper into some case studies from around Europe.
But let's leave it at that for now.
This is the Startup Campus. A model made with <3 from Europe.
Stay tuned for more.
[This article was originally published as a part of the Regenerator's Dilemma series.]
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Innovation
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March 21, 2024
The Startup Campus. What It Is And Why It Matters
Jeremy Bamberg
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Regenerator’s Dilemma unpacks disruptive trends and the innovators shaping our neighborhoods and cities. Today we’re looking into the Startup Campus model and the impact it can have on a local economy.
Here’s what I’ll cover:
Startup lingo gets confusing. A breakdown of terms and where the Startup Campus sits.
Four key pillars to the model, with variations from location to location.
Innovation-led impact. Economic, social, and political.
Lost Between Definitions
It’s easy to get lost in tech industry buzzwords. Let me introduce one of Europe’s newest – the Startup Campus. What exactly is it? A concept far larger than coworking, but not quite fitting what researchers dub an 'innovation district.' Not your standard incubator either, this concept is difficult to place a label on.
It’s a term lost between definitions. And it gets murkier too.
A historical overview highlighting the rapid development of startup and innovation campuses.
What I call the Startup Campus, others call an Innovation Campus. Or Innovation Hub, Innovation Centre, Tech Hub, and more. Yep, I know – it’s confusing.
The difference? For ease of argument, I’ll use the term Startup Campus. And I’ll get onto why.
First, let’s unpack it.
Beyond their massive scale, these brick-and-mortar initiatives have one thing in common. They're grassroots, born from the startup scenes of Europe. Sometimes supported by government, sometimes created in spite of. The secret ingredient? They’re led by the community, creating a ‘for us, by us’ vibe. And when executed correctly, this becomes a compelling USP.
You see, if these spaces are meant to be innovative, they should be first and foremost about startups. Shouldn’t they?
So let’s call it like it is for today.
This is the Startup Campus Model.
Startup campuses are unique real estate plays serving innovators and high-growth startups. Think of them as communities with bricks around them. They’re innovative places producing economic (and often social) benefits for the neighborhoods and cities that host them. Consultants call this the ‘physical infrastructure’ of an innovation hub.
Working in this space for almost a decade, I can tell you there’s no blueprint to execute the concept. No one’s cracked this. It varies from location to location. But after looking across the continent, I’ve identified four central pillars to the model:
Physical Space: spaces designed for startups of different growth stages, with corresponding rental contracts. This means a mix of desks, private suites, and large office rentals. Here, the distinction from a standard office is the curation of the end user. And moving beyond desk rental is an important evolution beyond coworking.
Connection: events, programs, tours, activities, and other formats. Operational models vary, but Startup Campuses employ a team to execute activities that connect people, and bring a building to life. Content leans towards startups and tech. Alternatively, culture, music, and lifestyle formats can prevail. Or even a mix. Early, strategic architectural interventions can further enhance connection.
Openness: Although focused on a specific community, the model seeks to ‘open up’ innovation to those on the periphery. This takes form in the operational design of programs, company curation, or collaboration with academia, government, and other third parties. Going one step further, the spatial design of a location can enhance openness.
Diverse Revenue Streams: rent arbitrage, corporate sponsorships, events, startup programs and accelerators, and/or management fees. Different locations rely on different revenue streams, and vary their business models catering to their strengths. But for those who don’t get their real estate business in check, maintaining and scaling operations becomes a hamster wheel.
The elements that make a campus appealing and functional.
Innovation-led Impact. Why it Matters
While in some ecosystems the 'geography of innovation' has evolved organically over decades, in Europe many locations benefit from expediting this process. I’ve heard locals explain, “…why wait for a Sand Hill Road if we can create our own version of it?”
When supercharging this process, the impact can be enormous. Research proves that startup-led innovation creates impact far beyond the tech community. This includes significant economic impact, including job growth, venture capital raised, and (ultimately) gross value added to a local economy. Recent examples from Paris and Helsinki are compelling. And there are more.
More importantly, the Startup Campus can serve as a symbol, allowing stakeholders on the fringes of an ecosystem to gain a better understanding of what the startup world entails, and engage with it. For me, this is the model’s most exciting feature. Campus operators become key links building bridges – for academia, corporates, government, and others – into the startup ecosystem. And this extends further to neighborhood residents.
This point is real, and it's serious.
Speaking from experience, our team has welcomed countless Prime Ministers, EU Commissioners, Ministers, and other delegations to our campuses over the years. Check the social media accounts of others, and you’ll see the same. Celebrities too. The ability for ‘outsiders’ to visit different stage startups (all under one roof, in under an hour) makes an ecosystem so much more tangible. And yes, it’s the type of ‘startup tourism’ that many despise. But it’s provided measurable results.
So I hope I've started to demystify buzzy tech world definitions, and dive a bit deeper into the Startup Campus model. Soon, we’ll look deeper into some case studies from around Europe.
But let's leave it at that for now.
This is the Startup Campus. A model made with <3 from Europe.
Stay tuned for more.
[This article was originally published as a part of the Regenerator's Dilemma series.]
Regenerator’s Dilemma unpacks disruptive trends and the innovators shaping our neighborhoods and cities. Today we’re looking into the Startup Campus model and the impact it can have on a local economy.
Here’s what I’ll cover:
Startup lingo gets confusing. A breakdown of terms and where the Startup Campus sits.
Four key pillars to the model, with variations from location to location.
Innovation-led impact. Economic, social, and political.
Lost Between Definitions
It’s easy to get lost in tech industry buzzwords. Let me introduce one of Europe’s newest – the Startup Campus. What exactly is it? A concept far larger than coworking, but not quite fitting what researchers dub an 'innovation district.' Not your standard incubator either, this concept is difficult to place a label on.
It’s a term lost between definitions. And it gets murkier too.
A historical overview highlighting the rapid development of startup and innovation campuses.
What I call the Startup Campus, others call an Innovation Campus. Or Innovation Hub, Innovation Centre, Tech Hub, and more. Yep, I know – it’s confusing.
The difference? For ease of argument, I’ll use the term Startup Campus. And I’ll get onto why.
First, let’s unpack it.
Beyond their massive scale, these brick-and-mortar initiatives have one thing in common. They're grassroots, born from the startup scenes of Europe. Sometimes supported by government, sometimes created in spite of. The secret ingredient? They’re led by the community, creating a ‘for us, by us’ vibe. And when executed correctly, this becomes a compelling USP.
You see, if these spaces are meant to be innovative, they should be first and foremost about startups. Shouldn’t they?
So let’s call it like it is for today.
This is the Startup Campus Model.
Startup campuses are unique real estate plays serving innovators and high-growth startups. Think of them as communities with bricks around them. They’re innovative places producing economic (and often social) benefits for the neighborhoods and cities that host them. Consultants call this the ‘physical infrastructure’ of an innovation hub.
Working in this space for almost a decade, I can tell you there’s no blueprint to execute the concept. No one’s cracked this. It varies from location to location. But after looking across the continent, I’ve identified four central pillars to the model:
Physical Space: spaces designed for startups of different growth stages, with corresponding rental contracts. This means a mix of desks, private suites, and large office rentals. Here, the distinction from a standard office is the curation of the end user. And moving beyond desk rental is an important evolution beyond coworking.
Connection: events, programs, tours, activities, and other formats. Operational models vary, but Startup Campuses employ a team to execute activities that connect people, and bring a building to life. Content leans towards startups and tech. Alternatively, culture, music, and lifestyle formats can prevail. Or even a mix. Early, strategic architectural interventions can further enhance connection.
Openness: Although focused on a specific community, the model seeks to ‘open up’ innovation to those on the periphery. This takes form in the operational design of programs, company curation, or collaboration with academia, government, and other third parties. Going one step further, the spatial design of a location can enhance openness.
Diverse Revenue Streams: rent arbitrage, corporate sponsorships, events, startup programs and accelerators, and/or management fees. Different locations rely on different revenue streams, and vary their business models catering to their strengths. But for those who don’t get their real estate business in check, maintaining and scaling operations becomes a hamster wheel.
The elements that make a campus appealing and functional.
Innovation-led Impact. Why it Matters
While in some ecosystems the 'geography of innovation' has evolved organically over decades, in Europe many locations benefit from expediting this process. I’ve heard locals explain, “…why wait for a Sand Hill Road if we can create our own version of it?”
When supercharging this process, the impact can be enormous. Research proves that startup-led innovation creates impact far beyond the tech community. This includes significant economic impact, including job growth, venture capital raised, and (ultimately) gross value added to a local economy. Recent examples from Paris and Helsinki are compelling. And there are more.
More importantly, the Startup Campus can serve as a symbol, allowing stakeholders on the fringes of an ecosystem to gain a better understanding of what the startup world entails, and engage with it. For me, this is the model’s most exciting feature. Campus operators become key links building bridges – for academia, corporates, government, and others – into the startup ecosystem. And this extends further to neighborhood residents.
This point is real, and it's serious.
Speaking from experience, our team has welcomed countless Prime Ministers, EU Commissioners, Ministers, and other delegations to our campuses over the years. Check the social media accounts of others, and you’ll see the same. Celebrities too. The ability for ‘outsiders’ to visit different stage startups (all under one roof, in under an hour) makes an ecosystem so much more tangible. And yes, it’s the type of ‘startup tourism’ that many despise. But it’s provided measurable results.
So I hope I've started to demystify buzzy tech world definitions, and dive a bit deeper into the Startup Campus model. Soon, we’ll look deeper into some case studies from around Europe.
But let's leave it at that for now.
This is the Startup Campus. A model made with <3 from Europe.
Stay tuned for more.
[This article was originally published as a part of the Regenerator's Dilemma series.]
Regenerator’s Dilemma unpacks disruptive trends and the innovators shaping our neighborhoods and cities. Today we’re looking into the Startup Campus model and the impact it can have on a local economy.
Here’s what I’ll cover:
Startup lingo gets confusing. A breakdown of terms and where the Startup Campus sits.
Four key pillars to the model, with variations from location to location.
Innovation-led impact. Economic, social, and political.
Lost Between Definitions
It’s easy to get lost in tech industry buzzwords. Let me introduce one of Europe’s newest – the Startup Campus. What exactly is it? A concept far larger than coworking, but not quite fitting what researchers dub an 'innovation district.' Not your standard incubator either, this concept is difficult to place a label on.
It’s a term lost between definitions. And it gets murkier too.
A historical overview highlighting the rapid development of startup and innovation campuses.
What I call the Startup Campus, others call an Innovation Campus. Or Innovation Hub, Innovation Centre, Tech Hub, and more. Yep, I know – it’s confusing.
The difference? For ease of argument, I’ll use the term Startup Campus. And I’ll get onto why.
First, let’s unpack it.
Beyond their massive scale, these brick-and-mortar initiatives have one thing in common. They're grassroots, born from the startup scenes of Europe. Sometimes supported by government, sometimes created in spite of. The secret ingredient? They’re led by the community, creating a ‘for us, by us’ vibe. And when executed correctly, this becomes a compelling USP.
You see, if these spaces are meant to be innovative, they should be first and foremost about startups. Shouldn’t they?
So let’s call it like it is for today.
This is the Startup Campus Model.
Startup campuses are unique real estate plays serving innovators and high-growth startups. Think of them as communities with bricks around them. They’re innovative places producing economic (and often social) benefits for the neighborhoods and cities that host them. Consultants call this the ‘physical infrastructure’ of an innovation hub.
Working in this space for almost a decade, I can tell you there’s no blueprint to execute the concept. No one’s cracked this. It varies from location to location. But after looking across the continent, I’ve identified four central pillars to the model:
Physical Space: spaces designed for startups of different growth stages, with corresponding rental contracts. This means a mix of desks, private suites, and large office rentals. Here, the distinction from a standard office is the curation of the end user. And moving beyond desk rental is an important evolution beyond coworking.
Connection: events, programs, tours, activities, and other formats. Operational models vary, but Startup Campuses employ a team to execute activities that connect people, and bring a building to life. Content leans towards startups and tech. Alternatively, culture, music, and lifestyle formats can prevail. Or even a mix. Early, strategic architectural interventions can further enhance connection.
Openness: Although focused on a specific community, the model seeks to ‘open up’ innovation to those on the periphery. This takes form in the operational design of programs, company curation, or collaboration with academia, government, and other third parties. Going one step further, the spatial design of a location can enhance openness.
Diverse Revenue Streams: rent arbitrage, corporate sponsorships, events, startup programs and accelerators, and/or management fees. Different locations rely on different revenue streams, and vary their business models catering to their strengths. But for those who don’t get their real estate business in check, maintaining and scaling operations becomes a hamster wheel.
The elements that make a campus appealing and functional.
Innovation-led Impact. Why it Matters
While in some ecosystems the 'geography of innovation' has evolved organically over decades, in Europe many locations benefit from expediting this process. I’ve heard locals explain, “…why wait for a Sand Hill Road if we can create our own version of it?”
When supercharging this process, the impact can be enormous. Research proves that startup-led innovation creates impact far beyond the tech community. This includes significant economic impact, including job growth, venture capital raised, and (ultimately) gross value added to a local economy. Recent examples from Paris and Helsinki are compelling. And there are more.
More importantly, the Startup Campus can serve as a symbol, allowing stakeholders on the fringes of an ecosystem to gain a better understanding of what the startup world entails, and engage with it. For me, this is the model’s most exciting feature. Campus operators become key links building bridges – for academia, corporates, government, and others – into the startup ecosystem. And this extends further to neighborhood residents.
This point is real, and it's serious.
Speaking from experience, our team has welcomed countless Prime Ministers, EU Commissioners, Ministers, and other delegations to our campuses over the years. Check the social media accounts of others, and you’ll see the same. Celebrities too. The ability for ‘outsiders’ to visit different stage startups (all under one roof, in under an hour) makes an ecosystem so much more tangible. And yes, it’s the type of ‘startup tourism’ that many despise. But it’s provided measurable results.
So I hope I've started to demystify buzzy tech world definitions, and dive a bit deeper into the Startup Campus model. Soon, we’ll look deeper into some case studies from around Europe.
But let's leave it at that for now.
This is the Startup Campus. A model made with <3 from Europe.
Stay tuned for more.
[This article was originally published as a part of the Regenerator's Dilemma series.]
