How Startups Use Co-working Data to Make Smarter Business Moves

Startups today are rewriting the rules of growth, and nowhere is that more evident than in how they choose where to operate.

- AMAN GUPTA

The days when location decisions were based solely on rent prices, foot traffic, or proximity to central business districts are fading. In their place, a more dynamic, data-informed model is emerging—one powered by the rise of co-working spaces. With the flexibility of shared work environments comes an unexpected benefit: a rich stream of behavioral data. Welcome to Location Strategy 2.0, where smart startups are using co-working data to drive faster, more informed business moves.

The shift began subtly. As more companies embraced remote and hybrid work models, the demand for flexible office arrangements soared. Co-working spaces like WeWork, Industrious, and regional players began collecting valuable information—not just about occupancy, but about the types of businesses using the space, how often they come in, what hours are busiest, and where members move over time. For startups trying to make critical location decisions without the luxury of large real estate budgets or long-term leases, this anonymized data became a strategic asset.