Technology and Coliving

Context - https://futureliving.medium.com

Michale, this is a good articulation of what goes on in the mind of most of the operators.

I think you miss a point when you talk about terminology in part 1. A lot of it depends on the geographical market you are in, and the positioning of the solution. For example, a student living will focus on students' needs of safety and security, and on the other hand, serviced accommodations will focus on the on-demand services and so on. Trying to find out a common term for it may not do justice, and in my opinion not required. The name doesn't need much of our attention though as other things do.

We (simplyguest.com) have operated all three models, distributed supply of small apartments, community-focused shared living, and large purpose-built properties. Each of these models has some differences that the software has to handle for it to be effective. For example, in a distributed model, managing ground staff efficiently is a challenge, or else costs will escalate. In larger units on-boarding the property and mapping, it with residents is a challenge.

We struggled with creating authentic communities before taking a theme-based approach to community spaces: a community of entrepreneurs, a community of artists, and so on. These niches also helped us to provide unique experiences.

In my opinion, shared living in any format is about solving loneliness (in developed markets) and affordability (in developing markets). All other factors are secondary. But covid-19 has definitely fast-tracked its adoption.

Again, for me, coliving has existed as a concept for more than 70 years, German colonies in the 1960s, Osho's cult, and so on. It's just that it started getting more organized and available as an option for the general public in the last few years. With all the funding and eyeballs people are thinking of coliving as a solution to everything but I don't think that's the case (can talk a lot about it).

You're spot on about your assessment of current software solutions. We faced this problem first hand. We had to build the software ourselves as piecing together existing solutions was too cumbersome and patchy. We also realized our investment in building tech was really high. We now have advanced software that's purpose-built to manage coliving and shared living business. Our experience with different shared living models has resulted in designing features like programmable FAQs that answer specific questions within a property's community, or sharing of expenses among residents that get integrated seamlessly with the monthly rent, or reconciliations during resident internal movements. Matchmaking of residents based on their preferences using marketing websites, etc. We are launching this as a SaaS product (JumboTiger.com ). Would love to connect with you, show you JumboTiger, and discuss the ideas around it.