Why I'm Building Flow

Hey folks! ??

I’m Mark, Founder at Flow, and I want to change how people interact with the physical spaces around them. Let me explain...

Over the last century, consumer behavior has slowly moved from outright asset ownership to renting goods and services on a temporary basis. Business model frameworks such as the on-demand economy and the sharing economy give consumers access to goods and services while producing various positive externalities ranging from wealth creation to the development of communities to environmental benefits through reduced mass consumption.

We’ve seen this transformation occur in some of the world’s largest industries, like transportation and accommodation. Consider Zipcar for car-sharing, Uber for ride-sharing, Lime for bike / scooter sharing, and Airbnb for home-sharing .

Last month, our team launched Flow to bring commercial real estate into the access economy.

?? How it started:

During lockdown, I found myself in a new city, far from home and friends. When restrictions eased, I was eager to explore the city while taking advantage of my newfound remote work freedoms. As I ventured outside, I often felt this disconcerting uncertainty - where do I go?

Regardless of where I was - near home or in a new neighborhood visiting friends or colleagues - I often found myself unable to find the right environment to fit my needs in that given time. For example:

• I’ve been working from home all day and I want to stretch my legs and find a change of scenery. I know there are co-working spaces around me but where are they? Am I allowed in without a membership? If yes, how do I buy a pass and can I pay per minute or per hour? Or which cafes and pubs provide good access to power outlets and a strong wifi connection?
• I’m at a co-working space and didn’t get a chance to exercise today. I have my gym bag with me, but don’t have a membership to a location in the area. Is there a gym near me? Can I get in without a membership? If yes, how do I buy a pass and can I pay per minute or per hour? Are there any classes I can walk into?
• A business partner is at a co-working space and I want to join him/her to discuss a project we’re working on together, but he's out of guest passes and visitors can only stay for two hours. Is there a way for me to buy a day pass or otherwise pay to extend beyond the two hour visitor policy?
• I really want to check out that yoga studio, but don't want to create an account or buy a pack of passes. Can I get in and try the place out without filling out a form or listening to a sales pitch?

If remote work is our new-found freedom, access is the superpower we all need. We’re building Flow to unlock doors so you can tap into the world around you.

If you like what we’re doing, we’d love you to sign up for early access. If you hate what we’re doing, we’d love to understand why.

To all the dreamers, hustlers, creators, freelancers, side-giggers, nomads, remote workers, and founders - we know first-hand how lonely and stressful the journey can be. You’re not alone - let’s flow together.

Best,

Mark & the Flow team ??