I’m upgrading our local office, which is meant to be a demo space for folks on Sandhill road. While leasing a space in Palo Alto and all the way up the peninsula is ideal, the cost of office space can be a huge drain.
How is it perceived if we have a nice office, but not in a side of town known for high-tech companies? In an area that people would consider “ghetto”.
It might raise eyebrows. On the other hand Mailchimp started in Atlanta, Georgia. Palantir moved its HQ from Palo Alto to Denver for cost savings.
Is it at least closer for your team?
I personally prefer NOT to spend money on fancy building space until the damn thing pays for itself.
Thats why “startup chic” was historically brick n timber buildings in some warehouse district.
I’ve been in the startup scene in my city for like 10 years now. EVERY single team that overspent on office space got their ass handed to them by year 3-5.
I actually use expensive office space as a negative modifier… to me it looks immature, like they are playing house with other people’s money.
OR, they took money from someone who is making them pay rent with it…
I knew a team spending $25,000 a month to rent from the VC funding them. How is that not money laundering. HOW THE FUCK did they not just BUY a building for that much?
That being said… I won’t go to places where parking is stupid, or they have stabbings in the parking ramp elevators. Ideally it’s easy to get a Lyft in and out without waiting 30 mins.
I also reflexively hate fancy law offices. Cool cool cool, that $500 an hour bought another stupid chandelier & cherry wood paneling.
SpaceX is in freaking Hawthorne
True, but it’s also next door to the aerospace capital and city of Hawthorne bends to their will….
I doubt the OP brings the same clout to the table.
If they think they’re getting a really good deal (cheap prices), then be in a shabby part of town might actually fit that image.