How Independent Coworking Spaces Can Compete With WeWork

In 2011, Felena Hanson founded the coworking space Hera Hub in San Diego. Not only was the company pioneering in the sense that it offered coworking space — that was a brand-spanking-new concept in those days — it also provided coworking space specifically for female entrepreneurs.

Hera Hub's female-focused space put it in direct contrast to the "bro" culture at many big-box coworking spaces, Hanson says.

Since 2016, the company has grown through a licensing model. Besides three locations in greater San Diego, it has locations in Washington, D.C., Phoenix and Uppsala, Sweden. Other Hera Hubs are planned for the U.S. and Europe.