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Airbnb has become a role model for many founders – not only because of the startup's disruptive success, but also because of its underlying idea: sharing what you already own but don't use, simply and easily for a limited time. And what was initially an air mattress for Airbnb, became a car, a (vacation) apartment, or an office for other startups.
In Germany, the sharing economy enjoys a certain popularity, as we explain from minute 2:25. For example, one Yougov study According to a 2019 survey, two out of five Germans have already used or plan to use sharing services. Two-thirds of current users are between 18 and 44 years old. Furthermore, many users are returning: a full 81 percent of them plan to use sharing services more frequently in the future. Mobility and tourism services are the most popular. Two-thirds of sharing users have already used them.
One Kantar study from 2020 also addresses the question of why users resort to these offers. The most frequently cited reason was that a purchase is not worthwhile because the borrowed item is rarely used. The statement "Sustainability is gaining importance because it protects the environment because less production is required" followed in second place in the study. This puts the environmental aspect ahead of considerations about price.
Offers for office and commercial space
The first two startups we present in this episode are dedicated to the real estate world with their sharing concepts. Shareyourspace (from minute 4:15) brokers available office space, thus translating the Airbnb principle into the office world. Founded in 2019, the startup's platform is active throughout Germany—but like all sharing services, it naturally depends on local providers registering on the platform.
Shquared On the other hand, it focuses not on office space, but on commercial space. The startup, which describes itself as a cross between Airbnb and Tinder, aims to bring together flower shops, workshops, nightclubs, and similar businesses with additional concepts. This way, the spaces can be used for other purposes outside of normal opening hours. Furthermore, the startup also pursues a non-profit approach and has a Purpose Foundation among its shareholders. We explain exactly what this entails starting at minute 6:25.
Sharing Economy: Everything is shared
The next startup shows that even less material things can be shared. Pioneering power (from minute 8:50) has developed a solution for sharing renewable energy with other households. It regulates the energy flow between a photovoltaic system and multiple consumers. It also ensures that additional energy is purchased from an energy supplier when needed. According to the startup, founded in 2019, the owner of the solar system incurs no utility obligations.
Gymshare In turn, it focuses on the things that many people own but rarely use: sports equipment. The startup has built a platform through which users can share their private workout equipment with others. You can also find training rooms, gyms, and coaches there. You can hear the story behind the startup's founding starting at minute 11:15.
The VC Coparion
If you want, you can also consider VCs as part of the sharing economy. They don't just provide money, they also share their knowledge and contacts with their portfolio startups. As an example, we'll look at this episode. Coparion from Cologne (from minute 13:15). Founded in 2016, the VC isn't just interested in all technology sectors—a glance at his portfolio reveals that he also has a soft spot for Munich-based startups.
