In this episode of The GCUC Podcast, host Liz Elam sits down with Thom Wernke, co-founder of StartDock, for a deep dive into the evolution of coworking, the power of community, and the realities of scaling without losing your magic.

From his early days launching an IT company in university to running six stunning, canal-side coworking spaces in the Netherlands, Thom shares how an unexpected pivot turned into a thriving hospitality-driven brand. He reveals why StartDock’s success is rooted in community connections, how he funds growth creatively, and the surprising role collaboration with “competitors” plays in strengthening the industry.

This episode dives into the evolving world of coworking with candid insights on balancing hospitality and operations, creating quiet rooms and neurodiverse-friendly spaces, and the art of scaling community without losing its personal touch. You’ll also hear about funding strategies—from private loans to investor partnerships—and discover future trends shaping Europe, from landlord management agreements to the rise of diverse customer “flavors.” Whether you’re an operator, member, or simply fascinated by the future of work, this conversation is packed with inspiration, insights, and maybe a little canal-side envy.

Whether you’re an operator, a coworking member, or just obsessed with the future of work, this episode will leave you inspired, informed, and maybe a little jealous of those Dutch canal views

Show Notes & Important Links

Thom Wernke

Co-Founder, StartDock

https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomwernke/

https://startdock.nl/en/

 

Liz Elam 

Founder, GCUC Global & Bottle Rocket Search

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizelam

https://gcuc.co/

na.gcuc.co

uk.gcuc.co