Work&Share: Our History

From an old, empty, and ‘ugly’ building to a state-of-the-art office, with a second location on the way, Work&Share’s transformation is not only remarkable but also highly instructive. Inspired by the office designs of tech giants like Google and Apple, Work&Share embarked on its journey with the aim of pioneering the coworking industry in Bulgaria.

Meet the Founder

Allow me to introduce Bozhidar Georgiev. If you’re part of the Work&Share family, chances are you’ve already encountered him, perhaps in the parking lot during a smoke break or elsewhere in the building, as he is a constant presence.

Bozhidar serves as the CEO of Work&Share. But beyond that, he’s one of the bold visionaries who, a few years ago, took the plunge to initiate Work&Share and lay the groundwork for this unique community space.

While the official launch of our coworking space took place in 2017, its history stretches back several years. That’s why we’ve sat down with Bozhidar to delve into what inspired him to establish Work&Share, why it’s an ideal space for any company, and why we’re optimistic about its future.

It Started With a Startup Abroad

“My journey began when I was 22 or 23 years old. Alongside a few friends, we launched a startup and drew inspiration from the innovative office environments of tech giants like Google and Apple. We aspired to bring something similar to Bulgaria,” Bozhidar explains. “Subsequently, when our startup secured funding from Germany, I had the chance to work from a coworking space in Hamburg for a few months. This experience ignited my interest in coworking spaces, leading me to explore similar venues in the United States.”

Returning to Bulgaria, Bozhidar was armed with newfound knowledge. Having experienced coworking firsthand, he was well-equipped to understand customer needs and identify areas for improvement. Thus began the search for a suitable location.

From a Rejected Landmark to an Unwanted Warehouse

“Our initial target was the renowned Sofia Central Universal Store building. At the time, I thought I had a grasp of real estate matters, but in reality, I didn’t. To put things into perspective, all existing coworking spaces in Bulgaria combined occupied as much space as a single floor of the CUS. Fortunately, the deal fell through,” he reminisces.

“Instead, we stumbled upon an extremely unsightly warehouse. Its yellow paint, dilapidated asphalt, and what is now utilized by Dreamix resembled a bomb shelter. This became the birthplace of Work&Share,” Bozhidar recalls. “Initially, I intended to lease only a portion of the space, but upon further consideration, I opted for the entire premises.”

Thus, amidst a harsh winter, a new coworking space emerged.

“Our vision was to bridge the gap between freelancers, startups, growing businesses, and established companies, enabling them to leverage each other’s expertise. It took us 7-8 months to transform the space from scratch — from painting to electrical work. By the end of 2017, we expanded to a second building, thanks to Dreamix. Unbeknownst to us then, we inadvertently introduced a highly sought-after product — HQ/Managed office space for other companies. It’s only in retrospect that we realized the profound significance of our endeavor,” he reflects.

Both Provider and Customer

Having experienced both sides of the coworking equation, Bozhidar possesses invaluable insights. Having once been a client himself, he understands the importance of providing exemplary service.

“Assuming the role of both provider and consumer, I liken the experience to the hospitality industry. When you check into a hotel, you expect seamless service, geared towards relaxation. We strive to offer a comparable experience to our clients. It was imperative for me to comprehend this business from the customer’s perspective. Even today, during my travels abroad, I make it a point to visit various coworking spaces to glean insights and implement innovative ideas at Work&Share. The pursuit of improvement should be ceaseless,” Bozhidar emphasizes.

As a co-founder of Work&Share, Bozhidar takes pride in several achievements. However, one stands out above the rest.

I take immense pride in our enduring relationships with clients who’ve been with us since day one. After 5-6 years, they remain steadfast. Their loyalty speaks volumes about the trust they place in us, a sentiment we deeply appreciate. Their expectations drive us to continually strive for excellence.

He acknowledges.

Why Community Still Comes First

Reflecting on his years in the industry, Bozhidar is more convinced than ever about the potential of coworking spaces.

“The sense of community is paramount. Coworking environments facilitate interaction with diverse companies and expertise. We’ve witnessed numerous success stories, with companies that started with just four employees now commanding valuations exceeding 100 million dollars,” Bozhidar affirms.

With each passing year, Work&Share reaffirms its status as a trailblazer, offering a sustainable workspace with a rich history and a promising future.