GCUC Podcast Recap: Thom Wernke

From IT Startup to Coworking Visionary

Thom Wernke didn’t set out to create a coworking empire, he started with an IT company in his early 20s, then pivoted when he and his co-founder realized the true value of their office was the people they met inside it. Today, StartDock operates six locations across Amsterdam and Rotterdam, housed in historic, chandeliered buildings buzzing with young, dynamic entrepreneurs.

Community as a Growth Engine

For Thom, community isn’t a marketing line, it’s the heartbeat of StartDock. Their spaces have sparked countless collaborations, from investor introductions to founding relationships. “I can write a book about the amount of connections that we have facilitated,” he shared.

By fostering intentional community building through events, introductions, and what they call “StartDock Magic”, they’ve grown their network to 2,200 members and counting.

Balancing Hospitality & Operations

Like many forward-thinking operators, Thom believes coworking is far more hospitality than real estate. “Real estate is a means to bring people together,” he said, but noting that their team is largely trained in hospitality and facilities management, not brokerage. For him, the balance between warm community experiences and flawless operations (yes, the Wi-Fi and coffee matter) is what keeps members loyal.

Scaling Without Losing Soul

With goals to eventually serve 10,000 “Dockers,” Thom is cautious about scaling too fast. “The bigger you make a community, the harder it is to keep the quality alive,” he explained. Instead of chasing numbers, he focuses on meaningful impact for each member, seeing growth as a long-term mission rather than a race.

The Future of Coworking in Europe

From evolving landlord relationships (shifting toward management agreements) to the rise of niche coworking “flavors,” Thom sees the European market becoming richer and more diverse. StartDock is exploring concepts like nap rooms and quiet zones to meet changing member needs, while continuing to collaborate with peers through initiatives like Coworking NL.

Final Takeaway

Thom’s story is a reminder that coworking thrives when rooted in authenticity, collaboration, and adaptability. His approach, combining historic charm, community-first ethos, and cautious but ambitious growth, offers a roadmap for operators navigating the next wave of flexible work. 

Listen to the full episode here or wherever you stream your media. 

Connect with Thom Wernke on LinkedIn, explore StartDock’s website, and stay tuned for his appearance at upcoming GCUC events.

Connect with Liz Elam, Founder, GCUC Global & Bottle Rocket Search,  on LinkedIn and explore more about the vibrant world of GCUC here.