Budapest – the future tech hub of the CEE region?

Startup is one of the most heard word nowadays. Till now, its definition is widely debated however, we can describe start up as a “business that is typically technology oriented and has high growth potential”.

Recently BBC travel wrote quite a long article (where The Spoiled Queen had her contribution) about digital nomads, where the author mentioned about Budapest being a city that is most suited for such a group. Have you ever wondered how the start up scene actually looks like, in Budapest?

Recently I had the opportunity to have a closer look at this scene, since Mosaik (http://mosaik.space/) opened its door for the entrepreneurs.

What this place is all about?

Its a combination of co-working space but with the primary aim of supporting Budapest based entrepreneurs, by providing a platform for learning and connecting. I already had some discussion with the co-founders of this place, thanks to which I could understand the whole concept of this place and the idea behind, better.

Recently co-working spaces have risen like a mushroom in Budapest but “Mosaik is more than just a collection of square footage and desk space” – can you please tell us what the main idea to open such a place was?

We think of Mosaik as a community center, with several occasions and services that allow the local startup community to flourish. One of these services is a flexible and cost-effective co-working area for entrepreneurs and freelancers to work, but we also consider our event series and learning courses as equally important pillars in our mission to make Budapest a tech hub of the CEE region.

Part of the inspiration came from a realization that most larger European cities have a go-to hub and surrounding community in the city at the disposal of the local tech scene. While Budapest has a thriving (and ever-growing) community in this sector, the Mosaik team felt that there was still space for a place that welcomes startup entrepreneurs both locally based or just visiting.

What type of activities are you going to offer to Mosaik members? What will be the main themes?

We’re continuously hosting or organizing a steady stream of startup marketing and tech-related events in the Mosaik space open to both our members and the general public. Besides securing a table or private office, our community members are also privy to the Mosaik cafe, the Mosaik online community, and community social events as well. We also offer a club membership to those individuals who are not interested in the co working space but would like to maintain a close connection with the community.

The idea is to host or organize a mix of educational, inspirational and social events so that members can meet, discuss and collaborate in one giant living room.

Do you see a real chance of collaboration and networking between people from different start ups?

Without a doubt. We think there is a real potential in shared space, community engagement, and a little bit of serendipity. Stay tuned on our blog to read stories about Mosaik success stories!

What are the long terms goals regarding this place?

We believe that Budapest can be a major tech innovation hub of the CEE region and that people from all over the world will come to meet and learn from our community of future builders.

Entrepreneurs come to Budapest to begin their startup journey, and the city becomes one of the best places to encounter inspiration and support to build incredible startups that reach the world. Our vision is to create real, long-term positive change in Budapest.

Is there any possibility for non members to join events organized by Mosaik?

Certainly. All startup and tech enthusiasts are invited to stay posted on upcoming workshops and events that we hold at Mosaik in our events calendar (http://mosaik.space/events), or to just stop by and enjoy a coffee at any time of day at the Mosaik cafe.

We invite and encourage anyone looking to get more information and dip their toes into the startup world to check out our blog, reach out, and see what’s going on!

Even though I was not a Mosaik member, I still had a chance to take part in few of their events, where ultimate goal was to network, share ideas and collaborate. The other good point about this place is the possibility of just stepping in and communicating over a cup of coffee. You can bring your laptop and use free WIFI for an hour with the possibility of buying a daily ticket. If you would like to attend any event either free or a paid one, its enough when you sign up for the newsletter. You will be always informed in advance about what new is going on in this co-working space.