3DEN

# 3DEN: High-Level Overview

3DEN is a technology-enabled platform that operates a network of flexible urban spaces designed for work, productivity, and leisure.[3] The company builds what it calls "worklounges"—on-demand amenity spaces that serve the "in-between moments" of people's days, such as the gap between meetings or the need to freshen up after travel.[1] Rather than requiring long-term commitments, 3DEN offers pay-as-you-go access starting at $5 per hour or unlimited monthly memberships at $99 per month.[3]

The platform addresses a specific gap in urban infrastructure: spaces that are neither home nor work, but something in between. 3DEN aggregates multiple services—coworking areas, private offices, phone booths, conference rooms, showers, nap pods, and meditation spaces—into single locations managed through a mobile app.[3] The company also helps landlords and property owners monetize vacant or underutilized space by converting it into revenue-generating amenity locations.[2]

# Origin Story

3DEN was founded by Ben Silver, who articulated the company's vision around the concept of the "third place"—a social environment separate from home and work.[1] The company raised a $2 million seed round in early 2019, led by b8ta and Graphene Ventures, with participation from notable investors including Colle Capital Partners, InVision CEO Clark Valberg, Target's former Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer Casey Carl, and Firebase founder Andrew Lee.[1]

The first 3DEN location opened in New York City's Hudson Yards shopping area in March 2019, with plans to expand to four additional locations across the city.[1] The nature-inspired design philosophy—featuring trees, plants, and acoustic zoning to balance social and quiet areas—reflected Silver's vision for creating reliable, welcoming urban spaces.[1]

# Core Differentiators

• Technology-first operations: The 3DEN app enables real-time space availability, touchless check-in/out, amenity reservations, and account management, allowing many locations to operate with minimal staff.[3]

• Flexible pricing model: Unlike traditional memberships or day passes, 3DEN offers both hourly pay-as-you-go access and monthly unlimited memberships, removing barriers to entry.[3]

• Multi-amenity aggregation: Rather than specializing in a single service (coworking, fitness, hospitality), 3DEN bundles diverse amenities—from conference rooms to showers to nap pods—in single locations.[1][3]

• Landlord partnership model: 3DEN helps property owners convert excess or vacant space into revenue streams, creating a win-win for real estate and users.[2]

• Design-forward spaces: Emphasis on nature-inspired aesthetics, acoustic zoning, and wellness amenities (meditation spaces, Casper nap pods) differentiates the experience from utilitarian coworking.[1]

# Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

3DEN operates at the intersection of several macro trends: the rise of flexible work arrangements, the growth of the "experience economy," and the challenge of urban real estate optimization. As remote and hybrid work became normalized, demand grew for flexible workspaces beyond traditional offices or coffee shops. 3DEN's timing—launching in 2019, just before the pandemic accelerated flexible work adoption—positioned it to capture this shift.

The company also addresses a real estate problem: landlords with underutilized space in prime urban locations. By offering a technology platform to manage and monetize these spaces, 3DEN creates a new asset class and revenue stream for property owners while improving urban space utilization.

# Quick Take & Future Outlook

3DEN represents a bet that urban professionals will increasingly value flexibility, wellness, and access over ownership and commitment. The company's success depends on expanding its network density—enough locations in key cities that the membership becomes genuinely useful—and maintaining unit economics as it scales.

The broader question is whether the "third place" concept can sustain premium pricing in a competitive landscape that includes coworking spaces, hotels, and coffee shops. 3DEN's differentiation through design, wellness amenities, and seamless technology could position it as a lifestyle platform rather than a commodity workspace provider. As hybrid work becomes permanent and urban professionals demand more flexibility, 3DEN's model of distributed, app-managed spaces may become increasingly central to how people navigate their workdays.