The Birth of Launchpad Coworking: From Frisbee to Founders
Some of the best business ideas are born not in boardrooms, but in unexpected places. For the co-founders of Launchpad Coworking, their journey began on the Ultimate Frisbee field. Sophia Ybanez-Cochien (Pia) and her future partners, Mel Lozano, Mark Serrano, and Gisela David-delos Santos, started out as teammates and opponents in their tight-knit frisbee community. But little did they know that their camaraderie on the field would translate into a successful business venture.
It all started when Mel pitched the idea of opening a coworking space. Pia saw the opportunity not just to start a business but to create something impactful, especially given the prime location they had in mind. However, like any entrepreneurial journey, their early days were filled with trial and error. They initially designed the space one way, only to realize that their clientele—primarily Filipinos—preferred more enclosed offices for privacy. Through constant discussions and adjustments, they fine-tuned their vision, always managing to find common ground.
Finding the Right Business Partner: More Than Just Skills
Building a business is a marathon, not a sprint. Having the right business partners can make all the difference between success and struggle. The Launchpad Coworking team thrived because each founder brought unique strengths to the table:
- Mark excelled in HR and operations.
- Mel had a strong background in marketing, communications, and space design.
- Gisela specialized in finance and had an eye for design.
- Pia leveraged her expertise in accounting, audit, and investment banking to set up internal systems and structure expansion projects.
More importantly, they trusted each other’s abilities and avoided micromanaging. While they supported each other, they allowed each partner to lead in their respective areas. This mutual respect and professionalism became the backbone of their business.
Overcoming Challenges Together
No business partnership is without challenges, but what sets a strong team apart is how they handle them. While the Launchpad team faced disagreements, they were never major roadblocks. Open discussions and respect for each other’s perspectives helped them resolve issues smoothly.
Financially, the business was highly capital-intensive, making expansion a challenge. To navigate this, they sought funding from family and friends, structuring terms that met each partner’s financial situation. Their ability to work together through these financial hurdles strengthened their bond and business.
Key Lessons on Business Partnerships
Pia reflects on the biggest advantage of having a business partner: economies of scale. With each partner focusing on their expertise, they could grow the business more effectively than any one of them could have done alone.
If she could go back in time, would she choose the same partners? Absolutely. She describes their partnership as a “match made in heaven,” an enviable balance of trust, respect, and shared vision.
For entrepreneurs looking for the right business partner, Pia offers this advice: Know each other well enough to trust that each person will do their part. If there’s doubt in this, the partnership might not work.
The story of Launchpad Coworking is not just about building a successful business; it’s about the power of partnership. Finding the right people to build with—those who complement your skills, share your vision, and, most importantly, earn your trust—can make all the difference.
For anyone looking to embark on a business venture, take a page from the Launchpad team’s playbook: surround yourself with the right people, trust in their expertise, and always keep the lines of communication open.
Scale your business with any Launchpad Coworking’s meeting rooms and office spaces. Feel free to shoot us an email for inquiries: hello@launchpadcoworkingph.com
