About NedSpace
In 2009, it all started with an idea...
In 2009, it all started with an idea...
Founded by Josh Friedman & Mark Grimes, the earliest iteration of NedSpace had a singular mission: Support Entrepreneurs in every way possible.
The idea took off, leading to NedSpace's rapid growth and extending its reach to help the city of Portland update its first economic development strategy in 15 years.
Working hand-in-hand with the mayor & other leaders, NedSpace founders created a city-backed seed investment fund to invest in early stage entrepreneurs & startups, now known as Portland Seed Fund.
NedSpace in its early days @ the Auditorium Building.
NedSpace memories in its Union Bank Tower offices.
NedSpace Gets Acquired
With over 800 past & current members, NedSpace had created an entrepreneurial environment of transparency, diversity, and inclusion through action and execution.
NedSpace had also built & nurtured relationships with a multitude of organizations & associations in the greater Portland area.
It was time for the original founders to move on to greener pastures filled with new challenges & fresh opportunities to create massive impact.
As such, in March 2021 NedSpace was sold to a long-standing NedSpace member & serial entrepreneur.
And... We were amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. Downtown Portland was in disarray.
All the elements that made NedSpace a truly unique experience went on pause, while we all acclimated & adapted to this new era of life...
Time to Refocus
It became time for NedSpace to refocus on its original mission & founding ideals...
To Support Entrepreneurs & Do-ers in every way possible.
From collaboration rooms of like-minded peers, throwing meaningful events in our space, and connecting our members with the greater business community, to providing a space for entrepreneurship & community to thrive - it's a do whatever it takes, let's make it happen mentality.
Meet Faris Mubarak, a 7 Year Member & NedSpace's Owner.
In January 2024, I took over leadership of what I describe as "an empty floor - devoid of people, ideas, and any semblance of community." The pandemic had hit us hard. Downtown was struggling. But I saw something worth fighting for.
Over the past year, we've rebuilt NedSpace from the ground up - not as just another coworking space, but as something Portland actually needs right now: a collaborative ecosystem of specialized "villages" where entrepreneurs, creators, and innovators help each other succeed.
We established five distinct villages - Tech Building, Photo/Film/Media, AI, Art & Sounds, and Events & Community - each led by experienced professionals who bring people together, share knowledge freely, and create real impact for our members and our city.
A New Home, A New Chapter
In late 2024, we made a big decision: move to the historic American Bank Building at 621 SW Morrison St, right on Pioneer Courthouse Square.
This wasn't just about finding a new space. This was about planting our flag in the absolute heart of downtown Portland and saying: "We're not giving up on this city."
The American Bank Building gives us 12,000 square feet overlooking the living room of Portland. From our windows, we can see the heartbeat of our city - and we're here to make it stronger.
This space lets us:
- •Support our members better with enhanced facilities, better meeting spaces, and room to grow our village programming
- •Serve more people by hosting events that bring diverse communities back downtown
- •Help our city recover by creating a hub of activity, collaboration, and economic opportunity right where Portland needs it most
Building Portland's Future
We're not just running a coworking space. We're building an ecosystem that addresses real problems:
For our members:
Access to multidisciplinary expertise, collaborative support, and non-transactional relationships that help businesses actually grow.
For our people:
Events and programming that bring learning, connection, and opportunity to Portland's diverse professional communities.
For our city:
Foot traffic, economic activity, and proof that downtown can be vibrant, welcoming, and full of possibility.
Our philosophy is simple but powerful: "People bring people. People foster communities. Communities foster foot traffic, thereby creating social impact."
Together, Let's Reconnect:
A diverse & professional communitythat rallies together, supports each other, and helps multiply growth through relationships
An innovation centerwhere ideas come to grow; connecting ideas with space, needs with resources, and people with people
A communal spacefor members of all races, genders, backgrounds, and belief systems to leave behind the outside world & explore the "entrepreneurial build stuff" spirit of humanity
I, personally, invite you...
To join me on this journey to develop a one-of-a-kind space where we leverage the power of community to level up our businesses, professional development, and industry connections.
Come see what we're building at 621 SW Morrison St. Join us for Tuesday Town Hall at 10:30 AM and experience Portland's Professional Playground firsthand.
Let's make a 1000 roses bloom.
— Faris Mubarak
Community Builder & Owner
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."
— Margaret Mead