LONG BEACH, N.Y. — DropDesk LLC, the platform originally founded to help professionals find flexible workspaces, has announced a major expansion of its mission and technology suite. Today, the company unveiled a revitalized marketplace that now supports a diverse range of "experiences and services" beyond office space—alongside a new "Marketplace Builder" SaaS engine designed to let entrepreneurs launch their own two-sided booking platforms.
The announcement marks a significant pivot for the Long Beach-based company, founded by Graham Beck and Philip Beck. While the platform initially gained traction as an asset-light workspace platform focused on third-party venues, the new DropDesk aims to be the infrastructure layer for the entire Spaces and Activities sharing economy.
Beyond the Desk: Work, Play, Create, Celebrate
DropDesk's updated platform has moved well beyond its "desk" origins. Under its new mission to "unlock the potential of underutilized spaces", the app now connects users with venues for four distinct pillars of activity: Work, Play, Create, and Celebrate.
The expanded inventory categories now include:
- Production & Creative: Photo studios, film sets, and recording/podcast studios.
- Events & Celebrations: Private dining rooms, art galleries, ballrooms, and rooftops for weddings or corporate gatherings.
- Wellness: Yoga studios, gyms, fitness centers and activities.
"In time, we will support all types of spaces, reimagining the use of space," said co-founder Philip Beck, highlighting the company's goal to facilitate transactions between space owners and the communities that need them.
The "Shopify for Two-Sided Marketplaces"
Perhaps the most significant addition is the launch of Marketplaces by DropDesk, a no-code SaaS (Software as a Service) solution. This "marketplace builder" allows third-party operators to create their own branded booking platforms using DropDesk's underlying technology.
"Our value proposition is that not only do we offer a marketplace, but we allow others to create their own two-sided marketplaces," the company stated.
The builder provides entrepreneurs with ready-to-use templates to launch niche platforms highlighting the use of spaces, in minutes, without writing code. Key features of the builder include:
- White-Label Customization: Operators can brand their own mobile-responsive sites.
- Automated Infrastructure: Built-in tools for user and host profiles, real-time availability, and automated payouts via Stripe.
- Scalability: The platform supports everything from single-venue packages to complex multi-vendor networks.
App Enhancements and User Experience
To support this broader ecosystem, DropDesk has rolled out significant updates to its mobile app for Android and iPhone and its mobile-optimized customer portal. Recent enhancements include biometric login for faster access, Firebase push notifications to keep users updated on booking status, and an enhanced inbox to streamline communication between hosts and guests.
The platform continues to differentiate itself with an "asset-light" model. Unlike traditional coworking giants that lease buildings, DropDesk partners with existing venue owners ("Hosts") to monetize their empty space. Hosts can list spaces, set their own schedules, and manage bookings directly through the DropDesk Venue Manager portal. The platform now supports branded guest experiences, short form video for venues and package listings, as well as our proprietary "Host Request", the ability to preapprove automated booking requests.
About DropDesk
The company provides a comprehensive marketplace for venues and activities and a SaaS infrastructure enabling entrepreneurs to launch their own two-sided booking platforms.
For more information, visit drop-desk.com or email hello@dropdesk.io.
Philip Beck
Seasoned serial entrepreneur, board member and C‑level executive with over 25 years' experience founding and scaling technology and payment businesses across the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe and the Middle East. Combines an international legal background with deep domain expertise in electronic payments, identity management and shared‑economy platforms to drive strategic growth, IPOs and M&A transactions.
