How to work in a cool tech office without getting hired there

Getting hired by a company is one way to work at one of Baltimore’s cool tech offices. But Kinglet is offering another way to work at the spaces.
Through a new program called Kinglet Features, the startup is showcasing office space that’s available for lease from six companies. It brings “the ability to access space that otherwise is inaccessible,” said Kinglet CEO Alex Kopicki. Bringing outside workers into these spaces is also a chance for the companies to lead and mentor new companies, Kopicki said.
The companies offering up space include: Sagamore Ventures, which owns City Garage, MissionTix, Mindgrub Technologies, Groove,  Tessemae’s and Younts Design Inc.
The new feature is designed to go beyond renting out the spaces, though they will still have Kinglet’s flexible leasing plans, Kopicki said. For the companies who are offering the space, there’s a chance to bring someone into the space that’s outside their current network. A couple of the companies list their ideal guest as a freelance photographer. For Tessemae’s, a philosopher would be best.
“This is definitely a select group looking for collaboration or a specific match in vibe and culture,” Kopicki said.
At Mindgrub, which completed its move to a large new Locust Point office complete with climbing wall and plenty of ping-pong last year, CEO Todd Marks sees listing on Kinglet as an opportunity to reach out to an early-stage startup or developer that will be the right fit within Mindgrub’s existing office of developers, designers and others.
And the opportunity to be featured as one of Kinglet’s “Elite Partners” was equally enticing.
“Being featured and really showcasing our space, it’s a marketing opportunity for us,” he said.
Between the workers who want to rent space and the larger companies, Kinglet is still “playing matchmaker” by communicating the type of space and understanding who would be a good fit, Kopicki said.
Kinglet Features launched Wednesday only in Baltimore, where Kinglet is based. More featured companies will likely be added in the near future. Kopicki said Kinglet Features will also likely be included as a part of the company’s future launches in other cities.