Bumble rolls out verified safe meeting spots across city
Since its 2014 founding, Bumble has expanded from a simple dating app to a powerhouse networking tool. Yet, whether you’re using BumbleBizz, BumbleBFF or just regular ol’ Bumble, one of the trickiest elements of any first meeting is choosing a location that is fun, central and safe. Now, Bumble is rolling out “BumbleSpot,” a series of verified safe spaces across the city. Caroline Restaurant, Upstairs at Caroline, W Hotel Living Room Bar, Jo’s Coffee, Craftsman, Wild Chix and Waffles, Dirty Bills and Be More Pacific were all selected as Bumble’s initial class of BumbleSpots. The locations were chosen with input from local experts, as well as the Bumble team themselves. [Statesman]
WeWork eyeing downtown Austin for its first ground-up development
Less than a month ago, we reported that WeWork had finalized plans for its sixth Austin location. Now, it is being reported that WeWork may be making an even bigger property acquisition in Austin. Reports indicate the coworking giant is on the verge of purchasing a 4.7 acre area near the Austin Convention Center. Estimates from earlier in the year value the site at $150 million. What is perhaps the most unique element of this deal, though, is the fact that it has the potential to serve as the site of WeWork’s first ground-up development, as WeWork has yet to develop a workspace from plot to finish. [Austin Business Journal]
Austin neighborhood hits $1M average home value
It’s no secret that the Austin real estate market has been on the up-and-up in recent years. An influx of exciting new businesses and a rebirth of standby industries has seen Austin go from Texas landmark to a metropolitan hub in its own right. The latest milestone on this journey? Austin officially has its first neighborhood where the median home price is $1 million. According to the Austin Business Journal, the Barton Creek neighborhood — about 30 minutes from Downtown — officially claimed the first place title. Though, the optimistic state of affairs hints that Barton Creek certainly won’t be the the last million dollar neighborhood in town. [Austin Business Journal]
Local founders land spots on Forbes 30 Under 30
Congratulations are in order for Sagar Hemani (27) and Shanil Wazirali (29), who just made the Forbes 30 Under 30 list as co-founders of Roomify. The dynamic duo launched their brainchild in 2013, and have found success in helping students and parents around the world take the stress out of dorm decorating. The digitally native e-tailer stocks everything from laundry baskets to string lights. [Forbes]
