The story of B.
FOUNDING STORY
We have given the
future
a place of its own
When we walked into IBM's typewriter factory, which had been abandoned for more than a decade, 10 years ago, we had no idea that this place would become what it is today. A desolate concrete block in a sleepy part of town that, according to many Amsterdammers, was out of the way. It is now a leading and vibrant place that attracts people. We didn't know then that we would have thousands of members. That we would become the largest padel club in Amsterdam. And even develop a residential area. All we knew then was that we didn't see square meters, but growth. Growth without an end goal. Unlimited. Organic. A place where ideas and initiatives can flourish and where people will find each other. We have big plans and dreams. But fortunately, we have no idea where we will be in 10 years. That it is here... that we know for sure.
The B. buildings
After its launch in 2014, B. Amsterdam grew rapidly. In 2016, we opened B.2, followed by B.3 a year later. Together, the buildings now comprise more than 40,000 m² of offices, workspaces, and event spaces, plus a 24,000 m² smart city hub for logistics and urban innovation, from delivery services to urban farming.
More than 250 companies have found their place here. We call them members, because B. is more than just an office. It is a community with lounges and meeting places where ideas and people come together.
Each building has its own character and history. A fifty-year-old industrial building, a redeveloped project that has been given a new lease of life, and a third building with influences from Japan and the fashion world. Together, they form the beating heart of B.
But what does the B stand for?
B. Amsterdam started as one of the first coworking concepts in the Netherlands and breathed new life into the Riekerpolder as a place for entrepreneurship and creativity. The name refers to the bee, symbol of a healthy ecosystem and a nod to the old IBM logo on the building. B. stands for thinking differently, for plan B instead of plan A. For business, building, or movement. What started as an experiment grew into a leading community.
MANIFESTO
This must be the place—
We knew that immediately when we first stood here. We built B. Amsterdam on that feeling. On ambitions and dreams. On impossible ideas. On ideas that are just beginning, that grow and that change everything.
From startups, scaleups, and corporations. Ideas from founders, employees, and sole traders. From tech pioneers and world improvers. From dancing copywriters and singing cleaners. From those who visited us briefly and those with whom we have grown close. On ideas that grow organically and color outside the lines. That proliferate.
On the idea that being different should be normal. And that this brings like-minded people together. We are built on the idea that people shape places and places shape people. That you should be able to make a place your own. And that when you allow others in, you grow. That you can fall and get back up here, but above all, that you celebrate successes here. And that this success tastes better when you can celebrate it together. On the idea that work is better when it doesn't feel like work. That you feel the space to dream here. That it's going to happen for you here. In the short or long term.
Here, everything is malleable, movable, and breakable. Based on the idea that this place is never finished. That we are never done making this place what it is, because it is always in motion. We are built on the idea that all of this is only possible in this place. On the idea that this piece of Amsterdam is ours. Is for you. This must be the place.
Brand movie
We also had a brand movie made in which, as it should be, the words "inspiring," "community," and "energy" appear. And another 5 to 10 buzzwords that sound good these days.
What is important? That you never get bored at B. Make sure you do your work, but don't forget that sitting for eight hours straight isn't good for anyone. That a walk, a game of padel, an appointment with the physiotherapist, or coffee with a colleague can sometimes be more inspiring than most meetings.
Renting from B. means you never have to go far to find new inspiration or energy. Whether it's the 100,000 event visitors who pass through here every year, the opportunity to make your calls on the roof terrace, or the personal training session you plan at the end of the day. You decide what works for you.
Endless possibilities
under one roof
Our location forms the backdrop, you determine the content. Be inspired by the many events that have already taken place here and discover what is possible for your organization.
Accessibility & parking B. Amsterdam
At B. Amsterdam, you can easily park at B.1, B.2, or B.3. With over 600 parking spaces and 90 charging stations, there is always room for you, your team, and your visitors. All parking facilities are located directly next to the buildings, so you can quickly reach your destination. What's more, you can be on the A4 or A10 motorway within two minutes, and metro and bus stops are just a few minutes' walk away. This means you can start your day at B. without any hassle. Just park, charge up, and get to work.
