Salto KS

We are happy to introduce Jacob Shapiro: A Coliving enthusiast who wears many hats. He works remotely for the Outpost Club, volunteers for the Coliving Hub, and is am currently on a Coliving tour, traveling to different Coliving spaces around the world.

Despite his busy schedule packed with activities to lift the Coliving scene to a higher level, Jacob sat down to answer our questions:

Who are you, what makes you tick, what is your passion?

I think my passion is best explained by a metaphor: I don’t want to be the guy who scores the goal, I want to be the guy who makes the incredible pass, which allows the goal to be scored in the first place. My passion is creating an environment that allows others to thrive.

Why do you feel Coliving is making a change in the world?

Coliving is (or should be) combating the loneliness epidemic, a by-product of our modern world. Everyone uses this as their main point when referring to the social good that Coliving brings. But while this may be a major change that Coliving makes in the world, it’s not the only one. I’ve seen Coliving spur new businesses, artistic projects, and accountability partners. I’ve seen community managers help Colivers find new passions. And while Coliving is helping build new relationships between Colivers, it's also reinforcing the existing bonds between people as well.

How are you making an impact in this field?

My partner and I are currently on a world tour of Coliving spaces in an effort to find out what kind of Coliving space we would like to open ourselves. We have been to, and will be traveling to Germany, Serbia, Switzerland, Armenia, Israel, Morocco, and Spain, and this is just the beginning. We have been consultants, community managers, and volunteers along the way, allowing the operators to utilize our knowledge, and to focus on bigger-picture solutions while we take on the day-to-day tasks.

We also volunteer our time for the Coliving Hub, a non-profit association of Coliving operators which strives to enable and empower people around the world to create and use Coliving spaces. We provide meaningful and targeted content to Coliving operators to help them thrive. I believe this is our largest impact on the field as a whole.

What can digital innovations such as SALTO KS do in this field?

With Outpost Club, we currently use digital access control solutions at our Coliving spaces in the US. Just the other day, I got a call from someone who was locked out of their Coliving in New York, and I was able to remotely open the door for them… from Switzerland. This is the power that SALTO KS can bring to Coliving companies: our companies are heavily location-dependent, so anything that can relieve that dependency is a huge benefit to us, and therefore our customers.

What is your hope for the future of Coliving?

I hope for added convenience that maintains privacy. I hope that Coliving companies can continue to grow in size, yet still provide highly intentional communities. I hope that people view Coliving as an incredible innovation on the existing forms of living, and not just a dorm for adults. And lastly, I hope that Coliving continues to be a place where digital innovations are there to better facilitate in-person community.

We want to thank Jacob for creating time to answer these questions and to see potential benefits in all ripple effects the Coliving scene causes.

Meet one of the SALTO KS team members or Jacob Shapiro on an event near you. Check out our Events page to find out where we will be next!

SALTO KS provides a flexible access control management system that requires no software installation or the added expense of a fully wired electronic product. Modern cloud-based, wireless access control system is easy and simple to use for businesses including Coworking Spaces, Coliving Buildings, Purpose Built Student Accommodation, Retail, Multi-Tenant Housing, Gyms and many more. Our best in class wireless access control solution and smart locks guarantee the efficiency for your business. Integrate smart locks, start easily managing wireless access control now!

The term Coliving is one that has gained momentum in the present climate within the landscape of housing, technology, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. This has resulted in the term being broadly adapted so as to carry several misconceptions along with it. For some, the concept of Coliving represents a multi-billion dollar industry that is ever-growing in its scope, and for others, it exists only within a temporary and niche housing trend.

Therefore we compiled a list of the top 5 myths for you that we one by one will bust!

1. Coliving means life in a hostel or dorm

This myth classifies Coliving spaces as a subcategory of hostels or dorms which is false. This myth stems from similarities between Coliving and dorms which include reasonable pricing, convenient locations, and community-based experience. For instance, The New York Times referred to Starcity Coliving as “dorm living for professionals”. Nevertheless, it is important to understand the two as separate entities.

One of the biggest differences is that Coliving spaces are known for their impressive design which intentionally prioritizes beautiful interiors and shared spaces. This is also accompanied by a variety of state of the art facilities and utilities that come along with the contract in Coliving. The result is more space, storage, and eco-efficiency in one’s Coliving housing. Another key difference is that Coliving attracts a broader demographic that goes well beyond that of dorms which usually caters primarily to students or millennials. Coliving, is, therefore, broader in its scope and maintains a higher standard and quality of living.

2. Coliving means no privacy

Coliving is built upon the concept of community living and offers several communal spaces along with its in-built amenities. This does not imply, however, that Coliving means saying goodbye to one’s privacy. Coliving spaces promote open-mindedness and socializing yet always ensure a degree of privacy for their inhabitants.

Shared facilities such as laundry rooms, recreational gardens, and kitchens bring people together on a regular basis. Nevertheless, most Coliving communities have private living quarters wherein one can call a space their own and enjoy the comfort of privacy when needed.

3. Coliving caters to nomads and hippies

Another myth commonly associated with Coliving is that it is likened to a cult or a community for hippies and nomads. This is false, as Coliving does not cater to any niche audience in terms of backgrounds and beliefs. The only beliefs and values commonly associated with these spaces are that of open-mindedness and tolerance as this is considered a vital part of community-based living.

Coliving often attracts digital nomads and expats, yet can also become a fairly permanent address. Furthermore, they usually have shared responsibility for maintenance which ensures that no matter the lifestyle, all members contribute equally to sustain the quality of the Coliving space.

4. Coliving won’t be suitable for families

This myth dictates that Coliving is not meant for families and couples, which is not true. While certain Coliving spaces cater to a profile that is more suited to young professionals who are looking for short term housing, several Coliving companies look to attract and even benefit families.

This is built on the notion that families can share resources and connect with each other in an enriched way that only Coliving allows. The concept also resonates with more affordable options for (multi-generational) families. Coliving spaces can even host possibilities of child-care, community diversification, and support services for families who can aid from these advantages.

5. Coliving is not a business

This is arguably one of the biggest myths behind Coliving and is easiest to debunk. Coliving can be concretely defined yet is also in a state of constant development and growth which leads to confusion or misinterpretation. According to SALTO’s Christian Schmitz, “Coliving is the movement that enables people with common interests to share communal spaces and live together”. As a movement, Coliving is connecting the best of real estate, technology, and design industries to form a global network of professionals who believe in a future of sustainable community-based living.

Busting Coliving myths is what we do. RSVP now to The Coliving Meetup at Clay Solutions HQ on Friday, September 27th, at 5:30 pm to witness this in real life.

This edition of the #colivingmeetup will feature notable figures from the Coliving landscape including special guest Mischa Rus of Stichting Coliving NL, Coliving guru Gui Perdrix, and SALTO’s very own Christian Schmitz. The evening promises to be insightful, fun, and most importantly provide a platform for Coliving operators and enthusiasts to socialize and network in an informal setting!

See you there!

SALTO KS provides a flexible access control management system that requires no software installation or the added expense of a fully-wired electronic product. Modern cloud-based, wireless access control system is easy and simple to use for businesses including Coworking Spaces, Coliving Buildings, Purpose Built Student Accommodation, Retail, Multi-Tenant Housing, Gyms and many more. Our best in class wireless access control solution and smart locks guarantee the efficiency for your business. Integrate smart locks, start easily managing wireless access control now!

At SALTO KS we care a whole lot about Coliving. We think it's important to change the world together. That's why we partnered up with several organizations that are disrupting the Coliving movement.

Every few weeks you can expect a blog post that will highlight the point of view of one of those Coliving movement disruptors.

We kick off this project with Kndrd, a coliving movement for driven and successful entrepreneurs who are committed to growing their businesses to ultimately make the world a better place:

It’s never easy being one of the first to do something.

Especially in such a nascent industry.

Since we launched a year ago, Kndrd has been about redefining the way the world lives. We don’t think it’s okay to be ‘just okay’ with how your life is going. Everything, from your job to your home to your relationships, should be valuable and incredible.

And for this reason, we believe that it comes down to optimizing every aspect of housing, especially in major cities around the world.

Commuting an hour or two into the city center for work each day? Spending time with people who don’t uplift and inspire you? Feeling alone and isolated without meaningful relationships? These are all issues of time and spending it wisely.

On the flip side, we want to improve the efficiency of how people live and interact with each other. Including direct integration with IoT. Technology like SALTO creates automation and a great solution to home access.

In order for most people to live in the city and save precious time on their commute, they have to sacrifice cost by paying exorbitant rent prices. And it’s out of hand.

This is what drives us at Kndrd: PEOPLE. These lives and stories deserve nothing less than amazing. So we are building the software to connect humans with a CoLiving home that serves them in all parts of their life.

- Christine McDannell

We’re allowing people to travel and live globally in a way that is actually flexible and easy for the first time. Our hope is for this global interconnection to remind people that, deep down, we as humans are far more alike than we are different. And the more Kndrd is able to optimize CoLiving operations, the faster these properties can scale and serve more people.

This is what makes us tick. And the impact is profound: We can’t think of anything greater to do with a company than to help people live better.

Because, at the end of the day, that’s all we have.

Want to find out how SALTO KS can help you offer the most flexible customer experience for your tenants? Contact us and we'll be happy to show you!

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SALTO KS provides a flexible access control management system that requires no software installation or the added expense of a fully-wired electronic product. Modern cloud-based, wireless access control system is easy and simple to use for businesses including Coworking Spaces, Coliving Buildings, Purpose Built Student Accommodation, Retail, Multi-Tenant Housing, Gyms and many more. Our best in class wireless access control solution and smart locks guarantee the efficiency for your business. Integrate smart locks, start easily managing wireless access control now!

Bectro Installatietechniek B.V. is an all-round installation company that offers access control solutions for shops, utility buildings, industrial halls, care institutions and schools throughout the Netherlands. At Bectro you can count on craftsmanship, great service and thorough knowledge. The lines and lead follow-up time is short and the price/quality ratio is excellent.

We spoke to Albert Engel about the future of access control:

SALTO KS is the one and only safe replacement for your traditional keys.

I got excited about the product during the first presentation of Clay by Salto (the former SALTO KS) on a ship on the IJ canal in Amsterdam. When I got home I immediately ordered my own demo case and immersed myself in the product.

Before we had an installer’s account, the challenge was mainly to generate a "Clay code" on the customer's phone while building the system. Now we can prepare in advance which makes a world of difference.

We have all kinds of SALTO KS clients. From a big escalator company that uses SALTO KS providing limited access to their mechanic that works on a malfunction in a locked storage, a church that needs to control access for their board and members or Coworking spaces with members that only use the app. Also, small companies and private homeowners are clients of ours.

A lot of potential clients find openings with their phone a scary thought. But mobile payment had received the same reactions when it was first introduced. People need some time to adjust to these new possibilities that might seem scary at first. The next generation will probably won’t know any better than to open their door with their smartphone. The anxiety to get hacked is also still a fear people have.

Most functionalities are very helpful, but when I show a live demo of a door opening in real-time or show how fast a tag gets blocked when it gets lost, everyone gets really excited! My personal favourite is receiving a message in real-time when my son gets home safe!

As long as an electrical solution goes through the same examination and needs to earn the same licenses as the traditional solutions, I don't see any barriers. I am sure that in the near future there will be an even bigger demand for cloud-based access control solutions.

This was a fairly logical decision for us. In a time where everybody is living life through their smartphones, it was bound to happen: Opening your home or company's doors from your phone would become a possibility. SALTO KS completes the supply to the demand by offering a unique service besides offline SVN and online RF. If you ask me cloud- and server solutions are able to function together when it concerns access control.

Even though a project needs a server solution instead of a cloud solution due to its size, I still explain the possibilities in my presentations. Often a manager or CEO of a company like the pitch and wants SALTO KS.

- Albert Engel

In terms of access control I was happily surprised when one of our clients sent me a Whatsapp message on a Saturday night saying he had actually sold SALTO KS himself! I gained a client through a client. A Saturday evening well spent!

Thank you Albert for these insightful thoughts on the future of access control!

Read more about Bectro's projects like this one at The Student Hotel in Amsterdam.

Want to find out how SALTO KS can help you scale your business? Contact us and we'll be happy to show you!

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SALTO KS provides a flexible access control management system that requires no software installation or the added expense of a fully-wired electronic product. Modern cloud-based, wireless access control system is easy and simple to use for businesses including Coworking Spaces, Coliving Buildings, Purpose Built Student Accommodation, Retail, Multi-Tenant Housing, Gyms and many more. Our best in class wireless access control solution and smart locks guarantee the efficiency for your business. Integrate smart locks, start easily managing wireless access control now!

The moment we’ve been equally dreading and looking forward to at the same time has arrived: Before the end of this year we’ll be shutting down my-clay.com.

Not because our journey ended. But because it’s continuing. Right here.

Clay was born in 2012: In a little Dutch city where Xander Heijman and Rick Voogt decided to start a new company that would go on to changing the world of keys, locks and technology.

They decided to start this new company that would float on the changing the world of keys, locks and technology!

At that moment Rick was a company director at a multinational and a known name in the world of access control. Used to big and specialized projects, mainly in the Netherlands, Belgium and France. He considered himself lucky, but not necessarily happy in that role.

Xander, like a true ‘Rotterdammer' is an entrepreneur from his twenties and already (had) owned IT- and Internet companies. Entrepreneurship is the best thing that ever happened to him: A lot of hard work but in exchange the freedom to change whatever you want and do whatever you feel is necessary to make your business work.

Rick and Xander’s knowledge on how to build technology from the bottom up combined let to the birth of Clay Solutions B.V.

Xander and Rick realized they needed a partner that manufactured the physical locks; since this was certainly not their expertise. They made a plan to first make the prototype and then present it to a selection of big potential partners who could contribute a ton of knowledge. Among them was Salto Systems: Through Ricks network, the guys received a lock from this ‘locking company in Spain’. They decided to use it for the prototype.

The necessary electronics were purchased, and Rick and Xander put them in a basic Illy coffee can and developed a demo. After three months it actually worked the way they had envisioned it! There was a lock, a coffee can with electronics, a KPN SIMcard, a website, an app with which you could actually open the door with from a distance, receive a text message when the door opens and even the possibility to alter the rights instantly so you are able to block the door!

The next step was to test if the prototype would work abroad since the first demo was at Salto Systems HQ in Spain. In a restaurant in Belgium, Rick convinced the waitress he had a very important meeting in the restaurant there the upcoming month, and he needed to test a technical solution. The tests turned out great, everything worked like it was supposed to. The full management team at Salto Systems welcomed Rick and Xander with open arms and they got to present the prototype in detail.

End result: Salto was in, and not just as a technology partner but as a shareholder as well!

Just one year after they decided to conquer the world of access control, Rick and Xander found themselves in their brand-new office in Amsterdam and the Clay adventure really had started.

In 2017: SALTO Systems fully acquired Clay and became the sole owner of the company. ‘Clay by SALTO’ got rebranded to ‘SALTO KS’ (SALTO Keys as a Service), saltoks.com was born and the Clay Locking Platform (today known as KS Core) was launched. Industry leaders were now able to preserve their own interface but could still enjoy the best in cloud-based access control.

2018 was the year we got to rebrand the Clay Locking Platform to KS Core and launched the KS Connect program as well as KS Custom. Today we offer large businesses and global enterprises three solutions; SALTO KS, KS Custom and KS Core, as well as an integration program with KSconnect.

As you might have noticed last year we launched the new and improved SALTO KS website, and keep improving it by showcasing how SALTO KS is being used by a variety of customers in different verticals, from coliving to coworking and retail.

All of this would not be possible without the Bricks that make up Clay, and develop the SALTO Keys as a Service product as it is today. As the Clay team behind SALTO KS, we will remain to be the brains behind the product. Follow our journey on Instagram and/or join us along the way.

The time has come to say goodbye to my-clay.com and welcome all the new key-free adventures via saltoks.com.

Please continue to follow our journey to make this world key-free by keeping an eye on the SALTO KS blog and follow us on LinkedIn.

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SALTO KS provides a flexible access control management system that requires no software installation or the added expense of a fully-wired electronic product. Modern cloud-based, wireless access control system is easy and simple to use for businesses including Coworking Spaces, Coliving Buildings, Purpose Built Student Accommodation, Retail, Multi-Tenant Housing, Gyms and many more. Our best in class wireless access control solution and smart locks guarantee the efficiency for your business. Integrate smart locks, start easily managing wireless access control now!

SALTO KS provides a flexible access control management system that requires no software installation or the added expense of a fully-wired electronic product. Modern cloud-based, wireless access control system is easy and simple to use for businesses including Coworking Spaces, Coliving Buildings, Purpose Built Student Accommodation, Retail, Multi-Tenant Housing, Gyms and many more. Our best in class wireless access control solution and smart locks guarantee the efficiency for your business. Integrate smart locks, start easily managing wireless access control now!

Hi, I’m Adam and for the last 6 months, I have been working at SALTO KS as a Marketing Intern. I’m 21 years old and I’m Egyptian-Austrian. I grew up in the Middle East, specifically Kuwait and Egypt. After graduating from high school 4 years ago, I made the thrilling decision to move to The Netherlands at a pretty young age. I started my bachelor program at The Haque University, studying International Business and Management. Throughout my years at university, I spent a lot of time working on marketing plans and entry strategies for both fictional and realistic scenarios. Eventually, I realized that Marketing was the career direction I wanted to pursue. Fast forward to my 7th semester and here I am, doing my marketing internship at SALTO KS!

After completing my minor in Branding and Consumer Trends in Marketing, I knew I wanted to do an internship in a similar field. I started looking for internships while I was doing my Erasmus exchange semester in Vienna. I learned about SALTO KS through a friend who noticed the internship vacancy and told me about it. After looking through the SALTO KS website, I immediately decided to apply. The main thing that captured my interest in SALTO KS was the company culture. After a few rounds of interviews, I was thrilled to find out I had received the offer to work here!

- Adam Aziz

As I said earlier, the company culture here is what mainly attracted me to SALTO KS. Because of our small size of about 35 Bricks, it feels like working with all of your closest friends. Everyone is very friendly, social, and interactive. On my first day here, everyone took the time to stop by my desk and introduce themselves. What I also really like is that the office is designed to be an entertaining workspace. We have a pool table, foosball table, and table tennis! During lunch, you’ll find me at the pool table on a daily basis. Fridays are probably the nicest at the office. When it hits about 5:00 pm, the laptops switch off, the drinks come out of the fridge, and everyone gathers around for some games. Another thing I really like about the SALTO KS company culture is that we have excursions on a monthly basis. This usually consists of barbecues, dinners, or team-building activities such as rock-climbing.

To be honest, the thing I enjoyed most about my job was the challenge of working in this professional environment. A lot of internships consist of boring work that nobody wants to do (making coffee for everyone, make copies, do groceries). Mine was the opposite: As an intern, I felt valued at SALTO KS. I was at the centre of a global sales process, a very critical aspect of my work. Also, I really enjoyed the flexibility of my job, specifically the ability to work from home. I live in Den Haag and it takes me over an hour to commute to the office every day, so having the ability to sometimes work from home is really nice.

My best day on the job was when I received an offer to continue working at SALTO KS part-time after my internship. I remember during the interviews 6 months ago, I was told that getting hired after the internship is a possibility depending on performance, so I had that set as my main goal all along. After receiving the offer, it felt great knowing that I was doing my job well enough for my colleagues to want and need me to stay.

I definitely would recommend working at SALTO KS to a friend. In fact, I already have a few times. Fellow students from my university are also looking for internships and I’ve been referring them to apply here. It’s a great opportunity for anyone.

As I mentioned earlier, my next step is to continue being a part of the SALTO KS marketing team and stay on as a part-time marketing assistant. However, I’ll also be returning to university for my final year and working on my thesis. What I’m looking forward to is that I’ll likely have my thesis sponsored by SALTO KS. Not only do I get to officially work here while studying, but I’ll also have the chance to conduct an entire thesis report about an effective business scenario for SALTO KS.

You should expect to work in a rapidly growing and innovative environment. If you’re taking on an internship that isn’t technical (marketing or sales), it would definitely help to have some technical knowledge, as a big part of the SALTO KS team consists of developers.

Adam, thank you for all of your hard work. We are proud and happy to have you as a team member a little bit longer!

Read more on being an intern at SALTO KS!

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SALTO KS provides a flexible access control management system that requires no software installation or the added expense of a fully-wired electronic product. Modern cloud-based, wireless access control system is easy and simple to use for businesses including Coworking Spaces, Coliving Buildings, Purpose Built Student Accommodation, Retail, Multi-Tenant Housing, Gyms and many more. Our best in class wireless access control solution and smart locks guarantee the efficiency for your business. Integrate smart locks, start easily managing wireless access control now!

When Gui Perdrix, Co-Liv’s global ambassador and SALTO’s very own Student housing & Co-living Expert Christian Schmitz join forces, great things happen: Together they organized SALTO KS’s first #colivingmeetup at the office in the city center of Amsterdam.

This meetup was initiated to enable likeminded people that are making a change in the coliving scene to exchange knowledge, build alliances and of course, socialize over beer and good pizza.

On this lovely summer evening, over thirty deputies of coliving beasts like The Class of 2020 and coliving enthusiasts from all over the globe came to visit the SALTO KS office. We started the evening with an introduction from Christian and Gui. Explaining Co-liv and SALTO KS’s mission to skyrocket the coliving scene with help from all attendees. Next, Gui proposed an original way of introducing ourselves: Everyone in the group paired up and told each other what their occupation was and how this related to coliving. This way all couples were able to introduce each other to the group which set the tone for a fun and interesting night full of insightful thoughts on the growth of coliving in the Netherlands.

The main themes that came to the surface this night were:

The main themes that came to the surface this night were:

Aspiring or established coliving operators in Amsterdam among other cities face difficult legal challenges. A worrying amount of only two residents are allowed per unit which is a huge problem when you want to open up a coliving space. These challenges are not easy to overcome until coliving will become more mainstream and embraced by the municipality.

Aspiring or established coliving operators in Amsterdam among other cities face difficult legal challenges. A worrying amount of only two residents are allowed per unit which is a huge problem when you want to open up a coliving space. These challenges are not easy to overcome until coliving will become more mainstream and embraced by the municipality.

Opening up a coliving space is not that easy. Not only because of the many legal challenges but also defining a location, and actually start. It was great to see the attendees were able to share their vision and advice on this matter during the meetup. These collaborations enforce our core mission: Enable coliving for more people around the globe.

Opening up a coliving space is not that easy. Not only because of the many legal challenges but also defining a location, and actually start. It was great to see the attendees were able to share their vision and advice on this matter during the meetup. These collaborations enforce our core mission: Enable coliving for more people around the globe.

Needless to say, the influence of technology incorporated in coliving spaces was a big theme. Despite what most people think, technology actually does make a space more personal. By automating processes like onboarding the community manager gains time to spend on more personal experience, leaving tenants to feel secure and taken care of.

Read here what the ultimate tenant experience looks like when technology is involved.

- Gui Perdrix

At the end of the evening we could all agree the way coliving is changing the world is remarkable. It’s a cure for loneliness, an igniter of creativity and a welcome answer to the over populated real estate market.

It was great to see that many people are interested in enhancing our well-being by the way we live and how SALTO KS is contributing to enable this for many.

We can’t wait for the next #colivingmeetup. Keep an eye on the blog and our social media channels: LinkedIn and Instagram for updates!

Find out more about the first global coliving conference here.

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SALTO KS provides a flexible access control management system that requires no software installation or the added expense of a fully-wired electronic product. Modern cloud-based, wireless access control system is easy and simple to use for businesses including Coworking Spaces, Coliving Buildings, Purpose Built Student Accommodation, Retail, Multi-Tenant Housing, Gyms and many more. Our best in class wireless access control solution and smart locks guarantee the efficiency for your business. Integrate smart locks, start easily managing wireless access control now!

The use of technology in the property industry is on the rise. The MIPIM PropTech Europe conference powers the real estate industry's digital transformation and is a big part of transferring PropTech knowledge on a global scale, gathering everyone who’s anyone in PropTech in Europe, NYC and Asia.

Staying up to date with the latest in PropTech is crucial for this vertical. At MIPIM PropTech Europe every participant becomes part of this exciting evolution. This is one of the reasons why the SALTO KS team visited the MIPIM PropTech Europe conference in Paris in the beautiful Le Centquatre Paris venue this year: The only international two-day event gathering key decision-makers from all sectors of real estate and technology to take their business to the next level. For two days, the KS team got to meet the industry's key decision-makers and gained valuable insights into the cutting-edge property and technology trends.

- Rick Voogt, Co-founder and MD SALTO KS

This year’s event in Europe explored how the real estate ecosystem is leveraging technology to match the expectations of users as occupiers of buildings and cities. On day one the role of PropTech in the future of buildings was addressed. On day two the future of the city was the main point of discussion. PropTech has the power to help take the real estate industry to the next level, as well as to improve the quality of life of users. Whether that is through creating a more sustainable environment and more inclusive society, or in areas such as healthcare, accessibility, affordability and work-life balance.

After a productive first day at MIPIM PropTech EU the SALTO KS team hosted a #colivingmeetup together with Co-Liv at their booth in the afternoon for a well-deserved drink and a chat. Over twenty people from within the coliving movement attended. We were happy to see there was such a variety of people we got the chance to speak to: Known and new operators and project developers we got to chat and exchange knowledge with. All with valuable input on the latest technology in real estate and how technology can improve the customer experience flow. Thank you for everyone that showed up, it was great to meet, talk and collaborate with you!

After a productive first day at MIPIM PropTech EU the SALTO KS team hosted a #colivingmeetup together with Co-Liv at their booth in the afternoon for a well-deserved drink and a chat. Over twenty people from within the coliving movement attended. We were happy to see there was such a variety of people we got the chance to speak to: Known and new operators and project developers we got to chat and exchange knowledge with. All with valuable input on the latest technology in real estate and how technology can improve the customer experience flow. Thank you for everyone that showed up, it was great to meet, talk and collaborate with you!

The second day at MIPIM PropTech we were excited to see that the 'from concept to case studies' talk where Rick Voogt (Co-Founder & Managing Director, Salto Systems SL / Clay Solutions B.V. ) made his appearance as an industry expert was fully booked.

After a satisfying day, the SALTO KS team joined the WeWork happy hour at LaFayette to toast to a productive and inspiring two days in the heart of Paris.

It was great to be part of the 1,500 m2 of exhibition area and startup village, with our very own SALTO KS booth and having the opportunity to catch up with our partners such as Edge Technologies and Mapiq that were part of the exhibition as well. The KS team discovered old and new prominent and innovative companies and startups in the PropTech ecosystem. Among the international line-up of +100 speakers and leading names in real estate were city planners, developers, asset managers and leasing agents from companies such as Bouygues Immobilier, British Land, BNP Paribas Real Estate, BPF, Gecina, Jamestown, JLL, Paris la Défense, Woondeum, and WeWork, that discussed the needs of the end-user and how technology will help to accomplish those needs.

Together we are changing the way we live and work! Thank you #MIPIMPropTechEU for initiating this inspiring event.

Our next event; GCUC UK in London in September: Don't miss it!

(And a big thank you to Dott scooters that saved our business trip!)

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SALTO KS provides a flexible access control management system that requires no software installation or the added expense of a fully-wired electronic product. Modern cloud-based, wireless access control system is easy and simple to use for businesses including Coworking Spaces, Coliving Buildings, Purpose Built Student Accommodation, Retail, Multi-Tenant Housing, Gyms and many more. Our best in class wireless access control solution and smart locks guarantee the efficiency for your business. Integrate smart locks, start easily managing wireless access control now!

Earlier this month, Christian (Coliving/PBSA & Vertical Business Development Manager) and Adam (Marketing Team) visited the famous Student Housing conference series: The Class of 2020.

This time, the regional session was held in Amsterdam. The theme was “The City and The Campus: Time to Invest in Talent”.

Continue reading through this blog to find out more about the event!

The panel discussion focused on attracting talented international students and expats while also managing and improving retention. It’s clear that a lot of international students move to the Netherlands for higher quality education degree programs, but the figure tends to drop in terms of retention. Alongside having a strong figure of internationals, massive problems with student accommodation arise when students are forced to find their own accommodation with insignificant help from their universities. For universities outside the Netherlands, it is very common that their campuses have private student accommodation facilities for their students. However, most Dutch higher education institutions do not comply with the same procedure. This distinction must be portrayed more appropriately to internationals who tend to see this as a shock upon approaching the start of their semesters.

Another vital issue on hand revolved around rising rental prices for private housing and student accommodation. After the session, we had the opportunity to talk to Robin Pascoe, the owner and editor of dutchnews.nl, who was also one of the panel speakers at the session. When asked about the issue of rising rental prices, she stated: “Invest in building cheaper housing which can be lived in by people on temporary contracts, as well as allowing flat sharing. Build more purpose-built student housing without forming ghettos and provide basic amenities.” This is definitely one way to tackle this issue. Many students turn to temporary housing facilities for affordability purposes. Flat sharing is also very beneficial. Sharing the rent of an entire apartment/house is a much cheaper option for students, whilst also enjoying the social company of their flat mates at home.

Another matter discussed during the session was integration of international students and expats into Dutch society. We also spoke with another member of the panel speakers, Sander Lapré, the Director Shared Services at Hotelschool The Hague. When asked about the divide between the Dutch and internationals, Sander stated: “It depends on where the internationals come from. The most common issue is culture. The Dutch are very direct and open. It is important that internationals learn more about Dutch culture in advance.” The culture differences are pretty clear. Internationals commonly tend to socialize more with people from similar cultures or other internationals. This raises concern considering that getting along with the Dutch is a necessary part of integrating into the society they live in.

Finally, the topic of supply/demand of student housing was also highlighted during another panel discussion in this session. The Netherlands has seen various nation-wide investments in student housing in order to improve the level of supply. Out of a total 692,000 students enrolled in higher education programs, approximately 49% of them live away from home, clearly depicting the high level of demand for student housing. Although such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Leiden, and Delft possess the highest student populations, they also go on record for having the highest shortages in housing. However, these shortages are expected to significantly decrease in the coming years. Other cities such as Utrecht and Groningen are expected to see surpluses in housing in the coming years, providing an incentive for internationals to pursue living in cities besides the larger ones.

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The increase in students attending higher education has led to a massive restructuring of the student housing industry. Over the last decade, the student-housing market has rapidly grown and seen various record levels of investment. This is mainly due to the increase in enrolment of students in higher education institutions. Not only this, but the number of international students in Europe has also been on the rise.

In 2014, there were a total of 4 million international students studying in Europe. By 2020, the total number is expected to surpass 7 million international students, which clearly indicates an incredible growth. Moreover, because of high rental prices for private housing markets, the demand for affordable student housing is rising. Most students, especially international and foreign exchange students prefer to live in student housing facilities. As a student, living in a student housing facility, or dormitory offers you the opportunity to interact with fellow students and get to know them better.

It is a straightforward way to build a social lifestyle at university outside of the campus itself. Events usually take place at dormitories, which also helps aid with the level of interaction between students. For international and foreign exchange students, this is a pretty vital aspect considering the usual scenario where they move to a new country and do not know anyone there, making student housing facilities and the social atmosphere very fundamental for them.

Overall, the relevance of student housing is depicted here so far, but what exactly makes it a good industry to invest in?

Further in this blog, several nations are analyzed on their student housing markets and the opportunities they offer for investments. All data recorded has been researched by JLL.

Germany is widely known for its ability to attract a great number of international students from all over the world, mainly as a result of the country’s low tuition fees and quality of education. Germany possesses the largest student population in all of Europe. Not only this, but over the last decade, the total number of students in Germany has risen by 28%. Amongst this statistic, only 1% is made up of part-time students, clearly depicting a high demand for student housing in the nation. Unlike the high demand for student housing in Germany, the level of supply is not that great due to the large number of students. Because of this, some students rent shared apartments or studios from private housing markets. With an increase in supply of student housing, the profit from investments is almost certain.

The Netherlands is one of the most popular destinations for international students in Europe. In fact, the number of international students in the Netherlands has actually risen by an incredible figure of 164% over the last decade, indicating a clear high demand for student housing in the country. Since it is very uncommon for universities in the Netherlands to have their own student housing facilities, the market is mostly occupied by private businesses such as DUWO, The Student Hotel, and XIOR Student Housing. The Student Hotel and XIOR have been investing well in Dutch student housing over the last few years, with several new locations being opened across the country. Moreover, supply levels for student housing are pretty stable in the Netherlands. However, rent prices can be pretty costly for students, especially in the Randstad region that includes Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam, and Utrecht, which all possess a very large number of student populations. Because of this, investing in building student-housing facilities at lower rent prices would be a pretty profitable and popular choice for students

Spain is another famously known country for its student body. The country is a popular destination mainly due to its year-round sunny weather and social life of students. As a result, a large number of students are doing their Erasmus semester studies abroad in Spain: Mainly in Madrid or Barcelona. Supply for student housing in Spain does not stand at a positive level. Approximately 5% of all students live in PBSA (Purpose Built Student Accommodation), and most of those usually stand at a full occupancy level. This highlights the relevance of increasing the supply of student accommodation, especially for internationals. Not only this, but with rent prices being quite high in cities like Madrid and Barcelona, Spanish students tend to remain living at home with their families. Investing in this market for a higher supply of affordable student housing would be very profitable for students in Spain.

The previous countries were analyzed on their status in student housing markets and the potential for further investments. The figure above also depicts the levels of supply and demand. Although only a few countries were listed in this blog, other countries such as the United Kingdom, Italy, and France also possess similar prospects. Some countries already have major players of student housing in these markets, but the opportunity for entry is still there and is a profitable choice.

Overall, not only does investing in student housing in these markets make a profitable benefit, but it also provides students with the opportunity to find more affordable rent and be part of a socially integrated student body. .

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SALTO KS provides a flexible access control management system that requires no software installation or the added expense of a fully-wired electronic product. Modern cloud-based, wireless access control system is easy and simple to use for businesses including Coworking Spaces, Coliving Buildings, Purpose Built Student Accommodation, Retail, Multi-Tenant Housing, Gyms and many more. Our best in class wireless access control solution and smart locks guarantee the efficiency for your business. Integrate smart locks, start easily managing wireless access control now!