5 Key Things to Look for Before Launching a Platform Cooperative Marketplace

Summary

Op-Ed: As sharing economy companies come under fire for exploitative labor practices, data privacy issues, and more, there’s another movement that’s been brewing to counter some of the negative impacts of these platforms. Called “platform cooperatives,” these digital enterprises are built on foundations used by traditional cooperatives. In the U.S., Green Taxi, Stocksy United [a sponsor of Shareable], and Up&Go, are examples of platform cooperatives that are offering new pathways to gig work that are sustainable and democratic. But this is not to say that there aren’t any potential pitfalls for platform cooperatives. Setting up successful platform cooperatives requires much work and investment in resources, not to mention being adaptable to changes in the market.