RAUM
RAUM is a Dutch non-profit founded in 2017 that operates a community co-creation public plaza at Berlijnplein in Utrecht's Leidsche Rijn district, delivering free and ticketed cultural programming, residencies, podcasts, and social initiatives for local residents, creatives, and partner organizations.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2017
- HeadquartersUtrecht, Netherlands
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What RAUM does
RAUM is a Dutch non-profit cultural organization founded in 2017 and based at Berlijnplein 520 in the Leidsche Rijn district of Utrecht. It operates an open-air public plaza as a community co-creation space, offering a portfolio of free and low-cost cultural programming aimed primarily at local residents, creatives, and community groups. The organization is staffed by a core team of 22 employees supplemented by a large volunteer base, and runs a dense calendar of recurring programs including the Pleinotheek (a neighborhood lending library/kiosk), the Powerhouse residency program in the Makershuis, RAUM Lab research evenings, and seasonal event series such as the Brommerbios outdoor cinema, Spielerei play activities, StraatFest street festivals, and the Wandelclub der Stadslezers walking club. It also produces the 'Algoritme van de Stad' podcast and publishes RAUM magazine.
RAUM has no proprietary technology; its 'platform' is the physical Berlijnplein plaza and its supporting structures (Pleinotheek, Makershuis, on-site Wijkrestaurant Venster). Revenue is generated through a hybrid mix of Dutch public cultural grants (Fonds voor Cultuurparticipatie, Stimuleringsfonds Creatieve Industrie, Ondernemersfonds), ticketed events priced at €10-€20, paid workshops, business venue hire, and catering. The go-to-market model is community-led: programming is co-created with residents and local creatives, promoted via the website, social channels, the podcast, RAUM magazine, volunteer flyer campaigns, and earned media. The most recent strategic expansions include the November 2024 launch of the Kop voor Nop coffee-gifting initiative in partnership with Goede Vrijdag, the Armoedecoalitie Utrecht, and three cafés (Warmoes, Buiten bij de Sluis, Studio Sugarsnap), and the late-2024 expansion of the Wandelclub der Stadslezers walking club to Amsterdam and Rotterdam with 12 partner organizations.
RAUM firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- RAUM
- Legal name
- RAUM
- Website
- https://raumutrecht.nl
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2017
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- RAUM is a Dutch non-profit founded in 2017 that operates a community co-creation public plaza at Berlijnplein in Utrecht's Leidsche Rijn district, delivering free and ticketed cultural programming, residencies, podcasts, and social initiatives for local residents, creatives, and partner organizations.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Where RAUM is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Utrecht
- HQ country
- Netherlands
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
RAUM business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Public Funding and Grants: RAUM receives public funding and grants from cultural support funds to operate its programs and maintain the public space.
- Ticket Sales: Certain events and programs, such as the Brommerbios outdoor cinema and Wandelclub der Stadslezers walking tours, charge ticket fees ranging from €10 to €20.
- Event Hire and Venue Rental: The 'Vergaderlocatie' (meeting venue), 'Rondleidingen' (tours), 'Workshops', and 'Catering' sections on the website suggest revenue is also generated through hiring out spaces and running paid workshops.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Pay-as-you-go | Free public access to the plaza and most programs |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Ticketed events and workshops |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Venue hire and catering |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
RAUM product offering
Product offeringCore offering
RAUM operates a community co-creation public space at Berlijnplein in Leidsche Rijn, Utrecht, offering free inclusive access to an open-air plaza along with a year-round calendar of cultural programming. Its offering spans physical installations such as the Pleinotheek neighborhood lending library and Makershuis residency space, event series including the Brommerbios outdoor cinema, Spielerei play program, StraatFest street festivals and Wandelclub walking tours, the Algoritme van de Stad podcast, social initiatives like Kop voor Nop, plus venue hire, catering, tours and workshops for businesses.
Product overview
RAUM is a community-driven public space and creative placemaking organization located on Berlijnplein in Leidsche Rijn, Utrecht. It operates as a multi-faceted platform offering a diverse portfolio of programs and installations rather than a single unified product. The core offerings include the Pleinotheek (a neighborhood lending library, kiosk, and library combined), RAUM Lab (creative research programs with stakeholders), the Powerhouse residency program (showcasing creative Utrecht residents in the Makershuis), and various recurring event series including the Brommerbios outdoor cinema, Spielerei play activities, StraatFest street festivals, Wandelclub der Stadslezers walking experiences, and Algoritme van de Stad podcast. RAUM also runs social initiatives like Kop voor Nop (accessible coffee) and developed the mobile RAUM Pop-up stage and Placegames co-creation methodology. The organization functions as a platform-plus-programs model where the physical space serves as infrastructure for community-led programming across culture, connection, and urban exploration.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Pleinotheek: A neighborhood lending library, kiosk, book swap, information point, and community meeting space on Berlijnplein.
- Algoritme van de Stad
- Brommerbios
- Wandelclub der Stadslezers
- Powerhouse
- RAUM Lab
- Placegames
- Kop voor Nop
Products and services
- Pleinotheek A neighborhood lending library, kiosk, book swap, exhibition space, automatiek (vending) and information point combined in one blue-green building on Berlijnplein. Open to the public every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday from April to September, where visitors can borrow games and materials, exchange books, get coffee, and view rotating exhibitions.
- Algoritme van de Stad A podcast series exploring urban rules and phenomena, investigating how city regulations shape urban life and whether they can work in Dutch cities. Produced with financial support from Stimuleringsfonds Creatieve Industrie in collaboration with Moon Audio Productions, Het Nieuw Utrechts Toneel and the Berlijnplein Coöperatie, and distributed via Spotify and other platforms.
- Wandelclub der Stadslezers A walking club where participants experience the city through different perspectives (e.g., through the eyes of a dog, eel, surveillance camera, or street musician). Organized across Utrecht, Rotterdam and Amsterdam with 12 partner organizations; tickets range from €10 to €20 depending on the tour.
- Brommerbios An outdoor cinema experience on a vintage Zundapp scooter, featuring carefully selected arthouse films with special guests each Friday evening during summer months. Tickets are priced at €10 per film.
- RAUM Lab A creative evening program bringing together approximately one hundred residents, makers, organizations, educational institutions and policymakers to collectively research urban themes. Findings form the basis for the larger programs RAUM organizes.
- Powerhouse residency A residency program that every six months invites creative Utrecht residents to take up residence in the Makershuis and showcase their work temporarily on Berlijnplein, including residents such as Nadia el Barnoussi and Ibtissam Feger.
- Kop voor Nop A social initiative offering a €2.50 coffee or tea that can be ordered for oneself or for a fellow citizen who has less to spend, making cafés more accessible to everyone. Launched with Goede Vrijdag and the Armoedecoalitie Utrecht; first participating cafés include Warmoes, Buiten bij de Sluis and Studio Sugarsnap.
- Business venue hire, tours, workshops and catering RAUM's Zakelijk (Business) offering: spaces at Berlijnplein available for hire by businesses and organizations for meetings (Vergaderlocatie), guided tours (Rondleidingen), workshops, and catering. Prices are not publicly disclosed.
Quantifiable outcome
- The Pleinotheek is open every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday from April to September, serving as a neighborhood lending library, kiosk, and community meeting point.
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use RAUM
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
RAUM technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
RAUM partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
27 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- Rederij LampedusaminorRederij Lampedusa (Amsterdam) is one of 12 organizations that organizes Wandelclub der Stadslezers walking tours in Utrecht, Rotterdam, and Amsterdam.
- Pop-Up HondenclubminorOne of 12 organizations organizing Wandelclub der Stadslezers walking tours in Utrecht.
- Afrikaanderwijk CoöperatieminorOne of 12 organizations organizing Wandelclub der Stadslezers walking tours in Rotterdam.
- Museum voor Onbedoelde Kunst (MOK)minorOne of 12 organizations organizing Wandelclub der Stadslezers walking tours in Rotterdam.
- BushfunkminorOne of 12 organizations organizing Wandelclub der Stadslezers walking tours in Utrecht.
- SoundtrackcityminorOne of 12 organizations organizing Wandelclub der Stadslezers walking tours in Amsterdam.
- OMI RotterdamminorOne of 12 organizations organizing Wandelclub der Stadslezers walking tours in Rotterdam.
- TappminorOne of 12 organizations organizing Wandelclub der Stadslezers walking tours in Amsterdam.
- Jan van PiekerenminorOne of 12 organizations organizing Wandelclub der Stadslezers walking tours in Utrecht.
- The Gendered CityminorOne of 12 organizations organizing Wandelclub der Stadslezers walking tours in Amsterdam.
- We The City i.s.m. Thijs de ZeeuwminorOne of 12 organizations organizing Wandelclub der Stadslezers walking tours in Amsterdam.
- Maarten Bel en Niek HilkmannminorOne of 12 organizations organizing Wandelclub der Stadslezers walking tours in Rotterdam.
- Goede VrijdagcoreGoede Vrijdag partnered with RAUM to launch the 'Kop voor Nop' initiative — a system where cafés sell a €2.50 extra coffee or tea that can be gifted to a fellow resident who has less to spend.
- Armoedecoalitie UtrechtcoreThe Armoedecoalitie (Poverty Coalition) Utrecht partnered with RAUM and Goede Vrijdag on the 'Kop voor Nop' initiative to make cafés more accessible to lower-income residents.
- WarmoesminorWarmoes is one of the first cafés to participate in the 'Kop voor Nop' initiative, offering gifted coffees to community members.
- Buiten bij de SluisminorCafé participating in the 'Kop voor Nop' initiative.
- Studio SugarsnapminorCafé participating in the 'Kop voor Nop' initiative.
- Moon Audio ProductionscoreMoon Audio Productions collaborated on the production of the 'Algoritme van de Stad' podcast.
- Het Nieuw Utrechts Toneel (NUT)coreHet NUT (Nieuw Utrechts Toneel) collaborated on the dramaturgy and creative direction of the 'Algoritme van de Stad' podcast.
- Berlijnplein CoöperatiecoreThe Berlijnplein Coöperatie supported the development of the 'Algoritme van de Stad' podcast, reflecting the cooperative ownership structure of the square.
- BuurtwerkkamercoreBuurtwerkkamer (Neighborhood Workshop) co-developed the Pleinotheek and is a key community partner in neighborhood programming.
- La BolleurcoreLa Bolleur is the design bureau that transformed community wishes into the flexible Pleinotheek installation. They were a co-creative design partner in the project.
- STIPOcoreSTIPO conducted research titled 'Ruimte voor iedereen?' (Space for everyone?) on behalf of RAUM, investigating inclusive public space design.
- Jonge HondenminorAnne Kamp from Jonge Honden facilitated the placegame workshops with neighborhood residents that led to the design of the Pleinotheek.
- Kars + BoomminorDesign studio Kars + Boom collaborated on the 'Drempels' (Thresholds) inclusive play installation project with RAUM.
- De ReuringdienstminorDe Reuringdienst designed playful installations for the 'Spielerei' Sunday play program at RAUM.
- SOUK UtrechtcoreSOUK Utrecht is an annual festival celebrating Arab and Amazigh culture, powered by SOUK Utrecht and partnering with RAUM for co-programming at Berlijnplein.
Scale indicators1 record
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
RAUM competitors and assessment
Company assessmentOthers
- Het Nieuwe Instituut: Het Nieuwe Instituut is the Netherlands' national museum and institute for architecture, design, and digital culture in Rotterdam. It is adjacent to RAUM through shared focus on public space, urban design, and design-led research (STIPO, RAUM Lab collaborations), though it operates as an established national institution rather than a community-led placemaker.
- STIPO: STIPO is a strategy and design consultancy focused on urban planning and public space, which conducted the 'Ruimte voor iedereen?' research commissioned by RAUM. It is adjacent as a professional services provider in the same public-space design ecosystem, but operates as a consultancy rather than a community venue.
Broad incumbents
- Forum Groningen: Forum Groningen is a large public building combining a library, museum, cinema, and event spaces in the city center of Groningen. Comparable to RAUM as a publicly accessible cultural plaza/programming venue, but operating at a much larger municipal scale with broader institutional backing.
Direct peers
- Pakhuis de Zwijger: Pakhuis de Zwijger is a public cultural platform and meeting space in Amsterdam that hosts programs, debates, and events on city-making themes. Like RAUM, it operates as an open civic venue combining programming, dialogue, and community activation, making it a directly comparable Dutch public-space/cultural platform.
- NDSM-werf: NDSM-werf is a former shipyard in Amsterdam-Noord that has become one of the largest creative cultural hubs in the Netherlands, hosting makers, artists, festivals, and community programming. Comparable to RAUM in combining creative residencies, public events, and community co-creation on a redeveloped urban site.
- De Ceuvel: De Ceuvel is a creative workspace and community hub in Amsterdam-Noord built on a former shipyard, combining workspace for creatives, a café, cultural programming, and sustainability experiments. Like RAUM, it transforms underutilized urban land into a mixed-use community hub with strong resident/creative involvement.
- Tolhuistuin: Tolhuistuin is a cultural garden and event venue in Amsterdam-Noord offering a restaurant, workspace, and program of cultural events. Comparable to RAUM as a multi-function public cultural space that blends hospitality, creative workspace, and community programming in a redeveloped urban setting.
- LocHal Tilburg: LocHal is a redeveloped former industrial building in Tilburg now operating as a public library and cultural plaza hosting events, exhibitions, and community programs. Comparable to RAUM as a publicly accessible, mixed-use cultural space combining library, hospitality, and event programming in a redeveloped urban location.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses3 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
RAUM social profiles
Digital presenceRAUM financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
RAUM leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
RAUM funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
RAUM M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about RAUM
What does RAUM do?
RAUM operates a community co-creation public space at Berlijnplein in Leidsche Rijn, Utrecht, offering free inclusive access to an open-air plaza along with a year-round calendar of cultural programming. Its offering spans physical installations such as the Pleinotheek neighborhood lending library and Makershuis residency space, event series including the Brommerbios outdoor cinema, Spielerei play program, StraatFest street festivals and Wandelclub walking tours, the Algoritme van de Stad podcast, social initiatives like Kop voor Nop, plus venue hire, catering, tours and workshops for businesses.
Is RAUM a public or private company?
RAUM is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was RAUM founded?
RAUM was founded in 2017. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is RAUM based?
RAUM is headquartered in Utrecht, Netherlands, in the Europe region.
How does RAUM make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Public Funding and Grants are the primary driver. The others are ticket Sales and event Hire and Venue Rental.
Who are RAUM's main competitors?
Others on record are Het Nieuwe Instituut and STIPO. Forum Groningen is listed as a broad incumbent. Direct peers are Pakhuis de Zwijger, NDSM-werf, De Ceuvel, Tolhuistuin and LocHal Tilburg.
Does RAUM have an API?
No public API is recorded for RAUM.