From Unused Spaces to Smart Cities – Mike Rosenbaum on Spacer’s Vision for a More Efficient Future
Featuring: Mike Rosenbaum, Founder and Global CEO of Spacer Technologies
Interview Conducted: The Western Connect Editorial Team
Mike, tell us about Spacer Technologies and what inspired it?
Spacer Technologies is a leading company behind an innovative portfolio of tech platforms that enable users to monetize underutilized assets, optimize resources, and reduce waste. Launched in 2015 in Australia and 2017 in North America, our brands include Spacer.com, a platform for renting out spare parking spaces, and WhereiPark, which provides large-scale tailored parking solutions for the construction sector. This includes the team offering parking solutions for data centre build sites for top tech companies.
In 2024, we expanded our footprint with the acquisition of Scoop Commute, a carpooling app, and STOW IT’s P2P assets—adding 1,000+ locations in key U.S. markets and further strengthening our position in the $32B parking industry. Our Australian portfolio includes Parkhound, Spacer Australia, and Chargehound.
I’ve scaled and sold several companies so for my next venture – I attended the 500 Startups Demo Day. It was there that I was introduced to the immense potential of the sharing economy to unlock value in underutilized assets. With the market valued at $387.1B in 2022 and expected to double by 2032, it was clear that this presented a major opportunity. This is what led me to create Spacer and then also Spacer Technologies.
Spacer has seen significant growth over the years. What was the vision for Spacer, and how has it transformed people’s approach to parking?
The vision behind Spacer was to create a technology-driven platform that optimizes how parking spaces are utilized in urban areas. With parking shortages becoming a growing challenge in cities, many residential spaces sit empty while drivers struggle to find affordable options. Spacer was designed to bridge this gap by connecting people with available parking spaces (Hosts) to those who need them (Renters) – allowing property owners to generate extra income while providing drivers with a more cost-effective alternative to on-street and commercial parking. Our goal is to make parking more accessible, reduce congestion, and create smarter, more efficient cities through innovative parking solutions.
What is an inspiring success story you’ve seen from individuals who have used Spacer to generate income from their underutilized parking spaces?
[1] Parking Services Market Size, Share & Growth Analysis 2034
[2] Sharing Economy Market Share , Size , Trends , Growth 2032
Sam, a San Francisco resident, began using Spacer several years ago to generate passive income from three unused parking spaces. Earning $300 per space, Sam makes $900 monthly and $10,800 annually. He also rents out 12 parking spaces through other means, earning a total of $54,000 in passive income each year!
The demand for parking is increasing, especially in major cities. Can you give an example of how Spacer is helping to solve the parking problems?
In cities like Boston, San Francisco and Seattle, parking has become a major challenge due to limited space and high demand. With growing populations, more cars on the road, and outdated parking infrastructure, drivers often struggle to find affordable and convenient parking options. This results in longer commutes, increased congestion, and added frustration for both residents and visitors.
Spacer turns underutilized parking spaces into valuable resources. By listing these spaces on Spacer.com, owners earn passive income, and drivers get affordable, convenient parking—reducing search time, congestion, and emissions. Whether it’s a garage in D.C., a church lot in Philadelphia, or an after-hours commercial space in Austin, Spacer helps cities maximize existing parking and improve accessibility.
Spacer Technologies has made a significant impact on the sharing economy. How do you think the sharing economy is shaping the future of urban living?
The sharing economy is reshaping urban living by unlocking the untapped value of underutilized resources. It fosters a new approach to ownership and access, enabling individuals to share goods and services in ways that generate income, reduce waste, and support sustainability. This model is creating new economic opportunities while addressing modern urban challenges.
Spacer Technologies is at the forefront of this transformation – by turning underutilized real estate into income-generating assets, we’re not only reducing waste but also creating more efficient, connected communities.
Spacer Technologies recently acquired STOW IT’s P2P assets. How does this acquisition strengthen Spacer’s position in the $32 billion parking industry?
By incorporating STOW IT’s platform, Spacer expands its presence in the P2P parking market, making it easier for users to rent out underutilized spaces. This acquisition strengthens Spacer’s position in both B2C and B2B parking, offering opportunities to innovate, scale, and introduce features like real-time space availability and dynamic pricing. It also provides access to STOW IT’s user base and partner network, positioning Spacer to better compete in the fragmented parking industry.
With the rise of environmentally-conscious living, how does Spacer align with sustainability efforts and carbon-neutral goals, especially in cities with high parking demand like Boston or San Francisco?
By helping individuals monetize unused parking spaces, we’re not just optimizing the use of available resources—we’re reducing the need for new construction and infrastructure. This directly contributes to lowering emissions and decreasing traffic congestion to encourage more efficient use of space. Additionally, by reducing the amount of time drivers spend searching for parking, Spacer helps minimize carbon emissions and the overall environmental footprint.
For those looking to make extra income, how easy is it to list a parking space on Spacer, and what steps can property owners take to get started?
We are seeing Hosts make on average $3,000 a year off one parking space, with annual earnings high in the likes of San Francisco and Boston. It takes just 10 minutes to sign up:
– Sign Up and List Your Spot
Create an account via www.spacer.com, add your spot, and set your price in minutes.
– Set Your Terms
Control when your spot is available and how renters access it. Spacer connects you to drivers looking for parking in busy areas.
– Receive Bookings and Payments
Once listed, your spot will be visible to commuters. Spacer ensures payment processing and guarantees your income, so you can enjoy passive earnings without the hassle.
Spacer focuses on transparency in pricing and guarantees for customers. How do you ensure that users feel confident when booking parking spots through the platform?
Spacer ensures users feel confident by offering transparent pricing, secure payment methods, and verified listings. Customer reviews build trust, while guarantees like refunds or alternative spots provide peace of mind. Plus, 24/7 support is available to address any concerns, ensuring a smooth booking experience.
Finally, what’s next for Spacer Technologies? What exciting developments can we expect in the near future to enhance both the user and host experience?
We’re focused on expanding our leadership position in the mobility and transport sector by continually enhancing and integrating our platform offerings. Our key goals include broadening our presence in both existing and new markets; driving innovation through the adoption of emerging technologies like AI and smart infrastructure; and expanding partnerships with businesses and municipalities to meet the evolving transportation needs of individuals and organizations.
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