I remember sitting with a few mates at a coffee shop in Shoreditch, all of us in our early twenties, wondering if our jobs were actually going to lead us somewhere. The world is changing fast — and let’s be honest, the systems built for previous generations don’t feel made for us.
University debt, the housing crisis, the rise of AI, and not to mention climate anxiety — all weigh heavily on us. These aren’t just news headlines; they’re real daily worries. And when you’re constantly told to think long-term while also being glued to short-term contracts, it’s no wonder most of us are looking for a new way forward.

This is exactly why places like XXBRITS are starting to matter more than ever.
So, what’s different about spaces like XXBRITS?
XXBRITS isn’t your typical startup incubator or co-working space. It’s a community-led hub where young creators, developers, designers, and makers get to build something of real value — not just for themselves, but for society. It focuses on making digital tools, creative assets, and business know-how accessible to anyone with the drive to build something new.
Here’s what makes it truly beneficial:
- Practical learning over theory – no fluff, just action.
- Access to collaborative projects where you work on real-world challenges.
- Mentorships with professionals who don’t lecture — they listen.
- Opportunities to create actual income streams — not just internships with no pay.
Instead of handing you a certificate and wishing you luck, XXBRITS equips you with skills, contacts, and confidence. And in a world that keeps asking for “experience” before giving you a shot, that’s massive.
Are Gen Z really different, or just misunderstood?
Let’s get this straight. Gen Z aren’t lazy, entitled, or always glued to their phones. We’re actually:
- The most educated generation yet, but often underemployed
- Deeply driven by purpose rather than just paychecks
- Exceptionally tech-savvy, but craving human connection
- Open to non-linear careers — from freelancing to portfolio work
Entities like XXBRITS don’t just understand this — they’re shaped by it.
Take Maya, a 22-year-old graphic artist who couldn’t afford to study at a traditional art school. She started learning design on YouTube, joined a design collective at XXBRITS, and now runs a growing merchandise business through Shopify. She’s not the exception — she’s becoming the norm.
What kind of people does XXBRITS attract?
It’s a mix, but all share a few traits:
- Passion for building something real
- Belief in collaborative effort
- Desire to solve current generation issues
- A rejection of the “wait your turn” mentality
From blockchain enthusiasts to sustainable fashion designers, from digital nomads to mental health app creators, they all find a home in places like this.
What roles do communities and collaboration play?
The idea of the lone genius is fading. Today, collaboration is everything. Inside XXBRITS, you’ll find:
- Hackathons solving issues from climate change to digital identity
- Workshops hosted by young professionals in fields like UX design, social media strategy, and ethical coding
- Weekly sessions on topics like:
- Financial literacy for creatives
- Building a personal brand
- Mental health in the digital age
Everyone contributes. Everyone gains.
What kind of tools and tech are people using there?
The tools you find at XXBRITS are not just trendy — they’re practical:
Tool/Tech | Use Case |
Figma | UI/UX design and team collaboration |
Notion | Project planning, knowledge sharing |
Webflow | Visual web development without coding |
Canva Pro | Design assets for social media and branding |
Python & JavaScript | Coding applications and automations |
Adobe Suite | Creative work including video, photo, audio |
Zaps (Zapier) | Automate workflows without tech overload |
Tech doesn’t need to be overwhelming. It needs to be useful. That’s the philosophy.
Is this just another London-centric thing?
Not at all. While XXBRITS started in East London, its model is being mirrored in places like Bristol, Manchester, Leeds, and even remote communities. Thanks to digital accessibility, anyone with a Wi-Fi connection can plug into workshops, join projects, and benefit from mentorships.
Local meetups are still valued — there’s something about face-to-face chats over a shared pizza box or whiteboard session that no Zoom call can replicate — but digital infrastructure has opened things up widely.
What skills are actually in demand right now?
Let’s be real: traditional degrees don’t always match real-world needs anymore. What’s hot in places like XXBRITS right now?
- No-code platforms – Think Bubble, Webflow, Glide
- Creative monetisation – Selling courses, prints, or digital services
- Tech-for-good – Apps addressing social justice, climate, or mental health
- Community management – Building and nurturing online groups
- Ethical hacking, privacy-focused dev work, and decentralised finance
The future needs creators who can think, design, and build — without waiting for permission.
Is money a problem? How do people fund their ideas?
Yes, money’s tight — always has been. But XXBRITS helps tackle this:
- Micro-grants for community projects
- Sponsorships from tech companies for promising ideas
- Access to crowdfunding guidance
- Help building digital income streams through Patreon, Ko-fi, Gumroad
People are learning to turn their passion into income. It’s not easy, but it’s doable with the right support.
Why do mental health and safe spaces matter so much?
Ask anyone under 30 — burnout, anxiety, and loneliness are common threads. That’s why safe spaces are critical.
XXBRITS offers:
- Quiet rooms
- Peer-led support sessions
- Professional therapists who specialise in digital-age wellbeing
Real support. No judgement.
Who backs projects at XXBRITS?
While it’s very community-focused, partnerships still play a part:
- Tech brands like Github, Canva, and Notion offer tools and mentorship
- Local councils fund physical spaces
- NGOs and education charities support workshops
It’s an ecosystem. And while traditional investors sometimes show interest, the priority remains staying mission-first, profit-second.
Find out about XXBRITS and how it is Powering the Future of Digital Britain
What’s next for these kinds of communities?
If the past few years have shown us anything, it’s this: top-down change is too slow. Movements that start from the ground up, where people build with their own hands, are the ones reshaping the world.
We’re seeing more of:
- Digital cooperatives
- Young creators starting their own brands
- Cross-border collaborations through tools like Slack and Miro
- Greater transparency in who owns what
XXBRITS is at the heart of that.
Conclusion: It’s not about the hype, it’s about what we build
I won’t pretend everything’s easy. Most of us are still figuring things out. But spaces like XXBRITS show what’s possible when you’re not forced to fit a mould. When you’re given the tools, support, and respect to build your own way.
In a world that often asks us to wait, we’ve stopped waiting.
And that, right there, is how we’re building the future.