Brothers Launch 'Hacker House' For Black Entrepreneurs In Bed-Stuy

BED-STUY, BROOKLYN — A new "Hacker House" started by brothers in Bed-Stuy last week could be home to the world's next big start-up.

Brothers Rusty and River Fields launched "RHouse" in a brownstone on Bainbridge Street as a way to give Black engineers, creatives, and entrepreneurs a place to express themselves by launching what is known as Web 3.0 startups, named for the third "evolution" of the internet.

“We believe ambitious Black builders need spaces and experiences that prioritize their personal and professional growth and well-being,” Rusty said about the new space. “We curate intimate cohorts of ambitious individuals in urban chic spaces, both virtually and IRL, and design frameworks and processes for community, collaboration, and growth.”

RHouse is an immersive residency hacker house, meaning the participants live and work in the brownstone while working on their new companies.

The first group of 16 entrepreneurs started their four-week residency program on July 11 and will join in on “workshops, panel discussions, fire-side chats, networking events, wellness breaks, and tons of fun" until August, the brothers said. The group will also get a slice of a $25,000 investment for company equity.

“We aim to create an environment at RHouse where participants can readily find their ideal co-founder, build an incredible community, and deliver exciting, high-impact Web 3.0 and Web 2.0 companies," River added.

The Hacker House will host an artist workshop next Wednesday from 6 to 9 p.m., the brothers said. Artists and creators can stop by to learn about transitioning to web3 and participate in some painting.

Check out some photos from an open house held at RHouse this week: