The Network State Podcast #23 - Cafe Cursor
Jan 12, 2026
Ben Lang, community leader at Cursor, shares insights on Cafe Cursor pop-ups that blend digital and physical spaces. He recounts the rapid rise in interest, with 1,000 applicants eager to host events in ten cities. Listeners get an inside look at the logistics of these pop-ups, from cafe bookings to user networking. Ben discusses the concept of 'printing the cloud' and connecting top power users through these meet-ups, as well as navigating challenges of longer-term community spaces and engagement strategies. A must-listen for digital community enthusiasts!
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Humble Origins: One-Day Cafe Takeover
- Ben Lang started Cafe Cursor by renting a neighborhood cafe next to Cursor's SF office for a day and inviting users to work and meet the team.
- About a thousand people applied within days once they opened hosting to the community, and pop-ups spread to ~10 cities.
Choose Street-Level Cafes For Pop-Ups
- For single-day pop-ups, book street-level neighborhood cafes to maximize walk-in accessibility and local feel.
- Expect unique logistical friction from regular customers and plan staff at the door to manage check-ins and curiosity.
Printing The Cloud Into Physical Spaces
- Balaji frames pop-ups as "printing the cloud": turning online communities into physical spaces to deepen ties.
- In-person meetups capture social value that a solo-focused app like Cursor isn't optimized to deliver digitally.
