Tech, Trends, Workspace Views and UltraSoft News
Industry update: What flexible workspace operators should know right now
Flexible workspace continues to grow across major markets, with more operators opening new locations and businesses turning to flexible offices as their needs change. Companies are using these spaces to support growth, add teams, and enter new markets without committing to long-term office leases.
At the same time, technology is making it easier for businesses to find, compare, and book a workspace that suits them. Together, these changes are helping flexible workspaces become a more practical part of the way businesses operate.
Here are some of the latest developments in the market.
Industry News
1) OpenAI and Anthropic Expand Their Coworking Presence in Singapore
OpenAI and Anthropic are both using a flexible workspace in Singapore as they expand their local teams. OpenAI currently has around 100 desks at The Work Project, while Anthropic has around 100 desks at The Executive Centre. OpenAI is also reportedly considering a much larger conventional office, showing how flexible workspace can help companies enter a market before committing to a permanent headquarters.
2) AI Is Making Office Space Needs Harder to Predict
New research from IWG found that 60% of CEOs and CFOs surveyed say AI has made it harder to predict how much office space their companies will need over the next two years. The uncertainty is pushing businesses toward more flexible workspace strategies, with 57% investing in hybrid workspace arrangements and 52% considering decentralised workspace models.
3) WORQ Reaches 13 Locations Across Malaysia
Malaysian coworking operator WORQ has grown to 13 locations and around 345,000 sq ft of space under management. The company is targeting 600,000 sq ft by 2027, with its latest growth coming through partnerships with property owners.
4) OSiT Completes £129 Million Refinancing Agreement
London flexible workspace provider OSiT has secured a £129 million refinancing deal for four of its Zone 1 office buildings. Aberdeen Investments is providing around £72 million and will continue its seven-year partnership with OSiT. The funding covers OSiT’s offices in St Paul’s, Liverpool Street, Monument and Waterloo. OSiT is also looking for an investment partner to help it buy more buildings and grow its London portfolio.
5) Blog Highlight: How the Shift Toward Management Agreements Is Affecting Flexible Workspace Operators
Management agreements are becoming an increasingly important option for flexible workspace operators looking to expand. Our latest blog looks at how this approach affects operators, from capital requirements and financial risk to revenue sharing, control, and day-to-day operations.
What This Means for Operators
Flexible workspace continues to grow, with operators exploring different ways to expand. AI is creating new demand while also making office needs harder to predict, and operators are finding new opportunities through partnerships, flexible locations, and different expansion models.
For operators, this means that being able to scale quickly and manage locations efficiently will remain important as businesses continue to rethink how and where they work.
See you in the next issue,
The UltraSoftBIS Team
