Knotel emerged as a flexible workspace operator focused on providing enterprise-ready, customized office spaces designed for agility and rapid scaling. Unlike traditional coworking models, Knotel emphasized branded, private environments that adapt to a company’s evolving needs. Its platform integrated workspace design, facility operations, lease management, and occupancy optimization tools. The company expanded rapidly across major global cities, appealing to corporates seeking flexible real estate without long-term commitments. While its growth was significant, market shifts later pushed Knotel toward restructuring, ultimately resulting in its acquisition.
What Is Knotel and What Does It Do?
Knotel, founded in 2015 by Edward Shenderovich and Joseph Meyer, is a New York City–based (United States)flexible workspace provider focused on enterprise-grade, customizable office solutions.
Knotel employs 341 people, offering private suites, full-floor offices, managed spaces, and workplace services including design, IT setup, furniture, and operations management. Its model centers on providing branded, adaptable environments that allow companies to scale teams, optimize space use, and reduce real estate friction across evolving business cycles.
How Much Funding Has Knotel Raised?
1. Conventional Debt
- Amount Raised: $20M
- Date: Feb 01, 2021
- Lead Investors: Newmark Grubb Knight Frank
- Motivation: Support restructuring initiatives and stabilize business operations.
2. Series C
- Amount Raised: $400M
- Date: Aug 21, 2019
- Lead Investors: Wafra, Mori Trust, ITOCHU, Mercuria Investment, The Sapir Organization, Newmark Grubb Knight Frank, Norwest Venture Partners, Bloomberg Beta, Rocket Internet
- Motivation: Global expansion, enhanced enterprise solutions, and improved workspace management technology.
Total Funding Raised: $555M
Current Valuation: $1.6B (as of Feb 2021)
Latest Funding Date: February 2021
Key Investors
1. Norwest Venture Partners
- Details: Long-standing venture firm investing across enterprise, consumer, and fintech.
- Investment Focus Areas: B2B SaaS, real estate tech, retail, marketplaces.
- Notable Investments: Uber, OpenDoor, Bird, HoneyBook, Calm.
2. Newmark Grubb Knight Frank
- Details: Global commercial real estate advisory and investment firm.
- Investment Focus Areas: PropTech, workspace solutions, CRE services.
- Notable Investments: Knotel, Convene, Deskeo, Propmix.io, Raise.
3. Wafra
- Details: Investment firm managing alternative assets across private equity, real estate, and strategic funds.
- Investment Focus Areas: Real estate, logistics, infrastructure, growth equity.
- Notable Investments: Compass, Artalan, Oak Hill Advisors, Cytora, Capital Constellation.
4. Mori Trust
- Details: Major Japanese real estate and hospitality developer.
- Investment Focus Areas: Commercial real estate, PropTech, workplace innovation.
- Notable Investments: WeWork Japan, Daito Trust ventures, Knotel, various hospitality assets.
5. Rocket Internet
- Details: Global tech incubator and investor known for scaling digital businesses worldwide.
- Investment Focus Areas: E-commerce, marketplaces, logistics, mobility.
- Notable Investments: Lazada, Foodpanda, Jumia, HelloFresh, Global Fashion Group.
Where Is Knotel’s Headquarters?
Knotel is headquartered in New York City, placing it at the center of global commercial real estate and enterprise workspace demand.
What’s Next for Knotel?
Knotel’s future centers on operational stabilization under new ownership, refining its enterprise workspace model, and leveraging technology to support hybrid work trends. The company is expected to focus on efficiency, targeted markets, and service-led flexibility.
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