Phonebooth startup Room launches in UK as it dials in to coworking boom
Room, the US startup specialising in phonebooths for open plan offices, launched in the UK today as it looks to cash in on the rising popularity of coworking spaces.
The New-York based firm, which counts Google, Uber, Amazon and Apple among its clients, is also rolling out in six other European countries amid growing demand for its products.
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Room manufactures soundproof phonebooths designed to provide a private working space in open plan offices, and has enjoyed rapid growth since its launch in May last year.
Chief executive Brian Chen told City PM the firm’s product was well-suited to London due to the capital’s booming flexible workspace offering.
“The trend towards open offices goes hand in hand with flexible real estate,” he said.
Room, which is backed by Silicon Valley angel investors Slow Ventures, is currently used by 2,000 companies in the US and said it expected to reach the $40m (£32m) revenue milestone by the end of the year.
“Room is at the forefront of a wider movement focused on solving the persistent issue of noise and distraction in the open plan office,” said co-founder Morten Meisner-Jensen.
“The challenges faced by open office workers is global, not local, and we look forward to introducing our proven privacy solution to Europe.”
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The expansion comes amid a boom in flexible workspace providers. Market leader Wework is currently gearing up for its closely-watched stock market float, while rival Knotel last month secured unicorn status after its latest fundraising round.
Room said it has future plans to launch additional products in the workspace design category, including coordinating furniture and accessories.
Main image credit: Room