Asian co-working company naked Hub today today announced plans to acquire a 70% stake in Gravity, a premium co-working space in Australia for passionate entrepreneurs and professionals. The acquisition represents another important step forward for naked Hub, as the co-working operator continues to capitalize on the fast-growing co-working market and expand its presence globally.
“This deal will bring together two proven innovators in the Asia-Pacific co-working space, and lays the groundwork for continued rollout across the region and the globe,” said Jonathan Seliger, CEO of naked Hub said in a statement. “Naked Hub, with its hospitality background, proprietary technology, award-winning design, and strong communities, perfectly complements Gravity’s vision and its commitment to converging the worlds of business and lifestyle for the benefit of its members.”
Founded in 2014 by Sergio Pires and Jacqui Esdaile, Gravity has three co-working spaces in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane respectively, and with several key locations in Sydney and Melbourne currently under negotiation. As the premium co-working provider on the east coast of Australia with over 5,000 square meters of space, Gravity provides members opportunities to meet, share knowledge and business insights in a relaxed, social environment through open plan, productive work and meeting spaces. Striking a balanced work and life approach, Gravity also offers master classes, knowledge evenings and partnerships with key entrepreneurs in the business community.
“As someone who started this business from zero, I am thrilled to see our footprint expanding globally, taking us to the next level,” said Sergio Pires.
The global co-working industry is booming, growing 71% annually from 2007 to 2015 and is projected to grow 68% annually from 2016 to 2018 globally, according to Statista.
Founded by Shanghai-based luxury resort operator naked Group in November 2015, naked Hub currently has 44 Hubs open or in the pipeline across the world in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Australia, and the U.K. In 2016, Hong Kong-based private real estate investment firm Gaw Capital Partners led a US$33 million funding round in naked Hub.
Prior to the merger with Gravity, naked Hub has recently announced its acquisition of a Shanghai based coworking operator, Raise, as well as adding 40 new locations across Asia in the coming year to its global footprint.
In addition to expanding its physical network, naked Hub is also growing its online offerings. As commercial properties are increasingly beginning to adopt naked Hub’s CAAS software, naked Hub has also launched this service to provide these properties with the benefits of leveraging technology and innovation to build communities.
Source: China Money Network
