- Edinburgh startup SWURF has secured £200,000 in new funding to expand its flexible working network.
- The investment will support the rollout of soundproof SWURF Pods and grow venue partnerships across the city.
- More than 450 venues and 14,000 users are already connected through the platform.
- The network has already contributed around £2 million to the Edinburgh economy.
An Edinburgh-based remote working platform has secured fresh investment as it seeks to strengthen the city’s reputation as a hub for flexible working.
SWURF announced a £200,000 funding round aimed at accelerating expansion across Edinburgh. The funding will support the rollout of new private work pods and continued growth of the platform’s network of remote work friendly venues.
Investors joining the round include existing backers and industry figures such as Gareth Williams, co-founder of Skyscanner, and hospitality entrepreneur Anna Lagerqvist Christopherson, who owns venues including Boda BV, Green Room and Victoria Bar.
Expansion of On-Demand Work Pods
A key focus of the investment is the expansion of SWURF Pods, private meeting spaces designed for professionals who require quiet environments for calls and remote work.
The pods include soundproofing, private WiFi networks with security grade encryption, smart LED lighting, air filtration systems and ergonomic seating. They are designed to provide on demand workspaces in locations where traditional offices may not be available.
Initial installations are already operating at Edinburgh Airport and YOTEL on Queen Street.
SWURF plans to grow the network so that workers in Edinburgh are within 15 minutes of a pod location.
Building a Citywide Flexible Work Network
The SWURF mobile app allows users to find remote working friendly venues across the city, including cafés, hotels and bars. Users who check in through the app receive secure WiFi access and venue specific perks.
The platform currently lists more than 450 venues and serves a community of around 14,000 users, referred to as Swurfers.
Partner venues include The Hoxton hotel, Crowne Plaza Edinburgh Royal Terrace and The Royal Scots Club.
Company data suggests the platform has contributed around £2 million to the local economy by helping venues generate additional revenue during quieter periods and introducing customers to new locations.
Leadership and Growth Plans
The funding follows an earlier six figure investment in 2025 and a series of appointments to the company’s board.
The board is chaired by Alison Grieve, founder of G-Hold. Other board members include Scott Leckie, who moved from a fractional CTO role to a permanent board position, and Daniel Rodgers, founder of the Scottish technology company QikServe, who serves as a non-executive director.
Industry Perspective
Nikki Gibson, CEO and Co-Founder of SWURF and hospitality expert, commented:
“This latest investment is a testament to what we are building as we continue to redefine remote working. People want more than just a desk, they need flexibility, security, and environments that inspire productivity. Our mission is to make Edinburgh the global gold standard for flexible working. By expanding our network of host venues and rolling out our high tech SWURF Pods, we are ensuring that whatever your work needs are, the city is your office.”
Margaret Auld, General Manager of Yotel Edinburgh, said:
“The Swurf pod is an excellent service that we can provide to our hotel guests and it also brings new people into our hotel.”
Hybrid and remote working have continued to shape how professionals use urban spaces. Platforms connecting workers with hospitality venues have emerged as one response, allowing cafés, hotels and other venues to monetise underused space while supporting flexible working patterns.
SWURF’s strategy centres on expanding both physical infrastructure through its pods and venue partnerships through its digital platform.
With new funding secured and a growing network across Edinburgh, SWURF plans to expand its pod infrastructure and venue partnerships across the city. The company aims to strengthen Edinburgh’s position as a flexible working destination while providing new revenue opportunities for local hospitality businesses.
