Ann Azevedo: The Co-founder Behind Knotel’s $1 Billion Valuation

Ann Azevedo is a name that has been making waves in the tech industry for quite some time now. As the co-founder of Knotel, a flexible workspace provider, Azevedo has played a pivotal role in the company’s growth and success. In 2019, Knotel was valued at $1 billion, making it one of the most valuable startups in the world. In this article, we will take a closer look at Azevedo’s background, her role at Knotel, and how she helped the company achieve its impressive valuation.

Early Career and Entrepreneurial Spirit

Before co-founding Knotel, Azevedo had already established herself as a successful entrepreneur. She founded and ran a successful event planning company in San Francisco for over a decade. However, her passion for entrepreneurship and innovation led her to explore new opportunities in the tech industry.

In 2015, Azevedo co-founded a startup called 3D Hubs, which aimed to create a global network of 3D printing services. The company quickly gained traction and raised over $30 million in funding. However, Azevedo eventually left 3D Hubs to pursue a new venture – Knotel.

Co-founding Knotel

Azevedo co-founded Knotel in 2016 with Amol Sarva, a serial entrepreneur and investor. The two shared a vision of creating a flexible workspace solution that would cater to the needs of modern businesses. Unlike traditional office spaces, Knotel offers fully furnished and customizable workspaces that can be rented on a short-term basis.

Azevedo’s role at Knotel has been crucial in shaping the company’s growth strategy. As the Chief Operating Officer (COO), she oversees the company’s day-to-day operations, including sales, marketing, and customer experience. Her focus on providing a seamless and personalized experience for Knotel’s clients has been instrumental in the company’s success.

Knotel’s Impressive Growth

Since its inception, Knotel has experienced impressive growth, expanding its operations to over 200 locations across the globe. The company has raised over $560 million in funding from top investors such as Newmark Knight Frank, Norwest Venture Partners, and Wafra. In 2019, Knotel was valued at $1 billion, making it a unicorn startup.

Azevedo’s leadership has been instrumental in driving Knotel’s growth. Her focus on creating a customer-centric culture has helped the company attract and retain top talent. She has also been instrumental in forging partnerships with key players in the real estate industry, such as landlords and brokers.

The Future of Knotel

Looking ahead, Knotel is poised for even greater success. The company plans to continue expanding its operations globally, with a focus on key markets such as Europe and Asia. Azevedo’s leadership will be crucial in driving this growth and ensuring that Knotel remains at the forefront of the flexible workspace industry.

In addition to expanding its operations, Knotel is also exploring new opportunities in the real estate industry. The company recently launched Knotel Asset Management, a platform that allows landlords to convert their underutilized office space into flexible workspaces. This new venture has the potential to revolutionize the commercial real estate industry and further cement Knotel’s position as a leader in the flexible workspace market.

Conclusion

Ann Azevedo is a true visionary and entrepreneur. Her passion for innovation and customer-centric approach has been instrumental in driving Knotel’s growth and success. As the company continues to expand its operations and explore new opportunities, Azevedo’s leadership will be crucial in ensuring that Knotel remains at the forefront of the flexible workspace industry. With her track record of success, there is no doubt that Azevedo will continue to make waves in the tech industry for years to come.