Name: David Kaiser
Job title: CEO and co-founder, Oneder
What I do: I am the CEO of Oneder, one of the UK’s fastest growing flexible workspace operators. I lead our very talented team across our portfolio of flexible workspaces, ensuring our members are happy and productive in our spaces. Oneder partners with landlords to provide beautiful workspaces for our community to seamlessly work, connect and thrive.
Why I got into the property industry: I started out as a commercial solicitor. During my training contract across multiple departments, my favourite experience was in commercial real estate. I loved the people (their open and entrepreneurial nature) and dealing with a physical product. I could see and experience what I was talking and writing about – more fun than writing nasty letters in litigation all day!
How I did it: I joined the real estate team at WeWork in 2017. At that point in time, there was a relentless focus on member experience – our customer was central to our decision making and I always felt like we were working together to challenge the status quo. I worked with entrepreneurial and tenacious people from around the world who revolutionised how real estate could be branded, sold and enjoyed. I saw how offices could play such an impactful part of someone’s day and life – experience rather than desks and chairs was what kept people happy and engaged. At Oneder, we have further evolved this thinking to offer a working environment that is fit for the modern way of working – better amenity, spaces and products fit for the hybrid world (and sustainable deal structures with landlords).
My first proper job: My first proper job was at 14 in telesales after school in an office in an industrial park in Borehamwood – glamorous. I can tell you that there was no gym, podcast studio or coffee barista like we offer!
My first big break: I don’t think I ever had a big break. I’ve been very fortunate to work with very talented people at great companies. I’ve always tried to learn from those around me to grow and develop my knowledge and skill set. I am where I am now from working hard and constantly learning new things from peers and superiors. We are very proud that Oneder is one of the fastest growing flexible workspace operators in the UK – operating circa 210,000 sq ft and with nearly 3,000 members after only 2.5 years.
My inspiration(s): We’re very fortunate to have incredible founders and people as our members who inspire me and the team every day. Watching incredibly smart, creative and brave entrepreneurs take an idea, build it, monetise it and create opportunities is very impactful. We’re glad we can play a very small part in their success.
The biggest challenge I’ve encountered to date: Two months into starting Oneder, we had the opportunity to operate Shoreditch Exchange – a 110,000 sq ft building next to Hoxton Station. We had two weeks to build a brand, set up our systems, build marketing funnels, recruit a team, etc. As a team of two at the time, we worked flat out to deliver on our vision to make Shoreditch Exchange a destination for entrepreneurs, SMEs and scaling companies. Two years later Shoreditch Exchange has 1,700 members in an incredibly vibrant and bustling building with incredible members including Yonder, Entrepreneurs First, Jack & Jill AI, Mous, Beam and Ivee. With the best community team in the business, a barista, gym, roof terrace, podcast studio and an incredibly varied event programme with partners such as Soul Cycle, Hardest Geezer and Jubel, we’ve achieved our vision of creating an amenity rich and bustling community space.
My greatest achievement/proudest moment to date: At Oneder we saw a gap in the market to create a flexible workspace provider that can be a genuine partner to landlords and help meet their desired outcomes. Our growth to operate circa 210,000 sq ft over the last (nearly) 2.5 years is a testament to execution of that vision. Our recently announced partnership with Stanhope, the leading property developer and asset manager, to open Kindling – a 30,000 sq ft workspace in the heart of bustling White City Place – demonstrates that landlords of all shapes and sizes see the benefits of delivering thoughtful, customised and intentional space within their portfolios.
The biggest misconception people have about the property industry: That it’s an unfriendly, closed world. I find people in the industry to be very generous with their time and their ideas.
My biggest bugbear about the industry/the one thing I would change about the industry: The one thing I would change is to make sure we put people at the centre of our thinking. We have too many conversations with stakeholders who forget that we are in the people business and don’t design or run their spaces accordingly. At Oneder, we think relentlessly about human experience (the ‘One’ in ‘Oneder is testament to our focus on the individual) and how they will enjoy and use the space, build relationships with it – get their work done and have a great experience.
Where I’d like to be in five years’ time career-wise: We hope to be the leading operator of flexible workspaces in the UK. Partnering with as many landlords as possible so we can improve the working environment of even more people.
Who I’d invite, living or dead, to a dinner party: John Lennon – I’ve always loved The Beatles and he was so charismatic and free thinking. Ricky Gervais – is there a funnier person on the planet? The queen – she would have some stories, she had a great sense of humour and would bring a good present.
What I do in my downtime: I have three young children, so my downtime consists of driving, walking and scooting to ballet classes, football matches, cubs, chess club, playdates, haircuts and school disciplinary meetings.
The job I’d be doing if I was not doing this: I would probably still be a solicitor – churning out leases and licenses for works.
My advice for someone just starting out: Property is an incredibly friendly and generous industry. It always amazes me how people make time for each other and are so collaborative. Get out there and meet with as many people as you can – a conversation so often leads to an opportunity.
My motto/mantra: Never static, always building – I’m always trying to do better than I did yesterday.
