- Zoku offers home-office hybrids designed for digital nomads and long-term travelers, blending comfort, productivity, and style in a single space.
- Since launching in 2016, Zoku has expanded its reach through partnerships, including a 2023 collaboration with Outsite, adding 500 rooms for remote workers across Europe.
- With real estate visionary Patrick Nelson joining the team, Zoku is poised for further global expansion.
In 2016, Zoku launched a revolution in urban living from its headquarters in Amsterdam.
Founders Hans Meyer and Marc Jongerius sought to reimagine hospitality and city living for the digital era.
Their vision wasn't just about creating a trendy new hotel—it was about building spaces that blur the lines between home, office, and social hub.
Today, Zoku is a fast-growing company that has raised millions in funding, including backing from real estate investors and venture capitalists who believe in its hybrid living concept.
From Concept to Reality: A Hybrid Space
Zoku's journey began in 2010 when Meyer and Jongerius conceived the idea. Their goal?
To create a space where people could not only sleep but also thrive.
After two years of development, the first Zoku opened in Amsterdam in 2016, instantly grabbing the attention of design enthusiasts, business travelers, and digital nomads alike.
"Zoku is a new category in the hospitality industry, combining the best parts of hotels, serviced apartments and co-working spaces with the vibrant community you might expect to find in a thriving neighbourhood.
We combine life, work and play for the globetrotting professional - serving as a cosy home, an inspiring office, and definitely more than just a hotel. We’re suitable for stays from one night all the way to a few months," said Meyer and Jongerius in an interview with Opumo.
At the heart of Zoku’s concept is its innovative room design, which functions as both a home and a fully equipped office.
The rooms are meticulously thought out to maximize comfort and productivity, featuring compact living spaces, full kitchens, and multifunctional areas for work or relaxation.
The Zoku Loft has been hailed as one of the best designs for long stays, particularly for those working remotely or on extended business trips.
A Game-Changer in the Hospitality Industry
Since its opening, Zoku has expanded its influence beyond Amsterdam, with plans to roll out locations across Europe.
Its unique business model has attracted attention from investors, securing funding to fuel its growth.
The company’s focus on remote work was further amplified when it partnered with Outsite, a global co-living brand.
This collaboration added 500 new rooms to Zoku's portfolio, catering specifically to remote workers who need flexible, well-designed living spaces.
“Harnessing Outsite’s expansive community with Zoku’s innovative hybrid living and working solutions, both companies have proved to revolutionize how people live and work across Europe.
This partnership is a testament to our shared vision of a world where work and life are not only balanced, but also integrated. We’re excited to host Outsite members at all of our four Zoku locations in across Europe, showcasing why these are some of the world’s most liveable cities to even more people,” said Meyer.
The partnership with Outsite, announced in 2023, marks a significant milestone in Zoku’s expansion strategy.
This bold move extends its reach, tapping into a network of digital nomads who can now access Zoku’s thoughtfully designed spaces across Europe.
By offering more options for remote workers, Zoku continues to push the boundaries of what urban living can look like in the modern world.
Leadership Driving Global Expansion
In 2023, Zoku welcomed real estate visionary Patrick Nelson to its leadership team. Nelson’s background in scaling real estate ventures gives Zoku the expertise needed to expand into new markets.
His strategic insight is instrumental as Zoku sets its sights on major cities across the globe, aiming to recreate its unique blend of home-office living on an international scale.
Edited By Annette George
