Meet the Cofounder of Knotel, Amol Sarva

In the world of startups and entrepreneurship, there are a few names that stand out as game-changers. Amol Sarva is one such name. He is the cofounder of Knotel, a flexible office space provider that has disrupted the traditional office leasing model. With a valuation of $1 billion and over 70 million square feet of office space under management, Knotel has become a force to be reckoned with in the commercial real estate industry. In this article, we will take a closer look at Amol Sarva and his journey as an entrepreneur.

Early Life and Education

Amol Sarva was born in India and spent his early years in New Delhi before moving to the United States. He attended Columbia University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. He went on to earn a Ph.D. in Cognitive Science from Stanford University. His academic background in computer science and cognitive science laid the foundation for his future work in technology and entrepreneurship.

Entrepreneurial Journey

After completing his Ph.D., Amol Sarva worked as a professor at New York University, where he taught courses on entrepreneurship and technology. In 2003, he co-founded Virgin Mobile USA, a mobile virtual network operator that targeted young consumers. The company was a huge success and went public in 2007. Amol Sarva left Virgin Mobile USA in 2008 and went on to co-found several other companies, including Peek, a mobile email device, and Halo Neuroscience, a neurotechnology company.

In 2016, Amol Sarva co-founded Knotel with Edward Shenderovich. The idea behind Knotel was to provide flexible office space to companies that needed it. Unlike traditional office leasing models, Knotel offered short-term leases and customizable office spaces that could be tailored to the specific needs of each client. The company quickly gained traction and raised over $500 million in funding from investors such as Newmark Knight Frank, Norwest Venture Partners, and The Sapir Organization.

The Knotel Model

Knotel’s success can be attributed to its unique business model. The company offers flexible office space that can be customized to meet the needs of each client. This means that clients can choose the size of their office space, the layout, and the amenities they require. Knotel also offers short-term leases, which means that clients can rent office space for as little as a month or as long as a year. This flexibility has made Knotel a popular choice for startups and small businesses that need office space but don’t want to commit to a long-term lease.

Another key aspect of Knotel’s business model is its focus on community. The company designs its office spaces to encourage collaboration and networking among its clients. Each office space is equipped with common areas such as lounges, kitchens, and conference rooms, where clients can interact with each other. Knotel also hosts events and workshops for its clients, which further fosters a sense of community.

The Future of Knotel

Knotel has experienced rapid growth since its founding in 2016. The company now has over 200 locations in cities around the world, including New York, London, San Francisco, and Berlin. Its client base includes some of the world’s most innovative companies, such as Uber, Microsoft, and Starbucks.

Looking ahead, Knotel has ambitious plans for the future. The company aims to continue expanding its global footprint and to offer even more innovative solutions for its clients. In 2020, Knotel launched a new product called Geometry, which is a software platform that helps companies manage their office space more efficiently. With Geometry, companies can track their real estate usage, manage their leases, and optimize their office space to reduce costs.

Conclusion

Amol Sarva is a visionary entrepreneur who has made a significant impact on the commercial real estate industry. His work with Knotel has disrupted the traditional office leasing model and has provided a flexible, community-driven alternative for companies of all sizes. With over 70 million square feet of office space under management and a valuation of $1 billion, Knotel is poised for even greater success in the years to come.