US: Flexible housing marketplace Anyplace has announced that it has raised $5.3 million in a Series A funding round, taking its total financing to date to $8 million.
The round was led by GA technologies, while angel investor Jason Calacanis, Launch Fund, Japanese footballer Keisuke Honda and and venture capital firm East Ventures also took part.
Anyplace plans to use the incoming capital to expand its network of remote work-friendly apartments in major cities across the United States, capitalising on the surge in demand for flexible-term rentals, which is born out of the increasing adoption of a work-from-anywhere lifestyle by many workers across the country.
However, as Steve Satoru Naito, co-founder and CEO of Anyplace, explained, most of the accommodations available rarely guarantee high-speed internet or provide a comfortable workspace, making it difficult to confidently choose a place that can ensure the same productivity levels as a home office.
In September, the company launched Anyplace Select to change that by providing accommodation designed for productivity and catered to remote workers, digital nomads and corporate travellers, as well as other emerging demographics.
Satoru Naito said: “As a remote team that embraces travelling while working, we had an inside perspective of this problem and saw the need for a solution.ย That’s why we created accommodations specially designed for remote workers calledย Anyplace Select.
“Every Select apartment has a fully equipped office setup unlike anything found in other rentals or even at coworking spaces. It includes a height-adjustable standing desk, ergonomic chair, 34-inch ultra-wide monitor, professional microphone, webcam, collapsible green screen, laptop stand, docking station, key light, and more.
“WiFi speed will never be an issue either, as all units have gigabit internet,” he added.
So far, Anyplace Select has launched in San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, and New York City. With the latest round of funding, the company will seek to aggressively expand its inventory to meet the rising demand in those cities, while simultaneously opening remote work-friendly apartments in additional locations across the United States.
Satoru Naito continued: “We aim to become the go-to accommodation platform for remote workers. Broadening the footprint of Anyplace Select is our path to solidify this position.”
ShortTermRentalz will explore “The new categories of flexible living” in a RockSTRz webinar on Tuesday 5 April at 4pm BST. Register for the free session at this link.
