Scottish startup SWURF lands fresh funding to connect venues and remote workers

Edinburgh-based startup SWURF has secured a six-figure investment and welcomed three additional industry leaders to its board to connect underutilised venues with remote/hybrid workers.

The latest investment round includes follow-on funding from Gareth Williams, Co-founder of Skyscanner, who has backed SWURF since 2022. The round was also supported by the Scottish Government’s Techscaler programme, Scottish Enterprise, and private investors.

The new funds will accelerate SWURF’s rollout across additional UK regions and select European markets. Looking ahead, the company is preparing for a further raise of €1.1 million later this year to fuel global expansion.

Nikki Gibson, CEO and Co-founder of SWURF, said: “With Alison guiding our international rollout, Scott shaping our tech strategy, and Daniel bringing a proven track record in tech innovation, strategic development, and digital transformation, SWURF is positioned to grow with purpose and precision.

“Their leadership is a game-changer as we take SWURF to new markets and new heights.”

Founded in 2020 during the pandemic, SWURF offers a mobile app that connects remote and hybrid professionals with underused hospitality venues – such as cafés, hotels, and co-working hubs – transforming them into dynamic off-peak workspaces. The platform enables access to flexible working locations and aims to foster community engagement through exclusive perks and curated events.

In tandem with the investment, SWURF has made three strategic board appointments aimed at strengthening its leadership for international growth.

• Alison Grieve, Founder of G-Hold and an expert in product innovation, joins as Chair of the Board.
• Scott Leckie, who previously served as SWURF’s fractional CTO, steps into a permanent board role to lead the company’s tech evolution.
• Daniel Rodgers, Founder of hospitality tech success story QikServe, has been appointed Non-executive Director.

The app currently boasts a network of over 300 activated venues across the UK and has built a user base of more than 11,000. According to internal data, it has generated approximately €2 million in revenue for its hospitality partners, highlighting the platform’s potential to create real economic impact for venues during off-peak hours.

Alison Grieve, Chair of the Board at SWURF, said: “In an economic environment where both hospitality and commercial property sectors are seeking new models of resilience, SWURF is targeting a fast-evolving segment of the flexible work economy.

“This next phase of funding will help us transform more everyday venues into productive, community-driven workspaces, powered by technology and a hospitality-first mindset.”

Daniel Rodgers, Non-Executive Director at SWURF, added: “SWURF solves a real pain point for me. When travelling, it’s often difficult to find welcoming spaces to work.

“I am also passionate about supporting hospitality to find new markets and opportunities. Swurfers typically spend £15–£30 per visit. By extending traditional service windows, hospitality operators can tap into this community and create incremental revenue that supports profitability and reduces waste.”

With a growing population of over 35 million digital nomads globally and increasing demand for accessible, community-oriented workspaces, SWURF is emerging as a notable player in the intersection of hospitality and the future of work.

If it works, the company’s model offers a win-win for both venues and customers: it gives workers flexibility and connection, while helping hospitality venues boost footfall and generate sustainable income outside peak hours.

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