Edinburgh-based ‘work-surfing startup, Swurf, has secured significant funding from two investors as the business targets global growth.

Skyscanner co-founder Gareth Williams and Anna Lagerqvist Christopherson, co-founder of the award-winning Boda Bar Group in Edinburgh, have both pledged an undisclosed sum to support the startup’s expansion.

The firm has also appointed its first director outside Scotland, who will focus on accelerating growth in England.

Commenting on the funding, Swurf founder Nikki Gibson said: “Getting investment from Gareth and Anna represents a major step forward for Swurf as we continue to expand quickly. It’s great that successful investors and entrepreneurs of their calibre have chosen to support Swurf and have bought into our ambitious plans.”

Gareth Williams added: “I was attracted to invest in Swurf because it has a real purpose, fills a gap and is building a community.

“I can see similarities between the Swurf concept and that of the Skyscanner business I co-founded which shook up the travel booking market and has achieved global success. Swurf is growing quickly and I can see the potential for it to be rolled out globally as remote working looks set to stay.”

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Founded in 2021, the Swurf app allows users to search for welcome and safe spaces to work and connect in their local neighbourhoods. The app is designed to offer maximum flexibility for users so they can drop into a local venue to work at short notice.

Since its launch, the app has attracted more than 2,500 registered users and 100 hosts, including Moxy Hotels, Dakota, Chaopraya and Village Hotels.

Anna Lagerqvist Christopherson said: “With my Boda Bars and Restaurants business I was the first host to join Swurf when it launched as I could really see the value it added for me and what a great app it was for users.

“Based on the success in its first year, I didn’t hesitate in deciding to invest in Swurf to support its growth across the UK and then internationally.”

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