Investment & Fund Management

Helio, a shared workspace provider based in Stockholm, Sweden, faced significant challenges during the pandemic, particularly with its coffee, catering, and hospitality services suffering due to reduced foot traffic and the public's avoidance of crowded places. Despite these difficulties, Helio recognized an opportunity for growth amidst the market slowdown. The company strategically broadened its owner base and signed new leases, successfully opening three new venues within nine months.

To facilitate this expansion, Helio sought financial support through a loan from DBT, which was guaranteed by the European Investment Fund (EIF) under the pan-European Guarantee Fund. This financial backing enabled Helio to adapt to changing market conditions by transforming retail spaces, such as re-fitting an H&M store into office space. The company also focused on rebuilding its IT infrastructure and enhancing its service offerings to create attractive work environments that could draw in clients and foster collaboration.

As a result of these initiatives, Helio not only managed to navigate the challenges posed by the pandemic but also positioned itself for future growth in the shared workspace sector, emphasizing the importance of creating vibrant office environments that meet the evolving demands of businesses and their employees.