Flown Raises $1.5M to Revolutionize Remote Work for Digital Nomads
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the shift toward remote work, but finding the ideal environment for focused “deep work” remains a challenge. Enter Flown, a new platform designed to connect knowledge workers with inspiring, productivity-optimized workspaces—combining the best of Airbnb and wellness tools like Calm into one seamless service.
The Rise of Deep Work and Digital Nomadism
With over 1 billion knowledge workers globally—the fastest-growing sector of the economy—the demand for distraction-free workspaces has never been higher. Traditional solutions like co-working spaces or cafes often fall short, offering poor ergonomics, unreliable Wi-Fi, or excessive noise.
Flown aims to solve these pain points by:
- Curating ergonomic, distraction-free workspaces in inspiring locations
- Providing online tools to enhance focus and productivity
- Catering to remote workers, entrepreneurs, and creatives seeking deep work environments
Meet the Visionary Founder
Flown is the brainchild of Alicia Navarro, serial entrepreneur and former CEO of Skimlinks (acquired by Connexity in 2020). After stepping down, Navarro struggled to find spaces conducive to creative thinking and productivity:
“Co-working spaces were too distracting, cafes weren’t ergonomic, and working from home felt isolating. I realized there was a gap in the market for spaces designed specifically for deep work.”
Her travels across Europe revealed the difficulty of securing reliable remote workspaces—a problem Flown now aims to solve.
$1.5M Pre-Seed Funding and Backing
Flown has secured $1.5 million in pre-seed funding from high-profile investors, including:
- Taavet Hinrikus (TransferWise)
- Greg Marsh (OneFineStay)
- James Meekings (Funding Circle)
- Pete Cashmore (Mashable)
Notably, a third of the investment came from female backers, reflecting Navarro’s commitment to diversity in tech.
How Flown Works
Flown offers two core products:
1. Flown Away
A curated selection of homes, hotels, and retreats equipped for productive remote work, featuring:
- High-speed Wi-Fi and ergonomic setups
- Inspiring locations (e.g., cabins, countryside cottages, or historic writer’s retreats)
- Tools like whiteboards and display screens
2. Flown Here
An online platform with resources to enhance deep work, including:
- Virtual accountability groups
- Creative challenges to shift perspectives
- Tools to establish productive rituals
Benefits for Property Owners
Flown isn’t just for workers—it’s a win for hosts too. By renting spaces midweek or off-season, property owners can:
- Boost occupancy rates during traditionally slow periods
- Diversify revenue streams beyond leisure travelers
- Tap into the resilient demand from remote professionals
As Taavet Hinrikus noted: “Flown can reshape how the hospitality industry adapts to cater to knowledge workers, not just vacationers.”
Launch and Early Access
Flown is set to debut in early 2021 in the U.K. and Portugal. Early adopters can join the waitlist for £200 in credit or nominate properties for inclusion.
Why This Matters
Flown arrives at a pivotal moment, as remote work evolves from a temporary solution to a permanent lifestyle. By blending productivity, wellness, and flexibility, it’s poised to redefine how—and where—we work.
