OfficeRnD: Harnessing the Power of BIH's Growth Accelerator Program to Shape the Future of Work
In the dynamic ecosystem of startups, having a supportive and knowledgeable guide can make all the difference. The Bulgaria Innovation Hub's (BIH) Growth Accelerator program has been that guiding force for many startups, providing them with the tools, advice, and support they need to transform their innovative ideas into successful businesses. One of the most remarkable success stories to partake in this program is OfficeRnD.
The Genesis of OfficeRnD
OfficeRnD was born out of keen observation and a desire to solve a pressing problem. In 2015, Miroslav Miroslavov and Miroslav Nedyalkov, the founders, identified a market gap for a B2B software solution that could efficiently manage workplaces, optimize business costs, and enhance employee satisfaction. This observation sparked the idea for OfficeRnD, a startup that would soon revolutionize the way businesses operate.
The founders, both software engineers, were working at Telerik when they realized that there was a need for a more transparent and people-focused approach to managing office spaces. This realization led to the birth of OfficeRnD. With the idea, they spent several months in the UK as part of an accelerator program in the country. During this period, they worked on their idea and managed to find the right target audience for their product.
The Birth of Flex and Hybrid
The first product developed by OfficeRnD was Flex. This innovative software solution was designed to help coworking spaces manage their seat capacities easily. Flex was met with great reception, validating the founders' belief in their idea and propelling OfficeRnD onto a fast-paced growth trajectory.
Flex offers a range of features that make managing coworking spaces a breeze. It allows for easy management of booking credits, provides web and mobile booking apps, enables public booking on websites, and integrates with door access, calendar, and marketplace systems. It's no wonder that Flex has become an integral part of many coworking spaces' operations.
In 2021, OfficeRnD introduced its second product, Hybrid. This software was developed to serve companies and their employees, enabling them to manage their work more efficiently and be more productive. Hybrid allows employees to reserve desks on an office map, implement hybrid booking policies, manage team scheduling and track usage, and analyze data. The product integrates seamlessly with Microsoft tech stack and Google Workplace, providing an immersive hybrid work experience natively integrated into these platforms. The introduction of Hybrid marked a significant milestone in OfficeRnD's journey, further solidifying its position as a leader in workplace productivity solutions.
The Role of BIH's Growth Accelerator Program
The BIH Growth Accelerator program played a pivotal role in OfficeRnD's journey. The program provided invaluable support, helping the startup refine its pitch deck and navigate the complex fundraising process. The result? A successful $10 million funding round has catapulted OfficeRnD to new heights.
Miroslav Miroslavov, CEO of OfficeRnD, credits accelerator programs as a great way to help any founder take their business to the next level. “Participating in different accelerator programs allowed me and my team to focus solely on the business without any external distractions. It also provides a lot of valuable connections with potential investors, clients, team members, and partners. When we started OfficeRnD, we were leading development teams but we didn’t have a lot of business acumen. By participating in such programs, we gained valuable experience in developing business and working with more experienced people”, Miroslav highlights.
The Impact and Recognition
Today, OfficeRnD boasts over 1200 clients and has received international recognition for its products. The startup's success is a testament to the power of the BIH Growth Accelerator program and the potential of Bulgarian startups on the global stage.
The success of OfficeRnD's products has not only been recognized by the industry but also by its clients. The software has become an integral part of their daily operations, with one client likening OfficeRnD's software to electricity: "Your software for us is like electricity: we can't stop it. As long as the lights are on, you will be there."
The Future of OfficeRnD
Looking ahead, OfficeRnD has ambitious plans. The startup aims to double its team and continue on its growth trajectory. It plans to acquire new customers and continue developing its products, ensuring it remains at the forefront of workplace productivity solutions.
The future of work is changing, and OfficeRnD is at the forefront of this change. With products like Flex and Hybrid, OfficeRnD is helping businesses adapt to the evolving needs of the workplace. As more companies embrace hybrid work models, OfficeRnD's solutions will become increasingly relevant.
Conclusion: A Testament to Bulgarian Innovation
OfficeRnD's journey is a shining example of the potential of Bulgarian startups. With the support of programs like the BIH Growth Accelerator, startups like OfficeRnD are not just dreaming big—they're making those dreams a reality. As OfficeRnD continues to grow and innovate, it serves as an inspiration for other startups, proving that with the right support and a relentless drive for innovation, success is within reach.
The story of OfficeRnD is a testament to the power of innovation, the importance of understanding market needs, and the impact of supportive programs like the BIH Growth Accelerator. As we look forward to the future of work, we can expect to see more groundbreaking solutions from this dynamic startup.