In the dynamic landscape of global emerging markets, access to credit stands as a critical barrier for many businesses, particularly in Southeast Asia where millions of digitally-active MSMEs lack embedded credit solutions. It is within this context that Seedflex emerged, driven by a mission to bridge the digital credit gap and empower merchants with fair and accessible credit options. In this case study, we delve into the insights provided by Ritwik Ghosh, Co-Founder and CEO of Seedflex, and their experience with Deskimo’s flexible office solution.
Can you tell us about the journey of Seedflex and how the idea originated?
There is a significant digital credit gap in global emerging markets today. In Southeast Asia alone, there are 7 million digitally-active MSMEs, but only 1 million of these have access to embedded credit. Seedflex was launched to bridge this digital credit gap, believing that every merchant deserves fair access to credit to survive, scale, and succeed. Access to credit could mean the difference between a business thriving or failing, impacting not just the business but also the livelihoods of families and the broader community. Seedflex aims to democratize access to credit, offering a new category of business lending based solely on business performance.
Seedflex was co-founded by two former Grab executives who pioneered the company’s Fintech lending business in Southeast Asia, providing a successful proof of concept within the Grab ecosystem. Building upon this model, Seedflex aims for a broader vision beyond any single platform or ecosystem. As the only horizontal player focused on merchants and not tied to any single cashless platform, Seedflex holds a unique position in the cashless credit segment.
How has Deskimo’s FlexiOffice solution helped Seedflex in terms of cost savings and flexibility in office space?
Deskimo’s FlexiOffice solution has been pivotal in facilitating Seedflex’s growth, primarily due to its cost-effectiveness and unparalleled flexibility.
Firstly, Deskimo was the most affordable option for us, aligning perfectly with our budget constraints without compromising quality.
Secondly, unlike other providers offering only fixed office arrangements, Deskimo’s Flexi-Office offered us the flexibility to choose fractional days per week, allowing us to optimize workspace utilization and further reduce costs. “I very much enjoy Deskimo’s solution as it provides me with the flexibility to work on the days that I need to. Booking meeting rooms and using the facilities is always very convenient, and having a dedicated office as well allows us to have the best of both worlds. Overall, I am very satisfied with using Deskimo,” says Joel Ng, Go-To-Market Lead.
Additionally, Deskimo simplified the process of using meeting rooms to suit our specific needs, making it easy to create tailored environments conducive to productive discussions and brainstorming sessions.
What specific aspects of Deskimo’s FlexiOffice solution appealed to you the most?
Several aspects of Deskimo’s FlexiOffice solution appealed to us, but what stood out the most is the seamless booking process and the variety of amenities available.
The ease of booking meeting rooms through their platform saves us valuable time and ensures that our team can focus on productivity rather than logistical hassles.
Additionally, the modern and well-equipped workspace fosters a conducive environment for creativity and collaboration among our team members.
What role does having a flexible and efficient office space play in the success of a startup?
Having a flexible and efficient office space plays a pivotal role in the success of a startup across several key aspects. Firstly, flexibility in office space enables startups to adapt to changing business dynamics, including fluctuations in team size, project requirements, and market conditions. “I like the flexibility and fractional consumption option Deskimo provides. As a start up we always want to manage our expenses based on consumption and need rather than rigid contract structures. Overall, Deskimo is a great find,” says Ritwik Ghosh, Co-Founder and CEO.
This adaptability is crucial for startups as they navigate through various stages of growth and development, allowing them to scale up or down as needed without being tied down by long-term lease agreements or excessive overhead costs. Moreover, a flexible and efficient office space fosters a conducive work environment that promotes collaboration, creativity, and productivity among team members.
As a founder, what advice would you give to other startups or entrepreneurs who are navigating through the challenges of scaling their businesses?
Surround yourself with talented individuals who share your vision and values. Invest in building a strong team culture rooted in trust, communication, and collaboration. Your team is your greatest asset, and a cohesive and motivated team can overcome any challenge and drive the company towards success. Also, stay true to your vision, values, and purpose; navigate the challenges of scaling your business with confidence and drive towards sustainable growth and success.
Are you ready to transform your company’s workspace strategy in the same way? If the answer is yes, send us an inquiry now and leave us to find the perfect workspace for your needs.
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