"The art of life lies in a constant readjustment to our surroundings." - Kakuzo Okakura

What links 1,000+ workspaces, 50+ countries in 1 year and $5M+ funding? It can only be Desana.

As we emerge from the pandemic, the 'work from anywhere' movement is exploding in popularity. After all, what's not to like?

We'll be sitting down with Steve Jeans & Michael Cockburn (Desana) for a look back at their journey to date from ideation, early road bumps, and investment stories as their company and team continue to grow globally.

At this second 2021 in-person event, we'll be taking a frank, but optimistic look at the future of remote and hybrid work, what's changed, what hasn't, and how we, as individuals and teams have an incredible opportunity to reshape the future of work as we know it.

With that in mind, we’re excited to be partnering with Edinburgh Innovations, the University of Edinburgh’s commercialisation service. 

They offer advice, funding, and support at every stage of your entrepreneurial journey. Their expert team can help you take your business or social enterprise from a raw idea right through to launch and beyond. Their service is available to UoE staff, students, and recent alumni.

We'll be taking a look at:

- Scaling to 1,000+ partners in 50+ countries in 1 year

- Tripling your team size (and counting)

- Raising $5M+

- How to pivot without falling down

- What the future holds for remote work & the 'work from anywhere' movement

The Desana Founders:

Steve Jeans & Michael Cockburn founded Desana in 2016, helping companies facilitate flexible working sustainably, by giving them seamless access to high-quality workspaces — from an hour to a whole day — anywhere, at the touch of a button.

Previously, they started Aura Survey and Design in early 2015 to provide innovative surveying solutions for the construction and real estate sectors. They worked with clients such as Amazon, NHS and Marks & Spencer, along with some of the largest construction, architectural, and engineering firms in the UK.

What to expect:

- Share reflections from the year and hopes for the future

- Hear the Desana journey from ideation to bumps and bruises, lessons, struggles, pivots and wins

- Connect with peers in a casual setting

- Catch up with friends and make new ones

- Get advice from industry experts

- Free sustainable, healthy food box and drink provided by nourish@ 

Tickets are limited to 30 people, so book now to avoid missing out. We'll be operating 'cafe rules' for face coverings. See our full COVID safety information HERE.

The Student Enterprise Hub is an ideal space for hosting events within Edinburgh’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Whether you’re looking to run an event, a customer feedback session, or large meeting, the space is available to you. Please contact Jack.McMillan@ei.ed.ac.uk for any booking requests

What you need to know!

What: $5M+ Funding, 50+ countries in 1 year & On-Demand Workspace, Anywhere

When: Thurs 25th Nov 2021

Time: 18.00 - 20.30pm

Where: Edinburgh Innovations Student Enterprise Hub, LG Appleton Tower, 11 Crichton Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9LE (across the road from the Pear tree pub)

Bonus Extras: Free food & drink, awesome people, insightful conversation and advice, community, plus Q&A via Slido!