"This lease transaction underscores our growth and commitment to Romania. We're excited to establish our new hub on the 35th floor of SkyTower, a space that will accommodate over 100 employees. We're in the midst of an exciting growth period, and we are excited to be contribute to the vibrant tech community in Bucharest,” said Andrei Mocan, Managing Director of Blankfactor Romania.
The lease transaction, one of the few new entrants to the Romanian market last year, was also one of the largest leased areas in the dynamic Calea Floreasca - Barbu Văcărescu submarket. With this move, Blankfactor expands its global footprint: Headquartered in Miami, Florida, Blankfactor has offices stretching from Colombia to Bulgaria.
SkyTower, a landmark office building owned by Raiffeisen Property Holding International (RPHI), stands tall at 137 metres above ground, with an additional 60 metres of underground structure dedicated to storage and parking. The tower, is the first building world-wide to be awarded with the SHORE PLATINUM Certification, it is also the first LEED Platinum Operations and Maintenance certified office building in Romania, and it also holds the Gold DGNB certification for sustainable buildings, as assessed by ÖGNI (Austrian Society for Sustainable Building Management).
"We were pleased to offer Blankfactor a turnkey space on our tower's highest office floor, which features a stunning 360-degree view. Our multifunctional building offers naturally lit premium office spaces, high-speed elevators, a high-tech events centre featuring the very first auditorium within an office building and a top floor business restaurant. These are only a few of the reasons why SkyTower is attracting premium quality clients in search of an iconic building offering top services. " stated Bogdan Deju, Senior Leasing & Asset Manager at RPHI.
The swift and successful real estate transaction was guided by Blankfactor's emphasis on sustainability, employee well-being, and operational profitability. The company also considered brand-related factors and the 'wow-factor' in its final decision.
"Facilitating Blankfactor's move into the SkyTower building was truly rewarding. It underlines the sustained attractiveness of Romania for IT companies looking for qualified talent. At a time when remote
working seems prevalent, Blankfactor's choice to provide a top office in an iconic building reflects a commitment to employee well-being and choice. It's not about constraint; it's about creating an inspired workplace that employees choose to work in." explained Ana Vicoveanu, A&T Office Advisor at CBRE România.
Almost half a million sq m were leased in 2023 in Bucharest, marking a premiere in terms of transactional activity for its’ office market. Total leasing activity (TLA) in 2023 amounts 476,000 sq m, total with 62% higher compared with the previous year’s data, the value of almost half a million leased sq m marking a premiere in terms of transactional activity for the Bucharest office market. The TLA’s upward trend could be noticed starting with 2021, a shift in demand that gradually increased the yearly numbers, and which culminated with the ground-breaking total for 2023. Take-up (total transactions excluding renewal/renegotiation) represents 45% of the total leasing activity, share lower in total when compared with the percentage from 2022.
Blankfactor helps Fortune-100 companies create world-class products aimed at disrupting financial services with cutting-edge technology. With broad and proven expertise in fintech, the company brings development know-how to the forefront of power innovation. From conception to release, Blankfactor is powering the digital future for the payments, banking, and insurance sectors with top-tier talent from around the world.
The SkyTower Building is owned and managed by Raiffeisen Property Holding International (RPHI) and since the completion of its construction in December 2012, the tower has become a landmark of the city, reshaping the skyline of the new business district in the north of Bucharest and boosting the development of new projects in the Floreasca-Aurel Vlaicu area. Since February 2023, SkyTower is the only building in Romania to be a member of the World Federation of Great Towers (WFGT). At the Forbes Romania Gala - Best Office Buildings 2023 - SkyTower was awarded the “MOST ICONIC OFFICE BUILDING IN ROMANIA” prize. In June 2023, SkyTower received 2 awards at the IPA - Romanian Property Awards Gala: Office Refurbishment Award and Office Interior Award.
