Mark Goldfinger, General Manager and Head of North America, Mindspace

In an interview with Invest:, Mark Goldfinger, general manager and head of North America at Mindspace, discussed the evolving flexible office space industry, rising demand in South Florida, and the role of technology and community engagement. “The world is moving toward flexible office solutions, and it’s an exciting time for boutique operators like Mindspace.”

How would you describe the current state of the flexible office space and co-working industry in South Florida, and what key trends are shaping the sector today?

Flexible office space has been around for decades, with companies like Regus pioneering the concept. However, WeWork’s rise in 2011-2012 accelerated the movement toward boutique, collaborative spaces. Mindspace, which last year celebrated its 10th anniversary, has experienced a dynamic journey in this evolving landscape.

Demand surged between 2016 and early 2020 as businesses recognized the value of collaborative environments. Co-working spaces became a key talent attraction tool, offering networking, wellness activities, and flexible arrangements. Even large enterprises and Fortune 500 companies embraced the model, reshaping the entire commercial real estate ecosystem.

Then COVID-19 hit, and everything changed. No one wanted to enter shared spaces. It was a tough period, but we stayed focused, working with landlords to weather the storm. We believed demand for flexible workspaces would grow post-pandemic, and that’s exactly what happened.

In recent years, CFOs and business leaders have prioritized cost efficiency. Instead of leasing space for 50 employees, they now secure desks for 15 to 20, using shared seating, conference rooms, and hybrid schedules. This shift has allowed teams to collaborate effectively while reducing overhead.

Looking ahead, demand for flexible offices will only grow. CBRE’s full acquisition of Industrious further validates the sector’s future and highlights the increasing role of boutique providers like Mindspace.

What industries are driving the most demand for co-working spaces, and how has this changed in recent years?

South Florida’s explosive growth has fueled demand for flexible offices. The pandemic spurred migration to the region as people sought better weather and outdoor lifestyles while working remotely. This shift made Miami a strategic expansion point for Mindspace, leading us to establish multiple locations here.

Our South Florida member base is diverse, spanning venture capital, tech, legal, and real estate industries. Wynwood, in particular, has a strong creative community, with AI companies, startups, and entrepreneurs thriving in a collaborative environment. As these industries evolve, demand for flexible workspaces continues to rise.

What differentiates Mindspace from other providers in Miami and globally?

First and foremost, it’s the experience. Despite having 50 locations worldwide and 200 employees, we operate with a boutique mindset, curating personalized experiences for every member. Walking into a Mindspace location isn’t just about finding an office — it’s about creating a home for your business.

Design is another major differentiator. Each Mindspace reflects its neighborhood’s character. Wynwood, for example, embodies the area’s artistic energy with vibrant graphics and a creative atmosphere. In contrast, our downtown Miami location at 100 Biscayne offers a polished, corporate feel suited to a Class A building. Despite local adaptations, every Mindspace location, from Miami to New York’s Williamsburg to San Francisco’s Market Street, maintains a consistent identity. Our goal is always to make members feel at home in an inviting and inspiring environment.

How is the current economic landscape impacting the real estate market, particularly flexible office spaces, and what strategies can help navigate headwinds?

Landlords are more open than ever to partnering with flexible office providers. With high vacancy rates, they see value in working with experienced operators — not just to generate revenue but to create thriving work environments. This shift benefits companies like Mindspace, opening new opportunities for collaboration and expansion.

The willingness of landlords to engage in flexible deals is exciting. CBRE’s recent acquisition of Industrious further validates the sector, signaling strong industry confidence.

To navigate challenges, we stay focused on our core values — prioritizing a best-in-class member experience. By maintaining this commitment, we stand out in a competitive market while adapting to economic shifts and continuing to grow.

What role does community engagement and networking play in the success of your spaces?

Community engagement is a key differentiator for Mindspace. Our community managers know our members, their businesses, and their needs, allowing us to foster meaningful connections. If someone in AI needs financial guidance, we might introduce them to a consulting CFO firm in the space — turning casual interactions into valuable networking opportunities.

Beyond one-on-one connections, we host regular networking events, including our weekly “Mindspace Hours,” which bring members together for lunch-and-learns, wellness activities, or social gatherings. These events encourage engagement beyond individual offices.

We also organize large-scale events, like last November’s venture capital panel featuring Daymond John, offering insights on what VCs look for in startups. Experiences like these enhance the member journey and reinforce our strong community culture.

How is technology shaping the co-working experience moving forward?

Technology plays a crucial role in optimizing co-working spaces. One of the most valuable insights we provide is data on office usage, tracking when members badge in and out and how often they use the space. This helps CFOs and real estate leaders assess actual office needs, reducing costs while maintaining efficiency.

Technology also allows us to better curate events by understanding peak office hours and scheduling gatherings when most members are present.

Looking ahead, AI and digital tools will continue shaping the industry. Our Mindspace app integrates building access and event updates, creating a seamless experience. This connectivity extends globally. If a member from New York travels to Berlin, they can check the app, find a Mindspace location, and book a workspace with confidence.

Consistent design across locations is another major advantage. Imagine landing in Berlin for an investor meeting. Rather than scrambling for reliable Wi-Fi, you can go to Mindspace, book a conference room, and be assured of high-speed internet, a welcoming community, and a professional setting. This global footprint allows businesses to scale flexibly while maintaining a polished image.

What are the biggest opportunities in the industry, and how is Mindspace positioned to capitalize on them?

For Mindspace, we know that expansion is a big opportunity for us. Throughout this conversation, we’ve discussed how landlords are increasingly open to working with flexible office providers. Our priority is to continue positioning ourselves as a strong, reliable partner for landlords and members alike.

Currently, we have six locations in the U.S. — New York, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., San Francisco, and two in Miami. A key focus this year is reinforcing our stability and proving that Mindspace is one of the strongest players in the U.S. market. Profitability is a top priority, and we’re working to build on our existing success.

Beyond that, we’re looking at additional growth opportunities, especially in high-demand regions. As more people migrate to booming cities, we want to be where strong business ecosystems are forming. Expanding strategically will allow us to continue offering members a seamless, global co-working experience they can rely on, no matter where their work takes them.