No18 Office & Lounge was founded 13 years ago, at a time when coworking was not yet an established concept in Sweden. For founder and owner Michel Gordin, the ambition was never to build a traditional serviced office – but to create the kind of work environment he himself was missing.
When we started, it wasn’t about coworking as a concept. It was about creating an environment I personally wanted to work in.
The idea grew out of frustration with workplaces that were functional but soulless – either too traditional or too impersonal. No18 was shaped as an alternative: a place where aesthetics, integrity and an international feel come together with people who actively move things forward, and where business happens naturally.
Quality over quantity
One of the most defining choices for No18 has been to prioritise quality over volume. In an industry often focused on maximising desks per square metre, No18 has instead taken a long-term approach, with the overall experience at the centre.
It’s always easier to fill space than to create quality.
By being selective from the start, a strong culture has emerged. When the right people move in, they don’t just rent a workspace – they become part of a shared context and help carry the brand forward.
A clear identity and a distinct vibe
The vibe at No18 is often described as ambitious but not stressful. International yet personal. Exclusive without being excluding. It’s a space where entrepreneurs, creatives and decision-makers meet in an environment where relationships matter just as much as results.
We’re not building a coworking space. We’re building an environment where entrepreneurs feel at home.
Recognised in multiple categories
This consistent focus on identity, experience and relationships has led to broad recognition this year. At this year’s Coworking Awards, No18 is nominated in three categories: Rising Star of the Year, Coworking Space of the Year, and Hannah Larsson is nominated as Salesperson of the Year.
Highlighting both the space and an individual reflects No18’s view of sales as more than numbers – it’s about trust, intuition and matching the right people with the right environment.
Looking ahead: depth before expansion
The focus for the next 12 months is clear. Rather than rapid growth, No18 is prioritising depth – strengthening relationships between members, continuing to refine the experience, and building long-term stability.
One of the most risk-filled yet defining decisions early on was not to compromise on the vision. Identity was chosen over volume – a choice that still defines No18 today, evident in its environment, culture and continued relevance within the coworking landscape.