Westhive's innovative workspace solutions: A deep dive with Andreas Widmer
The story of Westhive began in 2008 when Andreas Widmer and his team at Futurecom, an internet company, started exploring global tech hubs like San Francisco, Tel Aviv, and London. During their visits, they were introduced to the concept of co-working spaces. Widmer found the idea captivating, especially as a CEO who constantly dealt with fluctuating office space needs. The opportunity to meet like-minded individuals in such spaces sparked his interest and planted the seed for what would later become Westhive.
This realization led Widmer, along with Claus Bornholt and Bruno Rambaldi, to establish Westhive in Switzerland. The name "Westhive" symbolizes their vision—“West” for new beginnings and “Hive” for a dynamic, collaborative environment. Their landlord supported their vision by providing both space and financial backing, enabling them to bring Westhive to life.
Westhive launched its first location in Zurich’s Hardturm district in 2018, covering 1,600 square meters. The venture quickly gained momentum when the Amag Group, looking for an innovation center, became one of their first tenants. Since then, Westhive has expanded significantly, now operating across approximately 20,000 square meters in seven locations in Zurich, Basel, Zug, and Geneva.
A key element of Westhive’s design is the integration of restaurants into its office spaces. Widmer explains that they wanted the restaurant to serve as more than just a dining area—it functions as a social hub, replacing the traditional reception. It’s where people meet, converse, and connect, offering a welcoming introduction to the workspace environment. This innovative approach not only fosters a sense of community but also makes the workspace more engaging, aligning with Widmer’s broader vision of creating vibrant communities where companies can thrive.
