Vast Coworking Group (Vast), a global provider of coworking and flexible workspace solutions, has announced a major international expansion for all three of its brands: Office Evolution, Venture X, and Intelligent Office. Office Evolution, which has been operating solely in the United States since its founding in 2003, is launching its first international location in Toronto, Canada, and has signed Master License agreements for Germany, Portugal, and South Africa. Meanwhile, Venture X and Intelligent Office, which already have international presences, have signed new Master Licenses to expand in South Africa.
"We're excited to kick off international development for Office Evolution – this is a significant milestone and major leap forward for the brand," said Jason Anderson, President of Vast. "Building on the momentum we've seen with Venture X, we're confident these expansions will drive meaningful growth and strengthen our position as a leader in the global coworking industry."
Office Evolution's first international location will open this summer in downtown Toronto at Massey Tower, 197 Yonge St. The franchise is owned by Mohammad Reza Sadeghian, who brings over 10 years of experience in supply chain and import-export trade in Toronto. In Germany, Master Franchise Partner Bernd Harenkamp will oversee development in North-Rhine-Westphalia. Harenkamp previously held franchise licenses with Town & Country Haus and BNI, growing a region from the ground up. In Portugal, Master Franchise Partner Debbie Hemmingsen, a seasoned franchisee with experience owning Dairy Queen, Cold Stone Creamery, and The Joint Chiropractic locations, will establish the brand's first location in Lisbon later this year. In South Africa, Master Franchise Partner Cassim Khan, an award-winning multi-franchise owner of other flex spaces, will open the first Office Evolution in Johannesburg in July 2025 and another in KwaZulu-Natal in November 2025.
In addition to Office Evolution, Venture X (VTX) and Intelligent Office will also expand in South Africa. Master Franchise Partner Daniel Halfpenny plans to open the first Venture X in the country later this year in Umhlanga, near Durban. This marks Venture X's entry into its seventh international country (eighth including the U.S.). Intelligent Office, which currently operates over 50 locations throughout North America including Canada, will enter its second international country through Halfpenny's development in South Africa.
"These international expansions are a proud moment for us at UFG," said Ray Titus, CEO of United Franchise Group (UFG), of which Vast is a part. "It's been exciting to see the brands within Vast thrive alongside the global shift toward flexible workspaces. As they continue to expand their reach, we're confident they will set new standards and lead the way on the international stage."
Vast Coworking Group comprises Venture X, Office Evolution, and Intelligent Office, specializing in franchising within the coworking industry. It is the world's largest privately-owned franchisor of coworking spaces and the third-largest network globally. For more information, visit vastcoworking.com. UFG is home to an affiliated family of brands including Signarama, Fully Promoted, Transworld Business Advisors, and others. UFG affiliated brands include over 1,800 franchises in more than 80 countries.
