MetroSpaces opens new headquarters in Dallas »Dallas innovates
MetroSpaces, a Dallas-based Shokworks-powered proptech pioneer, is establishing a new HQ2 in Deep Ellum and recruiting executives to support it.
New York-based MetroSpaces will be moving to 2904 Commerce with Shokworks, a technology company that helps businesses go digital first, and its real estate partner, ELEV8 Locating. The 3,000 square foot space is expected to open next week.
“The reason we chose to install HQ2 in Dallas is the proximity to all new technological innovations in North Texas, including working alongside our technology partner Shokworks,” said Oscar Brito, CEO of MetroSpaces. “It’s a great hub for our cohabitation platforms due to the incredible real estate opportunities here and in nearby second-tier cities. “
Initially, Shokworks plans to have around 10-20 team members in space by the end of the year. Shokworks CEO Alejandro Laplana said Dallas Innovates ELEV8 will help grow the company’s footprint in both acreage and staff through 2022.
“We see Deep Ellum as an emerging business community, much like Brooklyn 10 years ago,” he says. “I love the fact that not only are we seeing businesses setting up in the area, but that it offers a vibrant lifestyle to live, work and play. “
MetroSpaces hires CFO
MetroSpaces will also grow its North Texas teams, starting with leadership.
The first major hire is Steven Plumb, who has been integrated into the MetroSpaces team as the new CFO.
Plumb was most recently the CFO of privately held medical device company Artella Solutions. Previously, he held a similar position at DirectView Holdings Inc., ProBility Media Corp. and Bering Exploration Inc. He was also an auditor at PriceWaterhouseCoopers and KPMG.
“Steven has an incredible reputation as a financial leader and brings so much relevant experience to MetroSpaces as we grow,” said Brito. “His work as CFO with cutting edge companies, coupled with his experience in the Big Four, makes him an excellent partner for our current and planned financial goals. “
Brito also selected California-based WWC as the auditor for MetroSpaces, a forty-year-old company that he says has impressive experience in the PCAOB and Sarbanes-Oxley audit environments. He also hopes to be re-registered with the SEC after the next audit season.
Brito originally planned to fill the role of CFO in the first quarter of next year, but MetroSpaces’ business, investments and operations have grown faster than expected, says- he. This is mainly due to a few major initiatives recently announced.
As part of MetroSpaces’ digital evolution from a luxury real estate developer to a proptech leading technological transformations in the real estate market, the company has partnered with Shokworks to rename and launch two proptech developments.
Technological cohabitation properties for digital nomads
The launch slated for Q4 2021 is MetroCrowd, a blockchain-powered cohabitation platform from MetroSpaces and Shokworks that will enable the tokenization of a real estate portfolio. The aim is to make the investment process more transparent and accessible.
Rather than acquiring an entire space, the platform will offer future token buyers an opportunity for disproportionate returns with small investments, helping to capitalize the business.
“We use standard token offerings to provide investment options for retail investors outside of the United States,” Laplana told Dallas Innovates. “We reduce barriers to transaction and entry with AI-based tools for contract interpretation. So we want anyone to be able to buy a fraction of a property, anywhere in the world.
A recently acquired office complex in Houston will be part of the soon to be released MetroCrowd.
Metrohouse will “redefine the world of coliving”
Last month, the duo also unveiled their plan to “redefine the world of coliving”: MetroHouse.
Infinity View Villas is an upscale development in the Dominican Republic that will house nine villas, a 4,000 square foot home, and members-only recreation area. The completion date for the first phase is set for mid-2022.
Laplana describes it as “WeWork meets Soho House”. As the Dominican Republic continues to maintain its status as a premier destination for high-end nomadic digital workers, Infinity View Villas will serve as a place for them to work and live together through exclusive means.
The living space will come with pre-approved roommates and an accommodation style designed to meet the needs of the residents. This opens up the possibility for people to spend three to six months in a country they love, without necessarily choosing to appropriate these places.
More luxury residential destinations are on the way, all for working travelers looking to start, support or run a business from anywhere on Earth.
“Younger generations have flocked to coliving as a way to live smarter and more efficiently,” Brito says. “MetroHouse is the ideal partner for an urban professional looking to monetize their existing real estate investment or find a unique rental opportunity.”
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