In companies, we often think about the product, the market and the metrics. But how often do we stop to consider the spaces we build around our teams? The environments that shape our creativity, collaborations and connections?
We’ve always believed that building a great company doesn’t start with office chairs and floor plans, it starts with culture. In 2022, we opened our first ‘Optional Office’ in Cambridge, the city where we began. Now, we’re excited to announce our second space, this time in the thriving tech hub of Málaga, Spain.
Why another Optional Office?
Just like our first, this office isn’t about clocking in or being present and visible, it’s about having a space to come together intentionally.
We have adopted a fully remote and flexible approach to working, all of our team are encouraged to work from wherever they feel most productive, and right now we have team members in Saudi Arabia, USA, Argentina, Portugal and, of course, Spain - and we’ve achieved huge success regardless of our locations.
Over the last three years, we’ve seen how Optional Offices have played a huge part in our working culture. We’ve met new partners, hosted events, brainstormed company roadmaps and even been able to host a summer placement (which was so successful, we employed him!). We’re not saying that physical proximity makes these things work, but it’s great to have the option and a place to call home.
Why Málaga?
When we decided we wanted a second location, we had a few key things in mind: a strong technical talent pool, a supportive start-up ecosystem and, if we’re honest, a bit of sunshine!
Málaga delivered all of that and more.
What was once a sleepy port city, has transformed into one of Europes most exciting tech destinations, earning it’s place as Spain’s answer to Silicon Valley. In 2023, Google opened it’s flagship International Cyber Security Hub, and other leaders like Vodafone, Citigroup, Banco Santander, GP Bullhound and EY quickly followed suit.
More than that, Málaga has personality. It’s the kind of place that understands the importance of work-life balance. Where your morning might start with a beach walk and end with a product demo over tapas.
But for us, Málaga isn’t new. It’s been a kind of second home for years. We’ve used it as a base for team retreats, stayed in Airbnb hacker houses, and worked from co-working spaces like the Innovation Campus, so it already feels like home.
Why now?
Over the past few years, Orca Scan has grown significantly. We have a clear picture of where we’re headed, and a growing responsibility to support our users in Europe, the USA, and beyond.
We knew we needed physical hubs to match that ambition, and Málaga just made sense.
What’s next?
Our next goal is to open a US office, most likely in our favourite city of San Francisco.
But no matter how many offices we open, we won’t compromise on what makes Orca Scan, Orca Scan. We will remain a remote-first, flexible company because we believe people do their best work when they’re trusted to work in the way that suits them best.
We’re building more than just software. We’re building a culture that gives people the freedom to live balanced, happy and productive lives - wherever they are in the world.
If this sounds like a bit of you, keep your eyes on our orcascan.com/jobs page for future openings.
