Blankfactor reaches for the Sky, moves into the top floor of Romania’s tallest office building

Blankfactor, a global provider of end-to-end digital transformation technology solutions for global financial services and payments giants, has selected SkyTower, a landmark office building in Romania, in a strategic real estate transaction, which was facilitated by valued-partner CBRE Romania, with the aim of Blankfactor moving into the space by March 2024.

“This lease transaction underscores our growth and commitment to Romania. We’re excited to establish our new hub on the 35th floor of SkyTower, a space that will accommodate over 100 employees. We’re in the midst of an exciting growth period, and we are excited to be contribute to the vibrant tech community in Bucharest,” said Andrei Mocan, Managing Director of Blankfactor Romania

The lease transaction, one of the few new entrants to the Romanian market last year, was also one of the largest leased areas in the dynamic Calea Floreasca – Barbu Văcărescu submarket. With this move, Blankfactor expands its global footprint: Headquartered in Miami, Florida, Blankfactor has offices stretching from Colombia to Bulgaria.

SkyTower, a landmark office building owned by Raiffeisen Property Holding International (RPHI), stands tall at 137 metres above ground, with an additional 60 metres of underground structure dedicated to storage and parking. The tower, is the first building world-wide to be awarded with the SHORE PLATINUM Certification, it is also the first LEED Platinum Operations and Maintenance certified office building in Romania, and it also holds the Gold DGNB certification for sustainable buildings, as assessed by ÖGNI (Austrian Society for Sustainable Building Management)

“We were pleased to offer Blankfactor a turnkey space on our tower’s highest office floor, which features a stunning 360-degree view. Our multifunctional building offers naturally lit premium office spaces, high-speed elevators, a high-tech events centre featuring the very first auditorium within an office building and a top floor business restaurant. These are only a few of the reasons why SkyTower is attracting premium quality clients in search of an iconic building offering top services. “ stated Bogdan Deju, Senior Leasing & Asset Manager at RPHI.

The swift and successful real estate transaction was guided by Blankfactor’s emphasis on sustainability, employee well-being, and operational profitability. The company also considered brand-related factors and the ‘wow-factor’ in its final decision.

“Facilitating Blankfactor’s move into the SkyTower building was truly rewarding. It underlines the sustained attractiveness of Romania for IT companies looking for qualified talent. At a time when remote working seems prevalent, Blankfactor’s choice to provide a top office in an iconic building reflects a commitment to employee well-being and choice. It’s not about constraint; it’s about creating an inspired workplace that employees choose to work in.” explained Ana Vicoveanu, A&T Office Advisor at CBRE România.

Almost half a million sq m were leased in 2023 in Bucharest, marking a premiere in terms of transactional activity for its’ office market. Total leasing activity (TLA) in 2023 amounts 476,000 sq m, total with 62% higher compared with the previous year’s data, the value of almost half a million leased sq m marking a premiere in terms of transactional activity for the Bucharest office market. The TLA’s upward trend could be noticed starting with 2021, a shift in demand that gradually increased the yearly numbers, and which culminated with the ground-breaking total for 2023. Take-up (total transactions excluding renewal/renegotiation) represents 45% of the total leasing activity, share lower in total when compared with the percentage from 2022.