Empowering Black Founders with a Flexible and Sustainable Workspace
Client showcase
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Flexibility
UK
Black Seed is Europe’s first venture capital firm exclusively dedicated to supporting Black founders. They were founded to address the chronic underfunding of Black-led startups, providing both capital and strategic support to bridge critical gaps in the venture ecosystem. Based in Brixton Village, their mission is to empower Black entrepreneurs by giving them access to resources, mentorship, and a vibrant community network. Through their commitment to fostering a diverse, inclusive entrepreneurial landscape, they aim to create lasting impact and drive systemic change across industries.
Less climate impact
73.5%
Office location
UK
Office size
187 m²
Design style
Nordic Light
"NORNORM’s subscription model has allowed us to allocate funds we might have spent on furniture into
other core areas, supporting our business growth and allowing us to remain agile."
Yvonne Nagawa, Chief Operating Officer
Challenges & Objectives
Their new 24,000-square-foot office space in Brixton was an exciting step forward, but with a
completely empty, newly renovated space, they needed a solution that could bring it to life. They wanted a
space they could be proud of, somewhere that would foster collaboration and inspiration, but finding
the right balance was challenging. They considered hiring an interior designer, sourcing modern and
flexible furniture, and staying cost-efficient, but it was difficult to find a single solution that addressed all
these needs. NORNORM offered a complete package, from design support to high-quality, flexible
furniture, which was exactly what they needed.
NORNORM's Solution
By partnering with NORNORM, Black Seed VC has created a dynamic office environment that aligns with their mission and values. The flexibility of the subscription model has enabled the team to remain agile as they grow, reallocating funds previously earmarked for furniture into core business initiatives. Additionally, the circular model has helped the firm meet its sustainability targets, reducing waste and their carbon footprint while contributing to an eco-friendly workspace.
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Impact
The results speak for themselves. Black Seed VC now operates from an office that perfectly balances functionality, flexibility, and sustainability. By choosing NORNORM, they’ve been able to avoid the upfront costs and waste associated with traditional furniture purchases, instead reallocating resources to other business priorities. Our circular model has also helped them meet their sustainability targets, reducing waste and their overall carbon footprint while creating a workspace they can be proud of.
Yvonne Nagawa, Chief Operating Officer
"NORNORM has been a transformative partner in setting up our new office, offering the perfect blend of style, flexibility, and sustainability.
Their circular model allows us to grow and adapt without waste or significant upfront costs, aligning our workspace with our values and helping us focus on what matters most: empowering Black founders.
Black Seed is Europe’s first venture capital firm exclusively dedicated to supporting Black founders. They were founded to address the chronic underfunding of Black-led startups, providing both capital and strategic support to bridge critical gaps in the venture ecosystem. Based in Brixton Village, their mission is to empower Black entrepreneurs by giving them access to resources, mentorship, and a vibrant community network. Through their commitment to fostering a diverse, inclusive entrepreneurial landscape, they aim to create lasting impact and drive systemic change across industries.
SCALE UP YOUR BUSINESS, DOWNSIZE, PIVOT
Regardless of why you're moving, a new office offers the opportunity to create a work environment that fosters creativity, well-being, and productivity. One that better reflects your company’s core values and strengthens your brand. But to set your business up for success—both today and in five years—you need to make the right choices.
The moving process itself requires careful planning and can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry. Like any process, it can be broken down into a series of simple steps. We’ve put together a 10-step checklist to help make your move both easier and more enjoyable.
See the move as an opportunity – not just a necessity!
Technology advancements, market changes, and future business plans—since you’re considering a move, you already know that your company’s needs are evolving. It’s important to think about what functions your new office should accommodate: open workspaces, quiet rooms, meeting rooms, kitchens, and social areas. But also, think long-term.
Can the space be easily reconfigured?
Will a meeting room today need to become an open workspace in a few years?
Location is another crucial factor—along with budget. The office’s area can impact both your brand image and attractiveness as an employer. A well-connected location with good transport links is always a plus.
2. FIND THE RIGHT OFFICE SPACE: USE BOT LOGIC AND EMOTION
Your new office should satisfy both the head and the heart. Practical factors like size, budget, and lease terms are essential—but it should also feel like a place where your team can thrive.
To navigate the market, you can work with a real estate agent who represents property owners. However, searching on your own often gives you better control over available options. Use websites like objektvision.se and lokalguiden.se, or visit property companies’ websites directly. There are also platforms that specialize in flexible office and co-working solutions.
3. REVIEW YOUR CURRENT CONTRACTS
Before booking viewings, review your existing agreements.
How long are you committed to your current lease?
What services (e.g. alars, internet, printers, coffee machines) are tied to the office?
It’s also important to set a realistic timeline for your move—establishing clear deadlines for when you need to be in the new space.
4. MASTER THE OFFICE VIEWINGS
Ask lots of questions! When evaluating an office, it’s not just about square meters, but also how efficiently the space can be used.
Are there wasted areas, like long hallways? Is the layout flexible for future needs?
Take as much documentation as possible. In addition to floor plans, photos and videos can help when discussing options with colleagues.
5. SECURE THE INFRASTRUCTURE
At this stage, you should have signed a contract and can start detailed planning.
Check what’s included in the rent. Discuss with the landlord how electrical outlets, networks, and security systems should be positioned.
6. SIMPLIFY THE FURNISHING DECISIONS
Now it’s time to think about furniture—this should be a fun part of the process! Instead of buying expensive furniture that may not suit future needs, consider a subscription model.
With NORNORM’s furniture subscription, for about the price of a cup of coffee per day per employee, you get fully furnished, flexible workspaces.
Need to convert a meeting room into workstations? No problem. No need for certain furniture anymore? They get restored and reused elsewhere.
NORNORM furnishes your dream office in just six weeks—from design to installation.
✔️ Send a floor plan → Receive a 3D design proposal within 48 hours. ✔️ No large investments. No hassle. No dealing with multiple suppliers.
7. CUSTOMIZE YOUR OFFICE TO REFLECT YOUR BRAND
Your office is a showcase for your brand. To create an environment that truly represents your company, think beyond expensive furniture.
✔️ Wall colors, lighting, signage, textiles, and decorations can make a huge difference. ✔️ Plants not only enhance aesthetics but also reduce stress and boost productivity.
As they say: "The devil is in the details."
8. BOOK MOVERS, ENAGE EMPLOYEES AND INFORM STAKEHOLDERS
Next, hire a moving company. Check references and compare quotes. Decide if you’ll pack yourselves or let the movers handle it. Also, consider:
Do you need moving boxes? Should employees work from home during the transition?
Communicate with your team! A move affects everyone. Make sure they understand why you’re moving and get them excited about the new space.
✔️ Organize office tours before moving to help employees feel involved. ✔️ Inform customers and service providers about your new address.
9. MOVE IN!
Congratulations! You’ve reached the finish line. Take a deep breath and enjoy the moment.
(And remember—it’s always more fun to unpack than to pack!)
If you've chosen a flexible office furniture solution, you can be even more relaxed, knowing your setup can evolve as your needs change.
10. CELEBRATE! (AND ADJUST IF NEEDED)
Now for the best part—celebrate! Host a proper office-warming party and showcase your new space to employees, clients, and partners.
(And if you’ve subscribed to NORNORM, you’ll never be stuck with a fixed office design—you can continuously adapt your workspace at no extra cost.)
Black Seed
Black Seed is Europe’s first venture capital firm exclusively dedicated to supporting Black founders. They were founded to address the chronic underfunding of Black-led startups, providing both capital and strategic support to bridge critical gaps in the venture ecosystem. Based in Brixton Village, their mission is to empower Black entrepreneurs by giving them access to resources, mentorship, and a vibrant community network. Through their commitment to fostering a diverse, inclusive entrepreneurial landscape, they aim to create lasting impact and drive systemic change across industries.
This partnership demonstrates how a workspace can be more than just an office—it can be a catalyst for innovation and growth while staying true to values of sustainability and adaptability.
Nanna Gelebo (BCG) on Bridging Linear and Circular Business Models
Nanna Gelebo has been a Partner at the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) in Stockholm for 12 years, with a strong track record of driving transformative change in the retail sector on everything from strategy to implementation.
Key Insights
Nanna discusses the concept of 'cross-fertilisation' between linear and circular business models. She highlights the importance of transforming transactional customer relationships into relational ones through circular efforts, emphasising that rental and second-hand products can serve as gateways for consumers into more sustainable consumption patterns. This approach not only benefits the environment but also opens new avenues for business growth.
Takeaway
Linear business models do not have to stay linear. You can start to become more circular by gradually integrating a circular business model into your current linear one, through e.g. rental and second-hand products, building a circular set-up that suits your business specifically.
Marcus Linder (RISE) on Evaluating and Ensuring Circular Claims
Marcus Linder is the Director of Business Design at the Research Institute of Sweden (RISE). He holds a PhD in Technology Management and Economics from Chalmers University of Technology, specified in environmental research, with his research having been applied industrially in procurements by industry giants such as Volvo.
Key Insights
Marcus brings attention to the critical aspect of a product's end-of-life plan. He emphasises that being 'potentially circular' is insufficient without a concrete and, preferably legally binding, plan for product lifecycle management. This perspective is crucial for customers evaluating circular claims, pushing companies to not just promise sustainability but to embed it into their actual business practices.
Takeaway
To remain credible towards industry peers and customers, the best practice is to have a clear, communicable, and incentivised plan for your circular business model that customers can trust and rely on. It is important that customers should be able to evaluate and ensure your claim of circularity and end-of-life product plans.
Vojtech Vosecky on Being Authentic when Marketing your Circular Efforts
Vojtech Vosecky is one of the leading circular economy advocates, with experiences ranging from being the co-founder of the successful think-tank Institute of Circular Economy, working for the European Parliament, and the world-leading organisation Circle Economy. In 2022, he was also selected as one of the Top Green Voices to follow in Europe by LinkedIn.
Key Insights
Vojtech stresses the importance of being hyper-authentic in the communication of your circular business principles. For him, it’s about being bold in stating what you stand for, challenging misconceptions, and creating moments of realisation for your audience (think true “aha-moments”). His approach - educate, inspire, and agitate - is a formula that companies can use to effectively market their circular efforts. Vojtech highlights that no matter the format of your marketing, and to avoid the trap of greenwashing, be authentic and stand your ground, whilst always backing up with research. That always wins.
Takeaway
When marketing your circular or sustainable business efforts, especially on LinkedIn, use the three principles of educating, inspiring, and agitating - ideally in one go. Be authentic, use visuals, and create truly educating moments. Use facts whenever you can. However, be careful not to over-do them - and always, always, double check them.
“In the end, what is it about? It's about creating a relationship between the user and this object. I think we all have a strong link to things that are meaningful, that have been charged by accompanying our life.”
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In the end, what is it about? It's about creating a relationship between the user and this object. I think we all have a strong link to things that are meaningful, that have been charged by accompanying our life.
Black Seed
Black Seed is Europe’s first venture capital firm exclusively dedicated to supporting Black founders. They were founded to address the chronic underfunding of Black-led startups, providing both capital and strategic support to bridge critical gaps in the venture ecosystem. Based in Brixton Village, their mission is to empower Black entrepreneurs by giving them access to resources, mentorship, and a vibrant community network. Through their commitment to fostering a diverse, inclusive entrepreneurial landscape, they aim to create lasting impact and drive systemic change across industries.
This partnership demonstrates how a workspace can be more than just an office—it can be a catalyst for innovation and growth while staying true to values of sustainability and adaptability.
Black Seed
Black Seed is Europe’s first venture capital firm exclusively dedicated to supporting Black founders. They were founded to address the chronic underfunding of Black-led startups, providing both capital and strategic support to bridge critical gaps in the venture ecosystem. Based in Brixton Village, their mission is to empower Black entrepreneurs by giving them access to resources, mentorship, and a vibrant community network. Through their commitment to fostering a diverse, inclusive entrepreneurial landscape, they aim to create lasting impact and drive systemic change across industries.
This partnership demonstrates how a workspace can be more than just an office—it can be a catalyst for innovation and growth while staying true to values of sustainability and adaptability.
Black Seed
Black Seed is Europe’s first venture capital firm exclusively dedicated to supporting Black founders. They were founded to address the chronic underfunding of Black-led startups, providing both capital and strategic support to bridge critical gaps in the venture ecosystem. Based in Brixton Village, their mission is to empower Black entrepreneurs by giving them access to resources, mentorship, and a vibrant community network. Through their commitment to fostering a diverse, inclusive entrepreneurial landscape, they aim to create lasting impact and drive systemic change across industries.
This partnership demonstrates how a workspace can be more than just an office—it can be a catalyst for innovation and growth while staying true to values of sustainability and adaptability.
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