In May, we celebrated another important milestone in the Lionesa Business Hub ecosystem: the opening of Lionesa Flex by Maleo, a flexible workspace that brings together design, functionality and well-being all in one place. To mark this exciting arrival in Porto, we sat down with Nishel Rajani, CEO of Maleo, who shared with us the vision, values and strategy behind this new space that’s set to transform the way we experience work.
1. Maleo has become synonymous with smart, human-centered workspace design. What core values drive your approach to creating flex spaces?
At Maleo, we believe that a smart, human-centered workspace goes beyond aesthetics, it’s about creating a seamless experience that empowers people and businesses. Our commitment to excellence starts with a yes attitude, where challenges are met with a solution-driven mindset, always focusing on what’s possible rather than the obstacles.
We are customer-centric in everything we do, ensuring that every detail, no matter how small, contributes to a sophisticated, functional, and inspiring environment.
More than just workplaces, Maleo offices are curated experiences that foster productivity, collaboration, and well-being, where every detail is designed to make work life simpler and more efficient.
2. How do you see the evolution of flex working in Southern Europe, particularly in Portugal?
Flex working in Southern Europe, has been steadily gaining momentum over the last few years, and its evolution looks promising, especially with the shifting dynamics of work culture influenced by the pandemic, technological advancements, and changing employee expectations.
Besides Portugal's appeal as a hub for international talent, remote workers, and startups is fueling demand for flex spaces that blend convenience, community, and high-end services. Companies are looking for fully serviced environments where they can focus on work while everything else is taken care of. As we can easily understand from the CBRE study published in 2024, the flexible office market in Lisbon and Porto has seen significant growth. In Lisbon, the occupancy rate of flexible offices surpassed 85%, providing around 6,000 workstations. Flexible offices already represent 2.7% of the city's total office market and the tendency is to keep rising.
3. What makes Lionesa Flex by Maleo unique within the Maleo portfolio?
Lionesa Flex by Maleo is the result of a successful partnership between Maleo and Lionesa Hub what made our eighth office center unique, special, and fully aligned with the vision of both companies.
The combination of cutting-edge design, strategic location in Porto, and a deep understanding of the importance of employee well-being makes Lionesa Flex by Maleo a standout in the company’s portfolio. It reflects both our commitment to innovation and the future of work, ensuring that every company and individual working within this space has the tools and environment needed to succeed.
This center incorporates design elements and amenities that promote employee comfort and productivity, such as natural lighting, wellness areas and modern facilities that encourage creativity and collaboration.
4. Why was Lionesa Business Hub the right partner and location for this new space?
What truly sets Lionesa Flex apart is its focus on community and innovation. It’s not just about offering a physical workspace, but about creating an ecosystem where businesses can thrive and evolve. This collaboration blends this energized spirit of Lionesa Hub with Maleo’s commitment to providing adaptable, well-being-focused workspaces.
Also, represents Maleo's long-awaited arrival in Porto and our desire to absorb the culture of innovation and modernity that resides in this city. It's a very important step for us and at the same time a huge challenge, which has always been mitigated by the welcoming reception of the Lionesa Business Hub.
5. How do you see companies using flex spaces strategically, beyond just saving costs?
In addition to the cost savings, and often more importantly, the time companies save is crucial. Typically, and certainly in the case of Lionesa Flex by Maleo, businesses are also gaining access to a wide range of services that streamline daily office operations. These flexible spaces offer businesses the opportunity to focus on their core activities without the distraction of administrative burdens and a community where many ideas, partnerships, and unique advantages can thrive. The collaborative environment encourages creativity, fosters innovation, and provides the chance to network and collaborate with like-minded companies, creating a dynamic ecosystem that supports growth and long-term success.
6. What feedback are you hearing from clients using the Porto space so far?
We have received very positive feedback from our customers. An excellent example comes from 3cket, who kindly shared with us that we exceeded their expectations: “all our expectations were exceeded. From the first contact to the day-to-day in the office, we were always accompanied by an extremely competent team, available and attentive to detail.”
This testimony reflects exactly what we want to offer, a personalized and comfortable experience, supported by a dedicated team that is genuinely concerned about our clients' well-being. It is extremely gratifying to see our efforts being recognized and to know that Lionesa Flex by Maleo is already having such a positive impact
7. Looking ahead: how is Maleo preparing for the next chapter of workplace transformation?”
At Maleo, we believe that the future of real estate is about far more than just bricks and mortar, and the future of offices is no longer defined by partitions and desks. The workplace is undergoing a profound transformation, becoming less of a place people have to go to work, and more of a destination people want to be at.
Today’s workforce is increasingly mobile, flexible, and experience-driven. People can work from almost anywhere, but they still need spaces that foster human connection, focus, and a sense of belonging. We see this shift not as a challenge, but as an opportunity to redefine what the workplace means.
In response, Maleo is reimagining the office as a holistic environment, where functionality meets purpose, and where hospitality meets productivity. We work closely with clients from a wide range of industries and cultures, co-creating tailored solutions that support evolving workstyles. From integrating hospitality services into our office environments, to pioneering new design concepts and launching residential offerings that blend seamlessly with our workspace portfolio, we are building ecosystems where businesses and people thrive.
For us, the next chapter of workplace transformation isn’t just about keeping up with change, it’s about leading it.
A big thank you to Nishel for sharing Maleo’s inspiring vision with us.
If you haven’t popped into Lionesa Flex by Maleo yet, this is your sign to do it. Come and discover a space where the future of work has already landed: more flexible, more comfortable and more human than ever.
