Introducing the Akora Team

Behind Akora is a growing international team, united by a passion for community and a desire to build something truly exciting together. We thought we'd take a moment to introduce ourselves, so you can get a better idea of what makes Akora tick.

Andrew, Founder and CEO

I'm originally from Australia, but have been working all over the world for the past few years.

Having witnessed the growing popularity of coliving, coworking and members' clubs, I wanted to create a new community-driven experience that caters to people who travel and work. I noticed that there was a gap in the market for a product that could meet all of my social, work and travel needs, and that facilitated a seamless experience of living like a local. Akora was born from there!

What do you like most about Madrid?

I came to Madrid to complete an MBA at IE and absolutely fell in love with the city. 

It’s been a hidden gem that's just starting to appear on people’s radar. The cosmopolitan food and culture scene, amazing climate, and the growing startup and tech sector make Madrid the perfect combination of big city living and high quality of life in terms of health & wellbeing. It’s not surprising that Spain is ranked in the top 5 countries in the world for expats.

How do you spend your spare time?

I love spending time with family and friends. When I’m not with them, I enjoy staying active with crossfit. When I get to take some time off, I like to head for the beach or ski slopes. I'm also learning Spanish, and one of my goals by the end of the year is to host my local friends while speaking entirely in Spanish. 

Iñigo

I hail from Bilbao, the capital of the world! My title at Akora is 'operations manager', but you can see me as a 'man for everything' in the company. I'm happy to get involved across all areas--that's how you get a real feel for the project, and it's much more fun! I met Andrew when we were both studying in Madrid, and was immediately excited to undertake this unique opportunity to build something amazing from the ground up.

What does community mean to you?

Community can make all the difference towards happiness. Once you feel part of something, and are cared by others, everything becomes easier.

What do you like most about Madrid?

I have lived here during very different stages of life - as a teenager, a master's student, and a professional - and all have been exceptional. I love the vibe and street life that Madrid has for its size: it's a big city that can offer you anything you need, but everything is still close and well connected.

Teona

I am from the beautiful country of Georgia. My role with Akora involves understanding member needs, designing value propositions that exceed their expectation, and attracting valuable members to the Akora community. I was motivated to get involved because of my passions for hospitality, travel, flexible lifestyles and Madrid--plus a wonderful team! Akora has it all.

What do you like most about Madrid?

Sunny days. People who know how to enjoy life. You can never get bored in this city, and the vibe is amazing. Madrid has been the love of my life for 20 years now, and it was my dream to live here.

What is 'living well'?

Finding the discipline to enjoy every moment, and having balance in life by fulfilling mental, physical, spiritual, and social needs. Living well is having the freedom to choose what to do with my time, and not having to rush.

Javier

I was born in Madrid in 1990, and have recently come back home after some time moving around. It's my job at Akora to make our guests' experience unforgettable, creating strong relationships and offering them all the assistance they may need during their stay. I try to never say 'no', working hard to find a solution for any guest request. To me, Akora is very interesting project where we can all share our experiences to create something different, that nobody has thought about before.

What is 'living well'?

Living well is feeling at home wherever you are; being able to live in a place where your life itself is not being modified at all. Finding and building comfortable conditions around you, and sharing special moments with the people you love.

What are you passionate about?

I love sports and games. I played basketball until university, and am fan of any single sport you can imagine. I also love to travel. As a hotelier, I don't find anything more exciting than the time spent finding your accommodation, as this is where your experience starts.

Grace

I was born in London, and have spent my life so far living in the city or the surrounding countryside (when I'm not off traveling!). With Akora, I oversee the communications channels, telling our story and connecting with potential members and partners. I was drawn to Akora as I'd worked with community-focussed products before, and wanted to be part of a new venture designing new types of spaces for connection--after all, meaningful connection with others is one of the most important things in life!

What does community mean to you?

Community is people knowing your name and asking about your day. It's a place where people truly care about and take interest in each other, and share experiences.

What is 'living well'?

Living well is living a life in alignment with yourself - with your fundamental values and drives. It's about compromising as little as possible with what's important, and designing each day to be one you enjoy.

Andreina

I am from Venezuela. My job at Akora is to make our clients feel comfortable during their stay in our apartments, creating a cozy atmosphere that's much more personal than staying in a hotel. I was excited to be part of a growing company, and really like the team--I feel like I am working with friends!

What is community important for you?

Community is important because it helps you connect with the people in your environment, whether on an intellectual, work or personal level. It means sharing.

What's your mantra for life?

Do what you love, love what you do.

Rodrigo

I am a Madrid-native, and was excited to work with Akora on a truly new and innovative concept in the city. It's my role here to develop the Heart of our community, the Club House, and to help grow the company through my expertise in the real estate sector.

What are you passionate about?

Architecture, design, music, physics

What's your mantra for life?

Laugh at yourself!