“A space is more than just a place – it’s potential waiting to be activated.”
That’s the conviction of Klaus Beiermann, co-founder and CEO of ESPATU. The European start-up, headquartered in Germany, is developing a platform that redefines access to work, creative, and experience spaces – flexible, digital, AI-powered, and user-centered.
As part of this year’s Australian Business Journal dossier on Australia’s Digital Transformation Leaders, Beiermann explains how digital platforms can go beyond digitizing existing processes to unlock entirely new forms of value.
“The platforms of the future connect physical spaces with digital value,” says Beiermann. “At ESPATU, we enable people to find and use exactly the spaces they need – whether for a creative project, a workshop, or a quiet place to work for a few hours.”
The idea behind ESPATU: across the world, countless spaces stand empty – studios, meeting rooms, ateliers, or private event venues. ESPATU makes them visible and bookable – by the hour, day, or week, easily and without long-term commitment. The platform is already active within the European Union, with an Australian launch planned for 2026.
With more than 20 years of experience in marketing, corporate strategy, and digital innovation, Beiermann is regarded as a thought leader in platform-based business models, sustainability, and “Space-as-a-Service.” He is currently pursuing a PhD at Bond University in Australia, focusing on brand management and corporate political advocacy.
“Digital transformation is not an end in itself,” says Beiermann. “It must create real value – through new uses, better decisions, and more sustainable resource management.”
Australia offers ideal conditions for models like ESPATU: increasing vacancy rates, a growing demand for hybrid work solutions, and a strong, innovation-driven start-up culture create fertile ground for flexible, platform-based space utilization.
Whether it’s a shared kitchen in Melbourne, a creative studio in Brisbane, or a surf container with a whiteboard in Perth – ESPATU aims to bridge the gap between space providers and people who need exactly that kind of place to make something new happen.
Learn more:
Discover more about Klaus Beiermann and ESPATU’s vision for a more flexible, digital FlexSpace economy:
👉 https://theabj.com.au/2025/10/15/australian-digital-transformation-leaders
Author:
The Australian Business Journal
October 15, 2025
Leadership / Innovation / PropTech
