Kiez Büro Insolvent: Setback, Restart — or a Symptom of a Market in Transition?

Kiez Büro Insolvent: Setback, Restart — or a Symptom of a Market in Transition?

As reported by Immobilien Zeitung, KB Kiez Büro GmbH has filed for insolvency. A moment that gives pause. Especially considering that only recently, the newest location at Kalle was being celebrated — with the enthusiasm and energy one has come to expect from Björn Budack and his team.

Björn Budack is no newcomer. He has been a well-known figure in Berlin’s coworking and creative industries scene for years. Anyone who knows him understands: this is someone who genuinely burns for what he does. That makes the current situation all the heavier — even though the exact circumstances that led to the insolvency are not yet fully clear.

Neukölln – Not an Easy Location

Anyone familiar with Berlin’s coworking history knows: Neukölln is not easy terrain.

Throughout my many years as an advisor in this market, I have seen this neighborhood fail — and rise again — multiple times. Right next to Kalle, for example, stands the former “Alte Post,” once home to a Spaces location that ultimately had to close despite its promising concept and interesting positioning.

This pattern is no coincidence. High rental costs, a demanding clientele, and a flex-work demand that is not yet fully matured in certain districts — these are factors that can push even well-executed concepts toward existential challenges.

Hope Dies Last – Remember Betahaus

And yet: the final chapter has not been written.

Coworking history knows remarkable comebacks. Take Betahaus, for example — once facing serious financial distress itself, today an institution.

Insolvency does not automatically mean the end. It can also mark a restart: more structured, more focused, better aligned with evolving market conditions.

Whether KB Kiez Büro can and will take that path remains to be seen. The substance is there. The brand has identity. And Björn Budack has proven in the past that he sees coworking not merely as a business, but as a community-driven project — and that is a genuine competitive advantage in this market.

A Market in Motion — On All Levels

The insolvency of Kiez Büro is not an isolated case, but rather a symptom of broader market dynamics.

On one side, smaller, location-focused operators are struggling with harsh realities: high rents, occupancy pressure, and post-pandemic distortions. On the other side, major players are making strategic moves.

Reports are currently circulating about a potential merger between IWG plc and Design Offices — two heavyweights whose consolidation would significantly reshape the German-speaking flex-office market.

Such developments send a clear signal: the market is growing, yes — but it is also maturing. And maturation means tougher rules of the game.

For smaller, independent operators, this makes survival more challenging — but not impossible. Niche positioning, authentic community building, and strong local identity are the cards they can play while large platforms focus on scale.

A Beacon of Hope: The DELTA Campus

Despite the challenging framework conditions in the Neukölln area, there are positive signals.

The DELTA Campus is developing into a genuine anchor within the local scene. With a growing event series, compelling speakers, and an offering that goes far beyond simply renting office space, The DELTA demonstrates what coworking in 2024/2025 can truly deliver: inspiration, networking, and authentic community.

Places like this are exactly what the neighborhood needs — and they show that the model works when executed thoughtfully.

Conclusion: Wait — Don’t Write It Off

The insolvency of KB Kiez Büro marks a serious turning point. It deserves respect — especially toward the team and everyone who invested time, capital, energy, and passion into the project.

At the same time, the Berlin coworking market is resilient. It has survived larger crises before. And sometimes, it takes precisely such a moment to recalibrate what truly matters.

We will continue to watch the developments — and we keep our fingers crossed.