US-Based Nooks Raises €23M to Expand Coworking Space With Clearance Frameworks for the Defense Industry

Nooks, a U.S.-based startup founded by a team of military veterans, is expanding the coworking model into national security by offering subscription-based access to classified facilities – known as SCIFs (Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities).

Founded in 2021, Nooks is based in Arlington, Virginia (US). The company positions itself at the intersection of coworking and defense-grade infrastructure, enabling government agencies and industry players to accelerate classified innovation without building dedicated SCIFs from scratch. These secure environments are designed to support defense-minded startups, government agencies, and prime contractors working on classified projects.

The company just announced a € 23 Mio (U$ 25 Mio) Series A funding round, backed by investors including Zigg Capital, Upper90, SAIC Ventures, and Lockheed Martin Ventures, Nooks aims to rapidly scale its Classified‑Infrastructure‑as‑a‑Service (CIaaS) offering, says a press release. Their model bundles site selection, lab design, construction, daily operations, and security clearance support into a turnkey package. The latest capital will enable Nooks to expand locations in Colorado Springs, Arlington, El Segundo, and more.

According to Fast Company, the absence of accessible SCIFs has hindered agile defense innovation – as startups often wait up to 18 months for clearances. Nooks provides a flexible alternative, comparing traditional SCIF development to buying a house, while positioning itself as the “Airbnb” of classified workspaces.

Nooks’ workspace model includes private offices, shared SCIF environments, conference facilities, even mobile SCIF units—all secured, accredited, and designed for rapid deployment. Their proprietary platform also offers hands-on security services, such as Facility Security Officer (FSO) and personnel clearance support.

It not said whether similar initiative are expected in Europe soon.