Finnish AI Ad Agency Smartly’s London Office Takes Place at GPE Serviced Office

Smartly, the Helsinki-founded advertising technology company, has established its London office of several dozen employees at Alfred Place, a Fully Managed workspace operated by GPE.

Founded in Finland in 2013, Smartly develops AI-powered advertising technology used by brands and agencies to automate and optimize digital marketing campaigns. The company employs more than 900 people globally and operates a network of regional hubs including London, New York, Singapore and Berlin, while maintaining Helsinki as its main engineering and product center.

The London team selected Alfred Place after seeking a workspace that better matched the company’s growth and image, according to Charlotte Bevan, Smartly’s Executive Assistant and Office Coordinator. “We wanted a place we could be proud to bring people to,” Bevan said, describing Alfred Place as the “level up” the company was looking for.

GPE, formerly Great Portland Estates, is a London property developer and landlord that owns around 30 premium buildings across central London districts including Fitzrovia, Soho, Covent Garden, the West End and the City. Rather than operating as a coworking provider, GPE delivers turnkey managed offices within buildings it owns directly, combining private office space, amenities, technology infrastructure and building services under a single monthly agreement.

Charlotte Bevan cited the building’s atmosphere, hospitality and location among the factors that influenced the decision. She said the welcoming reception team, community feel and quieter environment around Alfred Place helped create a workplace that “doesn’t really feel like you’re at work.”

The location was also important for Smartly’s client-facing activities. According to Bevan, the office provides easy access to restaurants and entertainment venues while maintaining a calm setting away from busier parts of central London. Among the amenities she highlighted were the rooftop terrace overlooking London and wellness programs including yoga and Pilates. She also noted that Smartly could relocate within GPE’s wider portfolio if additional space is needed as the company expands.

According to Charlotte Bevan, colleagues visiting from Smartly’s other global offices have described London as having “the best vibe” among the company’s locations.