Cadre AI’s secret for growing their business and culture
Less than a year after launching, Cadre AI had already grown to more than 30 people, quickly outpacing the subleased office where they began. As an AI strategy and implementation firm in one of the fastest-moving industries, they needed a workplace that could keep up: a space that was move-in ready, flexible and designed to fuel collaboration.
“Cadre AI is small but growing fast and being together as a team is making that possible. Irvine Company’s flexible office space keeps up with us and has a great vibe that keeps the team inspired.”
–Grayson Lafrenz, Founder and CEO of Cadre AI
They found their solution in a Flex+ workspace at Gateway at Torrey Hills. With a turnkey furniture package and a short two-year lease, the Cadre team was fully operational in just two weeks. Even better, they know that as their company expands, Irvine Company will help them seamlessly move into a larger space within its expansive portfolio — no disruption, no downtime.
“We looked at a lot of offices and none of them were right for us. As a start-up we didn’t want to commit to a long-term lease or invest time and money into making a corporate office feel cool,” says Grayson Lafrenz, Founder and CEO of Cadre AI. “The space at Gateway at Torrey Hills was clean, crisp and bright, and I loved the energy of the place. It’s also probably the best location in San Diego where you can get anywhere in 15 minutes.”
That energy has been transformative. Even though Cadre AI doesn’t require employees to come in, the team shows up drawn by the bright, modern design and the spark of working side by side. The space has also strengthened their broader community. Cadre AI is now at the heart of San Diego’s AI ecosystem, and their new workplace reflects that role.
“For us as a startup, I’d forgotten how important it was to be in the office,” Lafrenz adds. “You can do a lot remotely at a large, established company. But when you’re growing fast, getting in front of a whiteboard, having spontaneous conversations, or just grabbing coffee with a teammate are huge advantages. It’s more fun, more collaborative, and simply easier.”
Cadre AI’s office is a catalyst for culture, an accelerator for growth, and a flexible springboard for the future. It’s proof that the right space at the right time can be a company’s greatest competitive advantage.
