Josh Berman, a co-founder of Myspace, is chief executive of rapidly growing e-commerce company BeachMint Inc., which sells celebrity-endorsed retail items and has raised more than $75 million in venture capital. This fall, the company plans to expand by two-thirds to 15,000 square feet to make room for its nearly 150 employees. Wanting to remain near other tech companies and the Santa Monica Promenade, BeachMint is moving its Fifth Street headquarters just down the block to Second Street.

Why do you think the tech industry is growing so quickly?

With the proximity to Hollywood, we are in the center of story-telling, fashion and shopping. And it’s natural that the next generation of content online is also focused in Los Angeles.

What do you look for in a workspace?

With the long hours everyone at a startup puts in, location is key to a great culture and atmosphere – being in Santa Monica, proximity to the beach and other like-minded companies. We have a few bikes, surfboards and beach dogs here.

What were the factors that influenced your decision to expand?

Our incredible growth in a short amount of time. We took over additional space on an upper floor of our current building, but we were soon out of space again and we really want to have everyone on the same floor. It’s a better collaborative vibe, given how closely all the departments at BeachMint work together.

How did you decide how much space you would need?

We leased space we knew we would need with some flexibility built in to grow into other floors on our building. Also, we know there is a lot of fluidity in the downtown Santa Monica market in case we need to expand rapidly, in which case we could take space in nearby buildings.

What have you done with the place?

The new space is more open and allows departments to be in the same areas and in proximity to other departments that are important for collaboration and productivity. We’re building out a cool merchandising area as well as a great showroom space and reception area. All of our designers and editors will also now be together. And the kitchen and eating area is much more communal, which is great. 

Some tech companies look farther south in Marina del Rey and Playa Vista. What do you think about that area?

With my Myspace roots, it’s hard to leave this area. It’s convenient for a lot of our employees, and everyone loves having the Promenade for lunch and after work. There’s an energy here that we’ve just become accustomed to.

How do you think Silicon Beach compares to Silicon Valley?

They both have super-smart, hard-working crews that love to create and enjoy work as well as life. California is great.

What’s your favorite thing about having a company in Los Angeles?

Beaches, people, weather. Love that most things are two hours away or less.

– Bailey Brewer