10 Coworking Spaces Paving the Way for India's Modern Work Environment
Coworking spaces have become incredibly popular over the past several months. Before the pandemic, they were mainly favored by freelancers and independent contractors. In the post-pandemic world, professionals face tough choices about returning to the office, with some companies requiring in-person work and others experimenting with flexibility. The rise of coworking spaces offers a popular alternative, allowing remote workers to work closer to home in productive, collaborative environments without the long commute.
The coworking culture has revolutionized how professionals, startups, and freelancers operate across India. Whether you’re a digital nomad or a growing company, choosing the right coworking space can enhance productivity and creativity.
What are coworking spaces?
A coworking space is a shared office environment where individuals from different teams and companies work side by side. It offers a modern approach to work, fostering collaboration and productivity in a creative setting designed to support diverse professionals. They are also a great choice for companies testing the waters in the Indian market. They’ve seen impressive growth in recent years because they simplify office setup and lower costs.
The concept emerged in the early 2000s, initially attracting freelancers and web entrepreneurs seeking an alternative to coffee shops, home offices, or business centers. Since then, coworking has grown into a global trend, with coworking spaces adapting to the evolving nature of work. In 2019, there were about 19,000 coworking spaces worldwide. Today, they serve not only remote individuals but also entire corporate teams.
The Rise of Coworking in India
Coworking spaces in India have witnessed exponential growth over the past decade, emerging as a popular solution for freelancers, startups, entrepreneurs, and even large enterprises looking to embrace flexibility in their work culture. With the rise of the gig economy, increasing demand for flexible workspaces and the adoption of remote working, coworking spaces are rapidly transforming the way people work, collaborate and innovate.
The coworking space market in India is witnessing significant growth, with projections indicating a market value of USD 1.94 billion in 2024. This upward trend is expected to continue, reaching an estimated USD 2.72 billion by 2029.
What’s more, the coworking trend is spreading beyond India’s major cities like Delhi, Bengaluru, and Mumbai. Even in smaller, developing cities, the coworking movement is catching on and contributing to the real estate market’s growth.
Factors Driving Growth of Coworking Spaces in India
Here are key factors behind the explosive growth of coworking spaces in India:
Rise of Gig Economy in India
The rise of the gig economy where temporary jobs are commonplace and companies hire independent contractors and freelancers instead of full-time employees. has increased the demand for coworking spaces in India, influenced by startups, freelancers, and SMEs. These spaces offer flexible, cost-effective solutions suited to various work schedules while fostering networking and creativity.
Expansion in Tier-2 and Tier-3 Cities
Economic growth and technological advancements in tier-2 and tier-3 cities have paved the way for the rapid expansion of coworking spaces. As these regions witness a rise in economic activity and better connectivity, they are becoming attractive hubs for startups and small businesses seeking cost-effective alternatives to traditional office spaces. Enhanced tech infrastructure now enables businesses to operate efficiently, making it viable to thrive outside major metropolitan centers.
Flexible Lease Options
Unlike traditional office leases, coworking agreements offer short-term, flexible terms that allow businesses to scale up or down based on their needs. This adaptability, along with lower overheads and reduced costs, makes coworking spaces an appealing choice for cost-conscious entrepreneurs and small business owners.
All-Inclusive Amenities
In addition, coworking spaces provide a range of essential services such as utilities, high-speed internet, tech support, and maintenance. This all-inclusive model streamlines operations for tenants, enabling them to concentrate on their core business activities without the distraction of managing logistical details.
These factors collectively make coworking spaces a growing and essential part of India's work environment.
Who is the Target Audience for your Coworking Spaces?
To effectively market a coworking space, it's essential to understand who it serves. The primary target audience includes freelancers, startups, remote workers, and small businesses that need flexible work environments. However, this can vary depending on factors like location, amenities, and pricing.
Freelancers are often attracted to coworking spaces for the community, networking opportunities and the chance to work alongside like-minded individuals. The shared environment offers a break from isolation and enhances productivity.
Startups benefit from coworking spaces due to the collaborative atmosphere, which supports idea-sharing, innovation and access to vital resources. These spaces are ideal for fostering connections and growing a business.
Remote workers choose coworking spaces for a structured, professional work environment, increased productivity and the opportunity for social interaction, which they might miss when working from home.
Small businesses see coworking as a cost-effective alternative to traditional office leases. They gain access to flexible workspace options and shared amenities, making it easier to scale their operations as needed.
Entrepreneurs also find coworking spaces appealing for networking, professional support and a conducive work environment. Additionally, coworking caters to those seeking work-life balance, flexibility and a sense of community.
Understanding these diverse needs and preferences helps shape marketing strategies. By tailoring content, messaging and initiatives to this audience, coworking spaces can attract members and promote sustained growth.
Here’s a continuation of the list of 10 coworking spaces in India.
1. WeWork India
Source: WeWork India
WeWork, established in 2010, in New York has become one of the top coworking brands worldwide. In July 2017, Virwani introduced WeWork to India in partnership with his family's Embassy Group. The first WeWork India space, WeWork Galaxy, opened in Bangalore and had a capacity of 2,200 members. Under Virwani's leadership, WeWork India has expanded significantly, establishing locations in Bengaluru, Mumbai, and the Delhi NCR region, with over 35,000 desks nationwide.
Since entering India, it has expanded rapidly, offering some of the most high-end coworking environments available. WeWork provides professional workspaces, including private offices and meeting rooms that meet global standards.
They cater to a variety of needs, offering both dedicated and flexible desks suitable for MSMEs, small startups, and solo professionals. In addition to workspace solutions, WeWork hosts networking and wellness events, fostering collaboration and the exchange of ideas within the community.
Locations: Mumbai, Bengaluru, Gurgaon, Hyderabad, NCR Delhi, Chennai and Pune.
2. 91Springboard
Source: 91Springboard
Founded in 2012 by Anand Vemuri, Deepak Sharma, Pranay Gupta, Pushpendra Thakur and Varun Chawla, 91Springboard is a leading coworking space provider in India, catering to startups, freelancers, and enterprises. More than just office space, 91Springboard focuses on creating community-driven environments where people can connect, collaborate, and thrive.
Starting with one location in New Delhi, 91Springboard has grown to 30 hubs across 8 cities, serving over 21,000 members. Their goal is to change how people work by creating vibrant, collaborative communities.The brand’s vibrant spirit can be summed up in one word: Enthusiasm.Every team member works to bring joy and make each day special for everyone.
Locations: Delhi, Gurgaon, Noida, Mumbai, Pune, Goa, Bangalore, and Hyderabad.
3. Innov8
Source: Innov8
Innov8 is recognized as one of India’s top coworking spaces, known for its high-quality work environments, community focus, and modern design. Ritesh Malik founded Innov8 Coworking in 2015 and scaled the business to over 42 locations pre-COVID. The cozy and well-equipped meeting rooms at Innov8 are perfect for brainstorming and collaboration, providing an ideal setting for productive discussions.
Innov8's conference rooms are designed with cutting-edge interiors and come fully equipped to support all business needs. The stylish furnishings and vibrant atmosphere foster creativity and innovation, making them excellent spaces for hosting professional meetings.
Members at Innov8 enjoy a variety of extra perks. These include business office registration, financial and legal support, health insurance, and lifestyle services such as vehicle washing and laundry. With these features, Innov8 stands out as a truly innovative coworking space, earning a spot among India’s best.
Locations: Bangalore, Delhi, Noida, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Gurgaon, and Pune.
4. Awfis
Source: Awfis
Founded in 2015 by Amit Ramani, Awfis has evolved from a coworking network into India’s largest tech-enabled workspace solutions platform. It offers a wide range of workspaces tailored to everyone, from freelancers to large corporations.
Awfis provides customizable workspaces that can be tailored in size, with flexible lease options to fit your needs. You can book a space for as little as an hour or for as long as a year. Their coworking spaces come fully equipped with all the essential amenities and features designed to boost productivity and foster a vibrant, engaging community.
Locations: Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chennai, Pune, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, Delhi, Gurgaon, Noida, Mumbai, and Bangalore.
5. Cowrks
Source: Cowrks
COWRKS, managed by Brookfield Properties and founded by Sidharth Menda, is a leading provider of premium, enterprise-managed workspaces. By blending local knowledge with global expertise, COWRKS seeks to transform real estate into better, more productive environments for people, businesses, and communities. With locations in key markets, it offers flexible coworking solutions tailored to businesses of all sizes.
COWRKS creates a vibrant community within its coworking spaces, bringing together a diverse mix of members from various industries. Their fully serviced, tech-enabled workspaces are designed to leverage productivity and support collaboration among professionals.
Locations: Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, and Hyderabad.
6. ALTF Coworking
Source: AltF Coworking
Founded by Sarthak Chhabra and Yogesh Arora, AltF Coworking is a prominent coworking space provider in the Delhi NCR region, known for combining professionalism with comfort. Their modern workspaces are designed to inspire motivation and innovation, creating a lively environment where people can work efficiently and boost productivity.
AltF Coworking offers cost-effective office solutions, making it especially appealing to startup founders, including those with limited budgets. With locations across various states, mainly in the National Capital Region, AltF provides a safe, secure, and friendly workspace for professionals. The shared environment encourages networking, allowing founders and CEOs of growing companies to connect and expand their business networks effectively.
Locations: Gurgaon, Noida, Delhi and Hyderabad.
7. Table Space
Source: TableSpace
Founded by Amit Banerji, Karan Chopra, Kunal Mehra and Srinivas Prasad Table Space goes beyond traditional offerings to provide comprehensive solutions that address all workspace needs through a full range of services, including leasing, design, construction, and operations. When businesses choose Table Space, they gain a trusted single point of contact for all their workspace requirements.
With Table Space, clients can expect a seamless and hassle-free experience throughout the entire workspace lifecycle. From locating the ideal site to designing and building the perfect workspace, and managing day-to-day operations, Table Space is committed to supporting clients at every stage. Their goal is to deliver state-of-the-art workspaces that inspire and empower businesses to thrive, allowing clients to focus on what they do best, driving their business forward.
Locations: Bengaluru, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Chennai, Delhi / NCR.
8. Smartworks
Source: Smartworks
Smartworks was founded with the vision of revolutionizing India's traditional workspace culture by offering modern, flexible workstations. Established by Neetish Sarda, the Managing Director, and Harsh Binani, the co-founder, Smartworks has quickly become one of the top 10 coworking space providers in India. Their innovative, cost-effective coworking solutions are designed to meet the evolving needs of businesses, making Smartworks a go-to choice for companies seeking adaptability and efficiency in the workplace.
They offer a wide range of value-added services to enhance the experiences of their members. These services include access to professional development opportunities such as seminars and workshops on various topics. Additionally, Smartworks organizes community events that encourage networking and collaboration among members.
Beyond these offerings, Smartworks provides various activities tailored to diverse interests, ensuring that each individual enjoys a value-driven experience. This comprehensive approach supports both personal and professional growth, making their services an essential part of their members’ development journey.
Their member-first philosophy distinguishes Smartworks from other coworking spaces in India, allowing them to build strong business connections and foster lasting relationships with their clients.
Locations: Mumbai, Pune, Delhi NCR, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Kolkata.
8. Redbrick Offices
Source: RedbrickCoworking
Founded by Ayush Goenka, also the chairman of Redbrick Offices, the company began its journey as Bombay Connect with a focus on city-centric locations. After establishing its first center in Mumbai, it initially considered Bengaluru for expansion. However, after several visits, they found the market to be highly price-sensitive, oversaturated, and struggling with poor infrastructure and severe traffic issues. As a result, Redbrick turned its attention to Hyderabad and Pune, where it successfully opened four and two centers, respectively.
Around 30% of Redbrick's client base consists of entrepreneurs, freelancers, and small businesses. These active and engaged members frequently participate in and organize events, enriching the community experience. Many of their corporate clients also have young, dynamic employees who share similar traits. This vibrant environment encourages people to step away from their desks, connect with others, and become part of the community.
With a decade of experience, Redbrick has cultivated a strong legacy community of both longstanding and new members. Approximately 60% of its clientele is corporate, and the company typically reaches break-even within four months after a new center opens.
Locations: Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune and Hyderabad
10. BHIVE
Source: BhiveWorkspace
BHIVE Workspace, founded by Shesh Rao Paplikar, offers a diverse mix of large organizations, startups, and freelancers across its seven locations, creating a vibrant community of over 300 members. Since its inception, BHIVE has hosted more than 600 events featuring industry thought leaders sharing their insights. The organization utilizes Workplace by Facebook to enhance interaction among members and provides 24/7 access to its centers.
Members also have the flexibility to work from any other BHIVE location for a limited time each month. Co-founder Ravindra MK notes that while peak hours typically run from 9 AM to 6 PM, many teams operate in different shifts, accommodating companies working on US/UK schedules, startups, freelancers who prefer off-peak hours, and flexi-seat members who use the space according to their needs. Additionally, BHIVE offers special promotions for corporate employees who choose to work from its spaces instead of home.
BHIVE was the first coworking space in India to secure professional VC funding, successfully completing three funding rounds. Each of its centers typically achieves break-even within a few months of operation. At its core, BHIVE operates more like a hospitality company, driven by innovative technologies.
Locations: Mumbai, Bangalore
Future of Coworking Spaces in India
The future of coworking spaces in India looks highly promising, with an anticipated compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 6% from 2022 to 2027. The increasing appeal of flexible, innovative work environments coupled with the benefits of community-building and access to advanced technology makes coworking spaces an ideal solution for professionals seeking more than just a traditional office setup.
As more people and businesses begin to embrace coworking, this trend is likely to grow and change in the coming years. The current corporate landscape, along with the booming startup scene and the challenges following the pandemic, requires entrepreneurs, companies, and freelancers to adapt to a fast-changing work culture. Coworking spaces are becoming important players in shaping the future of work in India. By providing a supportive environment that fosters innovation and growth, coworking spaces are not only shaping the future of work in India but are also becoming integral to the way businesses operate and thrive.
Featured image source: WeWork