Coworking operators in India have started seeking unused spaces to open their new facilities for companies looking for premium locations.
For example, Delhi-based shared workspace provider myHQ has transformed over 60 lounges and cafes into coworking spaces and has plans to expand into other cities.
“We get into an agreement with the cafe owner and a portion of the space is dedicated as My HQ place,” said Vinayak Agarawal, cofounder of myHQ. “The charge is as low as 200 a day. The cafes are usually available in the day time as they don’t have much customers. The booking happens through the app.”
Agarawal said that among those looking for shared workspaces were bloggers and coders, but larger companies are also seeking these offices in tier 2 cities so employees can work closer to home.
Property consultant Anarock said that rising real estate costs left many cafes in India struggling, so incorporating coworking spaces has allowed these spaces to offer a creative environment and keep patrons coming back.