The last few years have seen a huge number of enterprising youngsters quit their jobs and attempt to strike out on their own. We don’t know if it’s something in the water, but it seems like people today want to be their own boss more than anything. We’ve already brought you countless stories that highlight the entrepreneurial spirit of India’s youth, including one on people who chose their dreams over stability.
However, it’s important to realise that it’s not all just about big dreams—they have to be grounded in some kind of reality. There’s a saying that makes sense here: being an entrepreneur means living a few years of your life like most people won’t, so that you can spend the rest of your life like most people can’t. More easily translatable to, the struggle is real.
Still, if you’re really serious and believe that you have one heck of an idea, we’re only here to encourage you. But if you think you’re going to be able to get any work done sitting at home with your parents breathing down your neck and yelling at you for quitting your job (because, Indian parents) you’re thoroughly mistaken. You’re going to need a space of your own, whether or not that seems feasible. Renting, of course, is out of the question unless you have investment before you’ve even begun so we’ve rounded up the next best thing--co-working spaces in the city, designed to be your new best friend. In case you’re still a start-up noob, these spaces are just a working environment that’s shared by people of various organisations and professions, at a much reduced cost, often with several added benefits.
We’ve done the digging and picked out eight great co-working spaces across Mumbai. Try not to quit your job just looking at them...
I. Bombay Connect, Bandra
Located on a quiet street in Bandra, Pooja Warier and Richard Alderson’s Bombay Connect lures you in with its laidback vibe. An eclectic assortments of titles cram their bookshelves, and their post-it wall is testament to the growing popularity of co-working spaces: one side of the colourful note-covered wall has people looking for services, while the other is full of those who provide services. Desks, Wi-Fi, conference facilities and a cute little kitchenette ensure you have everything you need. Bombay Connect also hosts weekly events on topics as diverse as HR consulting and pottery.
Cost: Daily passes are available at Rs. 999; monthly passes range between Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 9,000.
The Bombay Connect.
II. Geekout, Andheri (W)
Positioning itself as Mumbai’s first ‘geek co-working space’, Geekout in Andheri is targeted towards ‘technepreneurs’ and is designed in a way to get its members to really interact with each other. Started by Sobing George Thomas and Vineet Shetty, it has one meeting room, cabins and desks, and can only host a little over 30 people at a time. They have two plans to choose from: Inception, which lets you use their office as a virtual address (while working remotely) and allows you to use the meeting room for five hours a month, and The Lone Ranger, which is a better option if you actually physically require a work space. Geekout also hosts hackathons and technology-focussed workshops twice a week.
Cost: Dedicated desk plans start at Rs. 5,500 per month.
III. Igloo, Worli
This professional co-working space in Worli was started by Dalberg Global Development Advisors Asia. Designed to give entrepreneurs an edge by giving them access to Dalberg’s global networks, events and opportunities, it gives its members a chance to use Dalberg’s consulting, research and editorial or design services for up to 10 days each year, as well. The facility has a large boardroom, a smaller meeting room, three offices, and sixteen desks.
Cost: Dedicated desks start at Rs. 10,000 a month
Igloo. Image source: igloo.org.in
IV. Ministry of New, Fort
The reimagined space in Fort is a follow up to their successful run at Santacrus. Dutch designer Marlies Bloemendaal who has lived and worked in Mumbai since 2007 has worked tirelessly to create this elegant and inspiring atmosphere. The 8000 square foot space in the newly renovated Kitab Mahal is a great place for creative professionals looking for a space to think, work, connect and be inspired.
Cost: All-inclusive membership is priced at Rs. 40,000 per month for four members.
V. Our First Office, Nariman Point
Our First Office was started by Milind Doshi and Devina Lason, and has offices in Churchgate, Nariman Point and Lower Parel. They’re very vocal about the fact that their spaces don’t evoke a traditional office environment and instead focus on making it an experience for all five senses: art for your eyes, aromatic candles that relax, soft spa-like music for your ears, an assortment of comfortable chairs and sofas, and freshly-brewed coffee, tea and filtered water at your disposal. Doshi is also the co-founder of Zenith, a community of over 500 entrepreneurs, investors and executives who support each other via collaborations, resources, mentoring and referrals. If you join, you can be sure that you’re not only getting access to a top-notch workspace, but to a great network of like-minded individuals too.
Cost: A dedicated desk costs Rs. 11,950 per month, inclusive of high-speed internet, free legal consulting session, online community support, and other such facilities. If you’re a team, you can pay Rs. 3,950 per person.
VI. Mumbai Co-working Spaces, Andheri
In the heart of Andheri’s most lively area, his vibrant work space will have the creative juices flowing in no time. Located on the 4th and 6th floors it offers fantastic views of the surrounding skyline. Designed for people who need productivity without compromising on comfort there are beanbags and cosy corners everywhere. They also have multiple balconies and a 600 square foot terrace to escape to when you need a breath of fresh air (or a smoke break). Their super accessible location and friendly environment makes it the perfect place to buckle down and get some work done.
Cost: Seats start at Rs. 7000 a month, inclusive of all facilities.
VII. The Hive, Khar
With spaces to support mixed performances, workshops and seminars in addition to its co-working and collaborative office area, The Hive has been a hit since the day it started. Located in a cute little Portuguese bungalow in Khar’s Chuim Village, it was started by Sudeip Nair, Pramod Sippy and Rajesh Marar. The co-working space has 25 tables and is open to freelancers, start-ups and the creative community. It also has an in-house organic café called Hungry Traveller.
Cost: From Rs. 600 per day to Rs. 12,000 per month.
VII. The Playce, Mulund
Five thousand square feet of desks, cabins, conference rooms—and even a dedicated gaming room where you can unwind—await you at The Playce. If you’re looking for an all-round experience, The Playce is a good option. They hold events every week and have even hosted India’s first official Quora meet up. Aside from just providing you with a work space, The Playce also hooks you up with people. Need a designer or coder to help with your website? No problem, just ask.
Cost: Single-day desk plans start at Rs. 499; dedicated monthly desk plans start at Rs.6,500.
VIII. Social, Todi Mills
Todi Mills Social offers a spot of affordable office space in otherwise overpriced Mumbai. They fully advocate the benefits of working in a non-conventional office space. Their website says: ‘Since the birthplace of the cafe, we’ve found it so much more comfortable to be productive over endless cups of coffee instead of being cramped up behind a desk. Hemingway loved working this way. Harry Potter was created in a coffee shop. The constitution of India was written in one.’ To be able to work at Social, you need to first sign up. The really interesting part about Social is that the entire membership fee you pay can be redeemed for food and drink during your work times (9am to 6pm, Mondays to Fridays). You also get access to high-speed internet, printers, scanners and an on-demand conference room.
[Additionally, the folks over at Impresario Hospitality are gearing up for the launch of Khar Social, which opens soon. We’ve got the scoop on it and we’re bringing it to you soon!]
Cost: Rs. 5,000 a month.
Todi Mills Social
[Feature image is of Defence Colony Social, New Delhi and used for representational purposes only]