Whether you need a spot to get some work done during a trip, are looking to connect with Mumbai’s entrepreneurial crowd, or are searching for long-term office space, this is your ultimate guide to coworking in Mumbai.
In Mumbai, things move fast, especially in the financial, commercial, entertainment, and tech sectors, where innovation demands dynamic work environments, remote work, and 24/7 monitoring.
Things move fast in the commercial real estate sector too, and shared/flexible spaces—otherwise known as coworking spaces—have been increasing in popularity in India over the last five years.
Mixed-use spaces are appealing to freelancers and startups for their low barrier to entry and have increased in popularity among larger businesses, in large part, due to their lower costs, their ability to accommodate remote talent, and meet the frequently-changing needs of a business by offering mixed-use spaces that offer everything from rentable boardrooms to fixed desk space.
In May, India’s Business Standard reported co-working operators had leased 2.9 million square feet of space in India between January and March this year, four times more than the same period last year, demonstrating significant growth in the coworking space.
More than 13 million people are expected to work out of coworking spaces by 2020 in India, and with new coworking spaces opening all the time, owners are working to accommodate this demand.
Amit Ramani, the CEO and founder of coworking brand Awfis, is not surprised by the significant demand for versatile coworking spaces in Mumbai, which is perhaps evidenced by the company’s significant growth alone. Since opening its first location in New Delhi in 2016, Awfis has expanded to 63 coworking spaces throughout nine cities in India, 12 of which are in Mumbai.
“Mumbai, well-known as a melting pot of lifestyles and the financial capital of India, is a lucrative market for both Indian companies and global players,” Ramani said.
“The city that never sleeps is constantly on the lookout for newer options for its residents to fulfill their aspirations and entrepreneurial spirit.”
According to Ramani, the Indian commercial real estate sector was difficult for businesses to navigate, and the process of renting traditional office space could be tedious.
“Organizations have been, and are still, constantly on the lookout for hassle-free, affordable Grade-A workspaces which would facilitate their businesses and provide a more holistic working environment,” Ramani said.
The popularity of coworking, he thinks, demonstrates that it’s a more than a suitable solution.
Around the world, remote work and freelancing have become increasingly popular for people to work with top talent and brands without the restrictions of geography. When freelancers need something more consistent and resourceful than a coffee shop, they look to coworking spaces to provide an almost-customizable mix of structure, office supplies and equipment, and a social environment at an affordable rate
The result of all this is plenty of sophisticated coworking options, with most locations offering contemporary, upscale amenities meant to cater to tech-savvy audiences. There are a variety of options for membership lengths (daily, monthly, yearly) as well as flexible desks, dedicated desks, private offices, and much more.
Some common amenities shared by coworking spaces in Mumbai include: WiFi, shared social space, kitchen with complimentary coffee, tea (and maybe even beer), printing facilities, open and collaborative design with designated offices, private spaces, and conference rooms, and concierge. From there, you can find a place that offers amenities and resources to suit your specific needs.
When selecting a coworking space in Mumbai, location is one of the most important things to consider. Pick a coworking space that is close to where you are living or staying to avoid Mumbai’s often-congested traffic. Luckily, most coworking companies in Mumbai have considered this and have opened up multiple locations across the city in popular neighborhoods.
Book a reliable Blacklane car service in Mumbai so you never have to worry about a coworking space’s parking availability, or navigating congested roads in Mumbai.
Mascots CoWork
For the budget-conscious, Mascots is a great option because it offers the most desirable business amenities at a low cost, with none of the additional frills. And its locations can’t be beat: Mascots has two coworking locations in the business districts of Prahabdevi in South Mumbai, and in Andheri East, both of which are close to transit.
Mosaic
No need to worry about work-life balance at Mosaic, a wellness-focused coworking space in Andheri East. Personalize your workspace with ergonomic options, take a break at the in-house yoga, kickboxing, meditation, dance, or Tai Chi class, relax with a massage, and share space with like-minded individuals.
CoWrks
If If you’re looking for a coworking space in Worli or Powai, CoWrks is a great option that also has a wellness focus. Relax after a long day of work in the gym, at a yoga class, or in the dance studio. The Worli location is within walking distance of the Century Mills entertainment district for after-work fun.
WeWork
If you’re a WeWork customer or have visited one of their 758 locations around the world, you’ll be happy to know that there are 12 WeWork locations in Mumbai. Each location has its own unique vibe and amenities, so the choice is yours and you can pick a location that’s convenient for you.
Famous Working Company
If you work in a creative industry, check out the amenities offered at any of the three Famous Working Company coworking spaces in Mumbai. As a member, you have access to motion-capture facilities, sound stages, studio sets, editing software, production services, and much more.
Workbay
A cross between a café and a more typical coworking space is Workbay, a coworking space in Bandra West and Santa Cruz West. With just the essentials for amenities (including Wi-Fi, meeting rooms, an office assistant, and plenty of tea and coffee) and a laid-back atmosphere, this is a great space to work with a smaller team when you don’t want all the bells and whistles.
91 Springboard
Catering mostly to startups, 91 Springboard has five locations across Mumbai and offers more than just office amenities and space. Startups and entrepreneurs can access training and mentorship events, customized referrals for additional services, and introductions to mentors in their field.
Cafes for Coworking in Mumbai
If you’re looking for more of an occasional place to sit and work casually, why not check out a café in Mumbai for coworking. The key things to look for here are strong Wi-Fi, decent food to fuel a constructive workday, spacious seating, and plenty of charging outlets.
Social Offline
If you want a place to work in Mumbai that’s informal, offers opportunities to mix and mingle, has a full food and drink menu, and has strong Wi-Fi—check out one of the ten Social Offline spots in Mumbai.
Six of the spaces have more formal coworking spaces and amenities like conference rooms and private desks but still maintain a fun, relaxed vibe and unique décor. You won’t have far to go for after-work drinks; once you close up your laptop for the day you can order a drink, or stay late for live music. If your workday starts at 1 p.m., you can order breakfast all day at most locations.
The Bagel Shop
You’ll find yourself among other freelancers if you settle down to do some work at The Bagel Shop in Mumbai. This place feels like a quiet oasis, away from the hustle and bustle of other places, yet there is always a creative buzz, so you can probably find someone to bounce ideas off of. The bagels are, of course, great, and the Wi-Fi (and coffee) is strong.
Café Zoe
If you need to schedule early meetings to accommodate other timezones for international business, then head to Café Zoe. They open early at 7:30 a.m. and large windows offer plenty of natural light for a cozy space.
The Yoga House
A hidden gem of a coworking space is The Yoga House. Head to their café for a peaceful, tranquil outdoor space where you’ll find writers seeking inspiration. When you need to take a break from work, jus head to the yoga studio and relax with a yoga class, then head back to work feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Hotels for Coworking in Mumbai
If you’re traveling in Mumbai on business, there are several hotels with outstanding corporate amenities. The JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar has a business center, multiple meeting spaces, free Wi-Fi and desks in every room.
See and be seen in one of the public common areas at SoHo House Mumbai; the Allis cafe is a relaxing space to do some work, while Cecconi’s restaurant is a lively space for business drinks.
President Mumbai in the upscale neighbourhood of Cuffe Parade has a full business center and meeting room with video conferencing and webcasting amenities; sit in its Konkan Cafe to do some work in a charming setting with authentic meals.
Breanna Mroczek
Breanna is a writer and editor with a background in travel and lifestyle publications and projects. She was named one of the top 30 under 30 rising stars in media by FIPP network for global media.
