IndiQube’s success story combines a deep commitment to employee well-being and sustainability, driving profitable growth in India’s flexible workspace market. Learn how they’re leading the industry.
In the post-pandemic world, where flexibility has become a core demand for employees, IndiQube has risen as a standout in the flexible workspace industry. Founded in 2015 by Meghna Agarwal and Rishi Das, this Bengaluru-based company has expanded far beyond the crowded metros into Tier II cities like Coimbatore, Kochi, and Vijayawada. What makes IndiQube truly special? It’s not just about offering flexible office spaces—their employee-centric approach and strong focus on sustainability set them apart.
In an insightful conversation with Shradha Sharma, Founder and CEO of YourStory, Rishi Das and Meghna Agarwal, they opened up about what makes IndiQube unique and how they’ve managed to carve out a profitable niche in an increasingly competitive market. Here’s a look at their journey, what drives their success, and the innovative strategies that fuel their growth.
An Employee-First Workspace: The Heart of IndiQube’s Strategy
The world of work is no longer the same. The pandemic flipped traditional work setups upside down, and today, employees crave flexibility, wellness, and meaningful collaboration. Rishi Das, co-founder of IndiQube, sums it up perfectly: “Today, work goes where people are, rather than people going where work is.” This shift has opened the doors for flexible workspaces, especially in Tier II cities, where many companies are setting up shops to tap into local talent.
India, with its booming startup ecosystem, IT hubs, and global capability centres (GCCs), has become the world’s fastest-growing commercial real estate market. According to a recent IndiQube-CRE Matrix report, the flexible workspace sector will grow from 46.7 million square feet to 126 million square feet by 2027.
IndiQube’s clear focus on employee well-being sets it apart in this market. “We don’t just offer office spaces. We create an environment where employee wellness is prioritised,” says Das. IndiQube’s workspaces offer amenities that go far beyond the typical office setup—subsidized meals, transportation options, efficient parking management, and even plans to launch health insurance for employees and their families.
IndiQube also brings in a fun and active work culture, offering leagues for sports like cricket and badminton. “There’s so much energy in offices now with younger workers, and we’re fostering that energy through activities that keep people engaged, happy, and healthy,” says Das. This employee-first approach keeps companies returning to IndiQube, not just for the space, but for the environment they cultivate.
Sustainability as a Business Model, Not Just a Trend
Sustainability is at the core of IndiQube’s operations. In an era where going green has become a catchphrase, IndiQube walks the talk by integrating eco-friendly practices across their buildings. From energy conservation to water recycling, they prove that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand.
“When we first started, our power consumption was one unit for every 100 square feet of space. Today, that number is down to 0.5 units,” says Das. This remarkable reduction has been achieved by upgrading air conditioning systems, incorporating IoT devices with motion sensors, and optimising UPS systems to minimise waste.
IndiQube’s efforts extend to water conservation as well. With Bengaluru’s water crisis, they committed to reducing water consumption by 80-90% across their buildings. They’ve installed water recycling plants in older buildings that lacked sewage treatment facilities and are already recycling around 70-80% of the water used in their spaces.
Their dedication to reducing waste is equally impressive. Das explains that they have implemented composting in their offices, drastically reducing the need for daily garbage collection. “Before, we had trucks coming every day to collect 60-70 kgs of waste. Now, with composting, those trucks come once a month to collect plastic and metal, while all organic waste is processed on-site.”
IndiQube’s commitment to sustainability isn’t just about reducing costs—it’s about setting an example for other businesses. “Sustainability is an excellent return on investment,” Das emphasises. “We’re happy to share our knowledge with others because it’s not just about us; it’s about changing the way businesses operate.”
More Than Just a Coworking Space: IndiQube’s Full-Stack Model
IndiQube doesn’t fit neatly into any of the traditional coworking space categories. They prefer not to be labeled a “coworking player” or an “enterprise player.” Instead, they see themselves as a full-stack workspace provider offering everything from space design and interiors to technology solutions and operational services.
As co-founder Meghna Agarwal puts it, “We don’t want to be defined by a single category. We’re here to offer a holistic solution to companies, whether they need fully managed offices, technology support, or just space to grow.”
This flexibility in their model allows them to serve a wide range of businesses, from small startups to large enterprises. They offer everything from catalogue-based furniture solutions to bespoke workspace designs that cater to each company’s unique needs. By focusing on functionality rather than unnecessary extras, IndiQube creates spaces that work for businesses, not just look good.
Their pay-as-you-use model has also been a huge draw for companies, especially in the post-pandemic world, where businesses need more agility in their operations. Companies like Maruti in Kochi and Air India in Chennai have chosen IndiQube for their flexible, no-frills approach to office space.
Profitability and Purpose: The Secret to IndiQube’s Success
While many companies in the coworking space chase high valuations, IndiQube has always had a different focus—profitability. “Right from the start, we’ve been EBITDA-positive,” says Agarwal. Their sustainable growth strategy has allowed them to expand steadily across Tier II cities without sacrificing their commitment to employee well-being or environmental responsibility.
This focus on profitable, sustainable growth has positioned IndiQube as a leader in India’s flexible workspace market. And they’re not stopping there. With plans to expand into emerging markets in Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America, IndiQube is poised for continued success on a global scale.
The Future of Work is Flexible, and IndiQube is Leading the Way
As businesses rethink the future of work, IndiQube is at the forefront of this transformation. By combining a deep focus on employee well-being with a commitment to sustainability, they are creating workspaces that aren’t just functional but also meaningful.
“Workspaces aren’t just about desks and meeting rooms anymore,” says Das. “They’re about creating environments where people thrive—feel supported, valued, and part of something bigger.”
IndiQube’s success is a testament to the power of putting people and the planet first, while still maintaining a profitable business model. As they continue to expand, their approach to flexible workspaces is setting a new standard for the industry that focuses on sustainability, well-being, and growth with purpose.
Conclusion
IndiQube’s people-first and sustainable business model has made it a leader in India’s flexible workspace market. By prioritizing employee well-being, reducing environmental impact, and focusing on profitability, they have created a successful formula for growth that serves as a model for others in the industry.