CoHo: Revolutionizing Co-Living for India’s Urban Millennials

In the bustling cities of India, finding an affordable and convenient place to live has long been a challenge, particularly for young professionals and students. However, with their knack for innovative problem-solving, millennial have paved the way for new and more economical ways of cohabiting living spaces. Enter CoHo, a visionary startup that is reshaping the co-living landscape by leveraging technology and community to create fully-furnished rental spaces tailored for like-minded individuals.

Founded in 2015 by Uday Lakkar and Amber Sajid, CoHo has become a trailblazer in the co-living sector. Headquartered in New Delhi, the startup aims to solve the persistent problem of affordable housing by offering managed apartments and villas designed to provide hassle-free living experiences for the millennial generation. CoHo’s mission is to provide ready-to-move-in shared accommodations with an array of services, including housekeeping, WiFi, DTH cable, repairs and maintenance, and much more.

One of the standout features of CoHo’s offerings is its focus on self-help amenities, such as smart locks, fully-automatic washing machines, microwave ovens, and even tea/coffee machines. This attention to detail caters to the digital-native generation’s desire for convenience and efficiency. The CoHo Resident App acts as a one-stop solution for various day-to-day engagements, from customer onboarding to fee payments, complaint resolution, and community engagement. This seamless integration of technology enhances the resident experience and fosters a sense of belonging.

CoHo’s inception was rooted in a fundamental need and pain point. Uday Lakkar, drawing from personal experiences, recognized the dire need for quality accommodations for the youth in India. Instances where discrimination based on community background hindered housing opportunities highlighted the need for a trusted brand that promises consistent services at affordable price points. CoHo’s commitment to addressing this gap has garnered positive responses from the market, validating the startup’s mission.

Since its launch in 2015, CoHo has experienced remarkable growth, catering to over 1,200 residents across prime locations in Delhi NCR. With plans to expand deeper within the region, CoHo is poised to further solidify its presence, targeting 2,000-2,500 residents in the upcoming quarter. The startup’s annual revenue run rate is expected to surpass $3 million, underscoring the demand and potential for quality co-living spaces in the region.

A key factor in CoHo’s success lies in its strategic use of technology and community engagement. By introducing features like 3D tours, smart locks, video intelligence, and easy payment options, CoHo resonates with millennials who seek modern and innovative housing solutions. This approach contrasts with traditional methods of dealing with landlords or brokers, aligning with the preferences of a digitally-savvy generation.

CoHo operates on an asset-light and operational-light business model, often leasing buildings or collaborating through revenue-sharing models with asset owners. Monthly fees for CoHo spaces range between Rs 9,000 and 13,000, offering an affordable yet premium co-living experience. Having secured a seed round of funding, CoHo is actively seeking growth capital to fuel its expansion plans.

The startup’s journey is far from over. CoHo’s ambitious roadmap includes deeper expansion within Delhi NCR and expansion into prominent Tier I cities like Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Mumbai over the next 18-30 months. With a scalable business model and a robust demand for quality co-living spaces, CoHo is positioned to lead the way in transforming urban housing and providing millennials with the living experiences they desire.

As CoHo continues to redefine co-living for India’s millennials, it exemplifies the potential of technology-driven innovation to tackle longstanding challenges and reshape the way people perceive and interact with urban living spaces.