How Are Flexible Workspaces Shaping the Future of India’s Office Environment?

The pandemic has catalyzed changes across industries, and the office space segment has been no exception. Amidst this transformation, Smartworks, co-founded by Harsh Binani and Neetish Sarda, has emerged as a leading provider of agile, flexible workspaces in India. With over four million square feet of space across 31 locations in nine major cities, Smartworks is reshaping how enterprises and startups view office environments.

What Does Smartworks Do?

Smartworks is committed to delivering cost-effective, tech-enabled office solutions designed to address the demands of modern businesses. Unlike traditional office setups, Smartworks emphasizes a holistic approach, offering standalone campus-style facilities brimming with world-class amenities and tailored to elevate productivity and employee satisfaction.

With a clientele that includes global giants like Amazon, Microsoft, and Starbucks, Smartworks provides scalable solutions for over 400 businesses, spanning global enterprises, SMEs, and high-growth startups. Since its inception, the company has scaled rapidly while maintaining profitability. A significant milestone came in late 2019, when Smartworks secured $25 million in Series A funding from Keppel Land Limited, signaling investor confidence in its vision.

A Vision Born from Global Insights

The idea for Smartworks was rooted in the co-founders’ exposure to international markets, particularly the vibrant, employee-focused workspaces in the U.S. and Singapore. Harsh Binani’s visits to innovation hubs like LinkedIn and Google offices during his time at Kellogg inspired him to bring similar vibrancy and amenities to India, but in a more accessible and affordable format.

Binani and Sarda identified a gap in India’s commercial real estate market — a lack of organized, flexible, and cost-efficient workspace solutions for large enterprises. By transforming unbranded developer properties into branded, tech-enabled office spaces, Smartworks not only addressed this gap but also delivered significant cost savings to its clients.

How Kellogg Played a Role

Harsh Binani credits his entrepreneurial journey to his education at the Kellogg School of Management, where he majored in entrepreneurship. The structured learning environment, real-life case studies, and exposure to global startup ecosystems equipped him with the skills to navigate the challenges of building a business in India. Professors like Mohan Sawhney and Carter Cast, along with the entrepreneurial community at Kellogg, continue to influence his approach to leadership and innovation.

Riding the Pandemic Wave

While the COVID-19 pandemic brought significant disruptions, it also highlighted the growing demand for flexible workspace solutions. As companies adopted remote work and reimagined office strategies, Smartworks experienced a surge in interest, particularly from large enterprises seeking flexibility and continuity.

Despite an initial slowdown, Smartworks grew by 30% during the pandemic, solidifying its market leadership. Its focus on catering to stable, large enterprise clients shielded it from the worst impacts of the crisis. Moreover, the company leveraged market consolidation opportunities, further strengthening its foothold in the industry.

Looking Ahead

With flexibility becoming a cornerstone of workplace strategies, Smartworks is poised for sustained growth. Its combination of market leadership, innovative solutions, and a focus on creating dynamic office environments makes it a pivotal player in the future of Indian workspaces.

From humble beginnings to becoming India’s largest provider of agile, flexible workspaces, Smartworks exemplifies how vision and perseverance can disrupt traditional markets, paving the way for innovation and progress.

Conclusion

Smartworks has revolutionized India’s office space landscape by introducing agile, flexible, and tech-enabled workspaces tailored to the evolving needs of modern businesses. Through its innovative approach, the company has bridged the gap between affordability and world-class amenities, transforming unbranded properties into vibrant, productive environments. Even during the challenges of the pandemic, Smartworks demonstrated resilience, achieving notable growth and cementing its leadership in the flexible workspace market. Its ability to cater to large enterprises and leverage market consolidation has positioned it as a trusted partner for businesses seeking scalable solutions. Guided by the entrepreneurial vision of its co-founders, Harsh Binani and Neetish Sarda, Smartworks exemplifies how thoughtful disruption can bring positive change. As businesses continue to adapt to hybrid work models, Smartworks is poised to lead the industry, fostering workspaces that inspire collaboration, productivity, and innovation across India’s corporate landscape.