In an era where workplace flexibility and social responsibility are reshaping the corporate landscape, innovative solutions have become crucial for sustainable growth. Amidst this transition, a unique venture is bridging the gap between metropolitan business advantages and regional talent pools, driving economic development in India’s emerging towns. Mikro Grafeio a social impact startup cofounded by friends who had chosen a hiatus from their professional journey, is transforming tier-II and tier-III towns in India into thriving business hubs. With a mission to create employment opportunities and foster local economic growth, the startup is not just another coworking space provider but a catalyst for social change, aiming to decentralize business operations from metro-politan cities to emerging towns.

Mikro Grafeio distinguishes itself from typical coworking spaces by offering curated workspaces tailored for small to medium enterprises (SMEs) as well as Global Capability Centres (GCC). Unlike traditional coworking setups, the company provides dedicated, secure work environments with shared amenities such as lobbies and breakout areas.

“Our tagline, ‘Beyond Workspaces’, reflects our comprehensive solutions, which include administrative support, allowing businesses to focus on their core operations. This model is ideal for companies setting up new operations in India or expanding into new cities”, states Mohan V Mathew, Co-Founder.

Unlike traditional landlords who prefer long-term leases that can be restrictive for

growing companies, Mikro Grafeio offers flexible workspace solutions that adapt to the changing needs of businesses. The startup takes full ownership of properties and redesigns them to accommodate multiple clients with varying requirements, ensuring that businesses can scale up or down without the hassle of relocating or investing in new infrastructure. A prime example of this adaptability is a client who signed up for 25 seats and expanded to 220 seats within 15 months. The company facilitated each move seamlessly, demonstrating its capacity to support rapid business growth without disruption.

“We also help clients identify towns with rich talent pools, better retention rates, and lower operational costs compared to metropolitan areas. By focusing on emerging towns, we align with government policies aimed at de-urbanizing congested metros and promoting regional development”, explains Mohan. Integrated services, which include support for company incorporation, manpower recruitment, and administrative functions, further enhance Mikro Grafeio’s value proposition.

By focusing on emerging towns, Mikro Grafeio aligns with government policies aimed at de-urbanizing congested metros & promoting regional development

Furthermore, the company provides tools for remote management, ensuring that businesses can effectively monitor and manage their workforce in various locations. Security, both physical and digital, is a priority, with robust measures in place to protect clients’ assets and data. Mikro Grafeio’s expertise in setting up and managing Global Capability Centers (GCCs) adds another layer of assurance for clients seeking reliable and secure workspace solutions.

Today, the company operates in over 20 cities with more than 100 clients and approximately 4,000 occupied seats. The burgeoning interest in its model underscores the increasing demand for flexible, cost-effective workspace solutions in non-metro areas. “Our cautious approach ensures sustainable growth, with a pipeline of over 13,000 potential leads indicating a robust future”, mentions Mohan.

Mikro Grafeio aims to create 100,000 employment opportunities in emerging towns, fostering social balance and enabling the next generation to thrive in their home towns. After having built its expertise in South India, Mikro Grafeio is now expanding to the Western and Northern states of India, with a vision to be a global leader in this sector, within the next couple of years. “By empowering businesses, focusing on social impact, and fostering regional development, we are not just changing where people work, but how they work, ultimately contributing to a more balanced and inclusive economic landscape”, concludes Mohan.