Scaling Innov8's Asset-Light Network
Co-founded and scaled an asset-light coworking business across Indian cities.
- Asset-light model
- Coworking
- P&L ownership
- Team building
Shailesh Gupta
Founder / CEO at Stealth Startup
From their time as
Co-Founder & CEO (acquired by Oyo Rooms)
Innov8 Workspaces • 2015 - 2018
Overview
Shailesh co-founded Innov8 Coworking and built an asset-light network that launched 14 centers across six cities. The business reached 94% average occupancy and was acquired by Oyo Rooms.
The Story
Shailesh co-founded Innov8 Coworking and led the company as it built a multi-city coworking business. The work required a model that could grow without relying solely on owned real estate.
He raised $8 million across equity and debt, built an asset-light structure using management-guarantee and revenue-share arrangements, and expanded the business to 14 centers across six cities.
He led a team of 65 people as the network reached 3,000 live seats, 94% average occupancy, and 35% unit-level EBITDA. Innov8 was acquired by Oyo Rooms.
Ownership Snapshot
Broad role
Co-Founder and CEO of Innov8 Coworking.
Goal
Build a scalable coworking business across multiple cities.
Direct ownership
Owned company strategy, fundraising, expansion, and team leadership.
Team execution
Led the team operating the business and its centers.