Dextrus CEO - Robin Chhabra Shares Insights on the Co-Working Industry's Evolution

StartupTalky presents Recap'23, a series of in-depth interviews where we engage with founders and industry leaders to explore their growth in 2023 and their predictions for the future.

The co-working industry, a dynamic and transformative sector in the realm of modern workspace solutions, has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years.

The coworking space market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $19.05 billion in 2023 to $22.44 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.8%.

The coworking space market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $40.4 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.8%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to hybrid work culture, global expansion, workforce mobility and remote

In a recent Recap'23 interview, we at StartupTalky had the privilege of connecting with Robin Chhabra, CEO & Founder of Dextrus. We explored how the Co-working space industry is revolutionizing the transformative sector in the realm of modern workspace solutions.

StartupTalky: What service does Dextrus provide? What was the motivation/vision with which you started?

Robin Chhabra: Dextrus offers office spaces as a service. We design, build and operate premium office spaces for our clients. Our vision has been to bring a high level of design thinking to office space requirements as it is an ever-changing landscape where flexibility and quality are key.

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StartupTalky: What new services have been added in the past year? What is/are the USP/s of Dextrus?

Robin Chhabra: We have expanded to give enterprise office space where we design and custom-build office spaces curated to the minutest details for our clients. 

StartupTalky: How has the Co-working space you are in changed in recent years and how has Dextrus adapted to these changes?

Robin Chhabra: COVID caused most companies to look at our model more carefully and see resonance in our offerings. Client requirements change over time as they grow and need flexible office solutions. They also don't wish to have the headache of overseeing these needs as it distracts from core functions. Our prowess in design and high service quality has helped address both those needs. 

StartupTalky: How do you stay up-to-date on the latest trends and developments in Co-working space industry?

Robin Chhabra: We keep pushing the boundaries of design and service quality as we want to be the best in the business and hence focus mostly on that. 

StartupTalky: What key metrics do you track to check the company's growth and performance?

Robin Chhabra: Occupancy levels to be maintained at high levels, customer satisfaction, and good seat pricing to ensure profitability.

StartupTalky: What were the most significant challenges Dextrus faced in the past year and how did you overcome them?

Robin Chhabra: Hiring is our most significant challenge as we grow. Good talent who can be intrapreneurial. We focus internally on our team members via flexible policies as well, as we hope that will spread the word that we are a good company to work for. 

StartupTalky: Good service is something everyone is talking about in the service industry. How do you ensure that Dextrus clients are happy?

Robin Chhabra: Feedback is important and learning from that feedback is as important. 

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StartupTalky: What are the different strategies Dextrus use for marketing? Tell us about any growth hack that you pulled off.

Robin Chhabra: Quality, Quality, Quality is the only focus. Word spreads and that brings the clients. 

StartupTalky: Foreign clients- this is what most of the service-based companies are looking for. What has been your experience?

Robin Chhabra: We look for companies that are well established, they can be foreign or domestic. Foreign companies understand what our model can offer and come with experience using it abroad hence easier to close deals though Indian companies are fast catching up post covid.

StartupTalky: What are the important tools and software you use to run the Dextrus business smoothly?

Robin Chhabra: We use Google Suite, Asana for task management, and Slack for internal communications. All of these talk to each other. We have also built applications using a Google platform to help operate more efficiently. We use Tally and Zoho Books as well for accounting-related matters.

StartupTalky: What opportunities do you see for future growth in Co-working space industry in India and the world? What kind of difference in market behaviour have you seen between India and the world?

Robin Chhabra: Enterprise workspaces have seen great demand in India, more than in the rest of the world. Growth looks upwards with coworking spaces will comprise of 10% of grade A office space in the country soon.

StartupTalky: How do you plan to expand the Customers, service offering, and team base in the future?

Robin Chhabra: We continue to expand in Mumbai, once we achieve a comfortable size we shall turn to the other major cities. 

StartupTalky: One tip that you would like to share with another Service company founder?

Robin Chhabra: Keep learning from your mistakes and keep making service excellence the focus. 

Explore more Recap'23 Interviews here.