The doctor who fixed co-living in India | Nikhil Sikri @ Zolo
Every year millions of young people leave their homes for jobs or education and often seek accommodation in either hostels or paying guest facilities. This is a massive market opportunity and companies like Oyo Rooms were trying to break into this sector at one point in time.
But the challenge with this business is that it is highly operationally intensive and getting the small things right can make or break the fortunes of a company.
Zolo, one of India’s largest co-living companies, has mastered this challenge, currently managing living spaces for 60,000 people.
In this episode, Nikhil shares his journey from being a doctor to becoming a management consultant, and how these experiences shaped his approach to founding Zolo. He talks about the management mantra that helps him lead Zolo’s 2,500 employees and explains how he made operational excellence the company’s core strength.
Other Ways to Listen:
Watch the full episode on YouTube
Additional readings:-
1.Zolo Stays redefines living experience for students and singles
2.How Zolostays is using customer experience to create its niche in the crowded co- living market
5.A fresh take on urban living
Before you go……the analytics only tell me so much, I want to hear what you feel and think about the conversations.
Mail me at ad@thepodium.in with your comments & feedback or if you just want to hear my comments on your startup idea - I love getting your emails!
Until the next founder's thesis📕,
Your host, AD
Mr. Nikhil, I genuinely want to ask — is this how Zolo provides services to its customers? Are we expected to depend on an endless loop of staff members, property managers, and daily follow-ups just to get basic support? Or is it the responsibility of your team to ensure timely service delivery?
I stay at your property Zolo Rurban, Hyderabad, Telangana, and have been facing an air conditioner issue for the past 48 days. Despite raising multiple complaints, updating the ticket daily, and 5 technician visits, there is still no resolution.
Your staff and property manager don’t respond to calls or messages and only give false promises. This entire experience has left me completely frustrated and mentally exhausted.
This is the second time I’m facing the same AC problem—the first time it took your team almost two months to act. I trusted Zolo for a comfortable and managed living experience, but this continuous negligence and lack of basic service have caused immense discomfort.
Is this the kind of service Zolo aims to provide to its customers?