Most office-space advice is written either for solo freelancers or for 500-seat corporates. The teams that struggle most in Bengaluru are in the middle: 10 to 50 people, growing, cost-conscious, and not sure whether they’ll be 20 or 60 a year from now.
At eCradle we’ve run a coworking space in HSR Layout since 2017 and have walked many teams like this through the decision. Here’s the framework we use.
The three real options
| Coworking desks | Private / managed office | Own lease + fit-out | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Low (1–2 months’ deposit) | Low to medium | High (6–10 months’ deposit plus fit-out) |
| Time to move in | Days | Days to weeks | 2–4 months |
| Privacy | Low | High (your own room or floor) | Highest |
| Commitment | Monthly | Monthly to a few years | Typically 3–5 years, with lock-in |
| Who runs facilities | Operator | Operator | You |
| Best for | 1–10 people, uncertain growth | 10–50 people | 50+ people with stable plans |
When coworking desks make sense
- You’re under about 10 people.
- Your headcount might double, or halve, in six months.
- Your team is out at clients or remote half the week.
- You value events and meeting other founders.
Watch out for noise on calls, client confidentiality, and per-seat prices that climb as you add people.
When a private or managed office makes sense
For most 10–50 person teams, this is the sweet spot. You get:
- your own closed space, which is better for focus, calls and culture
- no capital expense: furniture, AC, cabling, UPS and DG are already in place
- one monthly bill with power, internet, housekeeping and maintenance handled
- flexibility to move up or down without a five-year lease
Ask about:
- the all-in price per seat. Is electricity included? DG backup? Parking?
- lock-in and notice period
- space per person. Around 50–70 sq ft carpet per seat is comfortable.
- cabins and a meeting room for managers, interviews and client calls
- who fixes things, and how fast
When to sign your own lease
Only when your headcount is stable, you’re above 50–60 people, and you have both the capital and the patience for a fit-out. Your own lease is cheapest per sq ft over 3–5 years. But it ties up money and management time that most growing startups need elsewhere.
Questions to ask on every site visit
- What exactly is included in the monthly price? Get it in writing.
- What happens in a power cut: DG and UPS, or UPS only?
- Is there a backup internet line? (Test the Wi-Fi on your own laptop.)
- How are AC hours, weekends and late nights handled?
- What’s the lock-in, the notice period, and when is the deposit refunded?
- Who do I call at 9 pm if something breaks?
- Can I talk to a current tenant?
Location matters more than the brochure
In Bengaluru, a 15-minute difference in commute decides whether people come to the office. Map where your team lives first. For south-east Bengaluru (HSR, Koramangala, BTM, Bellandur, Sarjapur Road), HSR Layout is a strong middle point, with good food options and a large startup community.
Big brand or small operator?
Large chains offer many locations, polished amenities and a full events calendar. Smaller, owner-run spaces usually offer more flexible terms and faster, more personal problem-solving. For teams of 10–50, the second often matters more day to day. Read the Google reviews, especially the 1–3 star ones, before deciding.
Tisha is Facilities Manager at eCradle Coworking Spaces in HSR Layout Sector 6, Bengaluru. eCradle currently has a ready private office for a team of up to 30, plus coworking desks and meeting rooms. It’s rated 4.4★ on Google from 55+ reviews.