Mayank Pokharna
I grew up in Udaipur, studied engineering at CTAE, and earned my MBA from Nirma University, Ahmedabad. During college I founded a coaching institute that taught 70 students,30 of them for free through the Vayaam initiative,and built a robotic irrigation prototype to help farmers. That early itch to build things never left. I went on to work at Practo and Cuemath during their hyper-growth years, then co-founded SimplyGuest and bootstrapped it to $1M ARR, 500+ tenants, and 17 locations across Bangalore.
Today I run Everything Coliving,a consulting, marketing, and media platform for coliving operators worldwide,and co-founded Artof.Co and JumboTiger. As Head of Marketing at Co-Liv, the global coliving association, I've spoken to 500+ industry stakeholders across 15+ nationalities. Featured in Forbes, Mint, YourStory, BBC, and Financial Express, I host the Everything Coliving Podcast, consult with 60+ coliving operators, and am on a mission to live and work from 100+ cities as a digital nomad. I write here to make sense of it all.
Companies I've Worked With
Coliving operators, proptech brands, and real estate companies I've consulted and executed for,strategy, marketing, technology, and growth
- Built and executed end-to-end marketing strategy for the Canadian coliving market
- Managed Google Ads and social media campaigns to drive lead generation and tenant acquisition
- Delivered website design, content strategy, and brand storytelling from concept to launch
- Co-founded and built the brand, service offerings, and client acquisition strategy from scratch
- Delivered end-to-end advisory, strategy, and execution engagements for coliving startups and developers
- Created and produced the Coliving Innovators Podcast as a thought leadership platform
Beacon Coliving
IncubatorEmerging coliving concept incubated through the ArtofCo Coliving Incubator program.
- Guided through the full coliving incubator, from concept validation and design to marketing and technology
- Delivered hands-on mentorship on business model, operations, and community-building strategy
- Supported with go-to-market planning, growth frameworks, and industry network introductions
- Provided strategic consulting on brand positioning and visual identity direction
- Executed messaging frameworks and brand narrative development for target audiences
- Connected with industry operators for joint branding and design projects
- Provided strategic consulting on coliving market entry and investment thesis
- Executed marketing and branding initiatives for coliving assets and developments
- Connected with operators and industry partners for deal flow and collaborations
- Built and executed a digital marketing and SEO strategy for city expansion
- Managed content creation, email campaigns, and social media for brand growth
- Delivered strategic consulting on market positioning and tenant acquisition funnels
- Developed and executed content marketing strategy and messaging for the coliving fintech space
- Tested buyer interest and refined narratives through targeted marketing approaches
- Executed persona development and customer acquisition campaigns for real estate segments
- Built and delivered a custom end-to-end PMS (Property Management System) to improve operational efficiency
- Executed detailed PRD creation, process mapping, and technology implementation for scaling
- Managed marketing strategy, SEO, and digital advertising for tenant acquisition
- Led and executed all marketing efforts as Head of Marketing, SEO, content strategy, and member engagement
- Managed social media, email campaigns, and event promotion for global coliving conferences
- Built brand positioning and awareness through PR, partnerships, and community-building initiatives
- Consulted and executed on coliving category strategy and operator partnership development
- Delivered SEO and content marketing execution for coliving-related listings and pages
- Provided industry insights and hands-on support to improve the coliving user experience
- Developed and executed digital marketing strategy covering SEO, paid ads, and content marketing
- Delivered both B2B and B2C marketing and SEO execution for growth across segments
- Consulted on brand positioning and go-to-market approach for new city expansions
- Created and published editorial content and articles for the ColivHQ blog
- Executed content strategy and SEO to grow readership and industry authority
- Contributed hands-on insights on coliving trends, marketing, and operator best practices
Coliving Calculator
SaaS product for comparing coliving returns to traditional rentals in the US market.
- Helped build the SaaS product from concept, defining features, user flows, and comparison methodology
- Executed product strategy, PRD creation, and development oversight for the calculator tool
- Delivered market research and positioning for the coliving vs. traditional rental comparison space
- Provided strategic consulting and execution on coliving industry positioning and go-to-market strategy
- Executed marketing messaging and customer acquisition campaigns for the roommate matching platform
- Connected with coliving operators for partnership and integration opportunities
- Built and delivered a custom end-to-end PMS to improve operational efficiency and help scale
- Executed detailed PRD, process mapping, and needs analysis for technology implementation
- Developed and ran marketing strategy and brand positioning for the premium coliving segment
- Built and delivered a custom end-to-end PMS to improve operational efficiency and enable scaling
- Executed detailed PRD creation, process mapping, and needs analysis for the platform
- Provided strategic marketing consulting and execution for platform growth and user acquisition
- Developed and executed content marketing and SEO strategy to improve organic visibility
- Delivered platform positioning and growth strategy execution for the digital nomad segment
- Provided PR support and executed media outreach to build brand awareness
Happ Coliving
Community-focused coliving operator creating intentional shared living experiences.
- Consulted and executed on marketing strategy and brand messaging for launch phase
- Delivered pricing models, target audience segmentation, and growth strategies
- Executed content creation and social media presence development from scratch
- Built and delivered a custom end-to-end PMS to improve operational efficiency and help scale
- Executed detailed PRD, process mapping, and needs analysis for multi-city operations
- Delivered digital marketing strategy and SEO optimization execution for lead generation
- Executed comparative analysis of PMS solutions based on detailed needs analysis and process mapping
- Helped choose the right PMS and now supporting custom PMS development with detailed PRD
- Delivered go-to-market strategy and SEO execution for the Dubai and UAE coliving market
- Consulted and executed on marketing strategy and growth tactics for the UK rental market
- Delivered SEO, content creation, and brand positioning execution for the student housing segment
- Executed partnership and channel expansion initiatives
- Developed and executed brand positioning and marketing strategy for the entrepreneur coliving niche
- Ran digital marketing campaigns including social media and paid acquisition
- Delivered community engagement tactics and event programming for resident retention
- Provided one-on-one strategic consulting and hands-on support on launching a coliving business
- Executed business model design, market research, and go-to-market planning
- Supported with industry connections and introductions within the global coliving network
- Guided through the full coliving incubator, from concept validation and design to marketing and technology
- Delivered hands-on mentorship on business model, operations, and community-building strategy
- Supported with go-to-market execution, growth frameworks, and industry network introductions
- Designed and executed digital marketing strategy for tenant acquisition
- Delivered consulting and execution on operational improvements and growth
- Built brand development and market positioning in the Bangalore coliving space
- Consulted and executed on digital marketing strategy and SEO to attract global nomad audiences
- Delivered brand positioning and community engagement execution for long-stay residents
- Executed PR and media outreach to build visibility in the digital nomad ecosystem
- Provided marketing consulting and execution on brand development and audience targeting
- Delivered digital presence, website optimization, and content creation
- Executed growth strategy and community engagement best practices
- Built and executed a comprehensive digital marketing and SEO strategy for organic growth
- Managed and ran performance marketing campaigns (Google Ads, social media) to drive tenant acquisition
- Delivered strategic advisory and execution on brand narrative and online community engagement
- Guided through the full coliving incubator, from concept validation and design to marketing and technology
- Delivered hands-on mentorship on business model, operations, and community-building strategy
- Supported with go-to-market execution, growth frameworks, and industry network introductions
- Contributed coliving industry expertise through articles, interviews, and panel discussions
- Delivered insights and content on coliving market trends and operator challenges
- Participated in and executed PropTechBuzz events and webinars as a coliving domain expert
- Built and executed marketing strategy targeting the remote work and rural coliving niche
- Developed and ran content strategy and SEO optimization for organic audience growth
- Delivered brand storytelling and executed partnership campaigns with local communities
Sharing Coworking
Coworking and shared space operator building collaborative work environments.
- Consulted and executed on community-building strategy and marketing for shared workspace model
- Delivered digital marketing, SEO, and content creation to drive membership growth
- Provided and implemented insights on integrating coliving concepts with coworking offerings
- Developed and executed comprehensive marketing strategy for launch and tenant acquisition
- Managed SEO and content marketing execution to establish online authority in the coliving space
- Delivered consulting and execution on operational best practices and community management
- Guided through the full coliving incubator, from concept validation and design to marketing and technology
- Delivered hands-on mentorship on business model, operations, and community-building strategy
- Supported with go-to-market execution, growth frameworks, and industry network introductions
- Built and executed marketing strategy targeting the digital nomad and remote worker audience
- Managed SEO optimization and executed content creation for organic discovery
- Delivered PR support and executed storytelling strategy to attract global media coverage
- Guided through the full coliving incubator, from concept validation and design to marketing and technology
- Delivered hands-on mentorship on business model, operations, and community-building strategy
- Supported with go-to-market execution, growth frameworks, and industry network introductions
- Executed end-to-end website development and brand book creation from concept to launch
- Set up and optimized the website for great SEO performance and organic discovery
- Delivered brand identity, visual direction, and digital presence strategy
Worklab
Proptech-focused company delivering technology solutions for real estate businesses.
- Delivered end-to-end marketing services for proptech companies in their portfolio
- Executed digital marketing, SEO, content strategy, and performance marketing campaigns
- Provided strategic consulting and hands-on execution on brand positioning and audience growth
- Delivered end-to-end digital marketing services, SEO, performance marketing, and content strategy
- Executed paid advertising campaigns, social media management, and lead generation
- Built and ran content marketing engine to drive organic growth and brand awareness
My Journey
From engineering in Udaipur to building coliving companies across the globe
B.E. in Engineering
CTAE, Udaipur (MPUAT)
Graduated from College of Technology and Engineering, Udaipur. Founded a coaching institute teaching ~70 students (30 on free education through Vayaam). Built a robotic irrigation prototype to help farmers increase yield. Published 5 academic papers. Won Best Student for Overall Performance at CTAE.
MBA
Institute of Management, Nirma University, Ahmedabad
Pursued management studies and ran a student investment management fund. Earned Six Sigma Certification from KPMG India.
Operations & Business Intelligence
Practo
Created and managed end-to-end operations and business intelligence processes at India’s leading healthcare technology platform during its hyper-growth phase.
Manager, CEO Office
Cuemath
Streamlined multiple business processes to drive productivity and sales at the edtech company during its rapid scaling phase.
Co-Founder, SimplyGuest.com
Coliving Platform • Bangalore
Started as a SimplyGuest customer, then joined co-founders Subbu and Ambareesha Athikunte to build the company. Led sales, marketing, and operations. Bootstrapped to $1M ARR, 500+ tenants, 17 locations, and 95% occupancy across Bangalore. Closed in 2021 due to pandemic challenges.
Co-Founder, JumboTiger.com
Coliving & HMO Software
Built the world’s most advanced full-stack, real-time conversational property management software for coliving and HMO operators. Launched by an operator, for operators.
Head of Marketing
Co-Liv • Global Coliving Association
Led marketing at the world’s premier coliving industry association, working with operators, developers, and stakeholders across 15+ nationalities.
Sr. Marketing Manager
COHO (UK)
Responsible for end-to-end marketing of the Property Software for Shared Living. Delivered both B2B and B2C marketing, SEO, performance marketing, and content strategy to drive growth across segments.
Co-Founder, Artof.Co
Coliving Consultancy • with Gui Perdrix
Co-founded with Gui Perdrix to impact the global coliving industry. Artof.Co provides advisory, strategy, and consulting services for coliving operators and developers worldwide.
Founder, Everything Coliving
Knowledge, Research, Marketing & Tech Services
End-to-end knowledge, research, marketing, and technology services for coliving operators, helping them build sustainable coliving businesses. Includes consulting, marketing agency, PR, podcast, newsletters, Coliving University, and the Coliving Founders Community.
Areas of Expertise
Core skills built over 11+ years across startups, corporates, and consulting
What People Say
LinkedIn recommendations · View all 13 on LinkedIn
“Mayank has been an excellent member of my team over the last 10 months and I cannot recommend him enough. His knowledge of marketing channels such as SEO, content and Google Ads is spectacular and his efforts in these areas have contributed to growth in a huge way! He is a great guy who clearly loves marketing and property. I have really enjoyed working with him. If you need someone that is skilled, detail orientated and results focused, Mayank is your guy!”
“I had the pleasure of working with Mayank during the early stages of CasaPay, primarily in establishing the foundations of our content marketing efforts. Mayank demonstrated a deep understanding of testing buyer interests through different marketing, while proactively iterating and refining narratives and messaging. His ability to clearly identify and engage core personas across various real estate segments was impressive, even in the challenging environment of remote collaboration. Mayank’s expertise and initiative were invaluable during this critical phase of our project!”
In the Press
50+ articles across leading publications
SimplyGuest
22 articlesResidential Property: Could 2019 Be the Year the Tide Turns?
Co-living Space in Demand, Offers Biz Potential Worth $93 Billion Per Year
New Real Estate Trends Expected to Emerge in 2019
Co-living Companies Turn Properties Into WFH Campuses
Can Coliving Startups Redefine Homes for Young India?
Why Co-living Could Be the Next Big Thing Among Indian Millennials
SimplyGuest: A Twist to the Idea of Home Away From Home
Startups Acing the Co-Living Spaces Game
How SimplyGuest Wants to Build a Different Kind of Hostel
Everything You Need to Know About Modern Co-Living
Can SimplyGuest Fight Off OYO, NestAway in Tight Co-Living Market?
SimplyGuest: Coliving, Paying Guest & Rented Apartments
SimplyGuest: Udaipur Engineer’s Journey to PG Business
Embassy Group to Enter Co-Living, Plans 20,000 Beds
SimplyGuest Launched Parking Marketplace for Bangaloreans
Millennials Are Opting to Rent, But With Perks
Student Housing Is a Buzzing Space Now
Top 10 Co-Living Space Providers in India
Startups Fuel the Indian Student Housing Movement
Start-ups Fuel the Indian Student Housing Movement
SimplyGuest: Rental Service for Bangaloreans
Start-ups Fuel the Student Housing Movement
JumboTiger
4 articlesEverything Coliving & ArtofCo
8 articlesHow Co-Living Operators Are Tackling Scalability Challenges
Co-Living: Canada’s Fastest Path to Affordable Housing
Co-Living Emerges as Canada’s Missed Opportunity
Co-Living Startups Struggle to Survive as Funds Dry Up
When Will Canada Follow Europe’s Lead on Coliving?
SimplyGuest Shut Shop, but Coliving Model Questioned
Everything Coliving Outpost Club PR Case Study
Coliving Experts & Consultants
Podcast & Media Appearances
8 articlesThe Coliving Playbook with Mayank Pokharna
Building Co-Living for a Global Market
Coliving Opportunities and Challenges
Everything Coliving Q&A with Gui Perdrix
The Art and Science of Coliving: with Gui Perdrix
How Startups Can Leverage LinkedIn
Meet Mayank Pokharna: Co-Liv’s Head of Marketing
BBC Punjabi Feature
Everything Coliving Podcast
Conversations with coliving founders, operators, and industry leaders
Beyond Work
The things that keep me curious, healthy, and inspired
Travel & Digital Nomad
On a mission to live and work from 100+ cities worldwide. Slow travel, calm hustle. #100CitiesAsDigitalNomad
Photography
Capturing wildlife, travel moments, and the world through a lens. Tigers, spiders, fish, and everything in between.
Philosophy & Reading
Deep conversations about life, purpose, and meaning. Books on philosophy, self-help, biographies, and personal growth.
Fitness & Wellness
Lost 23kg through lifestyle changes. 30-day plank challenges, early morning routines, yoga, and cycling.
Meeting People
Connecting with diverse individuals across nationalities and learning from their stories. #100Conversations
Podcasting
Host of the Everything Coliving Podcast, conversations with coliving founders, operators, and industry leaders.
Awards, Publications & Volunteering
Awards & Certifications
- Best Student for Overall Performance, CTAE, Udaipur (2013)
- Best Intern, Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development, Chennai (2012)
- Best Overall Performance in Extra-Curricular Activities, University Level (2011)
- Six Sigma Certification, KPMG India (2015)
Academic Publications
- A Secured & High Resolution Watermarking Technique (TEICC, 2012)
- Robotics Irrigation – A Key to Agricultural Revolution (TEICC, 2012)
- SMART HOMES: Study & Further Thoughts (Bhartiya Vidhyapeeth, 2012)
- Review of Talc Pulverizing Machine (VIT Jaipur, 2011)
- Operation, Maintenance and Automation of Talc Pulverizing Machine (Pacific, 2013)
Volunteer Work
Vayaam Education
2012-2013Zonal Head
Led education initiatives for underprivileged children. Free education for 30 students.
WWF-India
2013Coordinator
Animal welfare and conservation of endangered species in Udaipur.
SEHU Project
2013-2014Volunteer
Human rights and HDI improvement research initiative in Gujarat.
Let's Connect
Whether you want to talk coliving, startups, philosophy, or just say hi,I'd love to hear from you. I'm always open to collaborations, speaking opportunities, and new conversations.