Irans's Coworking Boom Cost Savings

The coworking sector in Iran has rapidly transitioned from a niche concept to a thriving industry by 2025, playing an integral role in the nation's startup and freelance economy. The sector is young and dynamic, boasting around 139 coworking spaces across the country and showing nearly 6% growth since 2023, with the average age of a space being three years. These spaces emerged after 2015 as a response to economic pressures, sanctions, and the rise of digital platforms, providing startups and freelancers with affordable, flexible alternatives to traditional offices, as coworking is significantly cheaper than renting a private office in Tehran. Coworking hubs are now recognized as centers of innovation, networking, and professional growth, functioning as mini innovation hubs integrated into the broader ecosystem by connecting teams with mentors and investors and hosting key events like demo days and hackathons. While Tehran remains dominant with large facilities like Zavie (over 1,000 square meters and 200+ members) and specialized platforms like FabFactory, the coworking culture is spreading to cities like Isfahan, Mashhad, and Hormozgan (where Paradise Hub acts as a regional hub), reflecting the global shift toward hybrid work models, though the sector still faces challenges related to unclear regulations.