How Zo World is Shaping the Future of Collaborative Living

In the ever-changing landscape of Web3, Zo World stands out as a beacon of innovation and community. Zo World, founded by the creators of Zostel, the renowned backpacker hotel chain company, reinvents the traditional clubhouse concept as a dynamic sanctuary for NFT artists and tech enthusiasts. Since its inception in 2022, Zo World has distinguished itself by perfectly combining creativity with next-gen technology.

Zo World, co-founded by Dharamveer Singh Chouhan, has intrigued 450 pioneering members with its unique membership model. Initially, it was priced at Rs 3,000, but these NFTs have now skyrocketed to almost Rs 4 lakh, demonstrating the immense interest in the Web3 domain.

Continuing the revolution and rethinking of travel accommodations started by Zostel, Zo World expands this viewpoint into the Web3 era. This offers exclusive venues where creators and artists can meet to network, work together, and thrive.

Zo House concept and features

The idea of Zo House, which falls under the umbrella of Zo World, combines elegance and technology to create a special haven for Web3 fans.

The features include touchscreens and charging stations integrated into smart furniture and the Zo App, which handles digital payments and identity verification while respecting Web3's anonymity guidelines. Ambient technology modifies the lighting and sound even further, 

while the specialised workstations, high-speed internet, and adjustable seats support work and play. In addition, the area also offers entertainment alternatives such as private pods, a DJ booth, a sound system, game consoles, and a café/bar area.

Along with providing a state-of-the-art living space, Zo House also cultivates a vibrant community. By contributing to the community's growth and activities, its members create a common base of knowledge and insights.

Furthermore, Zo House hosts exclusive events such as Web3 workshops, NFT hackathons, and art expos. This makes it a vibrant hub where innovation and the future of technology are shaped.

Membership Model and Benefits

Redefining luxury and communal living, Zo House takes a new approach to creating an advanced clubhouse experience by combining real estate with Web3 and NFT communities.

By providing special membership advantages, Zo House improves on Zostel's innovative approach to travel and hospitality. Rewards gained through fractional property ownership and NFT holdings are included in this. The flagship property in Whitefield, Bengaluru, spans 36,000 square feet on a one-acre farmhouse and offers fractional ownership starting at Rs 12 lakh and lifetime access.

"We're creating a community-driven model where members have a tangible stake in the real estate, incentivizing engagement and fostering a true sense of ownership," explained the co-founders during the conversation with Startup Pedia.

Member access to the Rs 36 crore Whitefield residence is restricted to invites only. A worldwide network of founders, entrepreneurs, content creators, professors, artists and inventors, as well as elite CXOs and HNIs, are all accessible through this. With just 1,111 units issued, the unique Founders of Zo World NFTs offer various perks. These include possible profits on investment, worldwide access, and fractional ownership through potential future liquidation.

Zo House, tailored for Web3 enthusiasts, serves as a hub for collaboration and innovation. Additionally, it features access to exclusive Pop Houses at major global Web3 events and a lounge designed for digital-age interactions.

To further enhance this experience, the Zo Club app allows users to showcase their digital identities, engage in specialized discussions, and stay updated on pioneering initiatives. In order to accommodate both short-term travel demands and long-term lifestyle integration, the Zo App expands the community experience by providing easy bookings, real-time support, and gamified local quests.

Zo House provides a calendar of diverse events, including art displays, tech workshops, residencies, and hackathons. Zo House is paving the way for the future of community-driven luxury by taking the lead in technology and digital expression through strategic alliances with Web3 platforms, tech pioneers, and lifestyle influencers.

Growth and Market Presence

The positive feedback and organic marketing from its members have contributed to Zo House's notable expansion. This also includes the American and Dubai-based protocol founders. Zo House has developed largely as a result of their regular visits and word-of-mouth recommendations.

This organic promotion has helped Zo House build a community of around 450 founder members who now own 1,111 NFTs. This highlights the widespread interest and engagement of members.

At present, there are four Zo Houses in operation. These are the Whitefield property, Bangalore, San Francisco, and Dubai. After opening its flagship store in Bengaluru in 2022, Zo House has expanded to significant global cities.

Established in early June, the 7,200 square ft Zo House in Downtown San Francisco provides 24-hour café access. It's a prime example of their dedication to contemporary, tech-savvy entrepreneurs. With 36,000 square feet, the largest flagship in Bengaluru offers a club lounge open around the clock, themed dorms, work zones, and event spaces.

Dharamveer Singh Chouhan, co-founder and CEO of Zostel, shares, "Our clubhouses are event hotspots, and we host almost 2-3 events weekly. These events, including startup meets and venture fund gatherings, contribute to 50% of our revenue," while talking to Startup Pedia.  

With 1,100 members and growing, Zo House memberships are in high demand. These are currently priced at INR 12 lakh and offered only by invitation. Remarkably, 60% of the community members are from outside India, spanning 52 cities globally. However, the access remains exclusive to Zo World NFT holders, with special invitations extended to their family and friends.

Despite its select membership base, the Bengaluru club has been profitable for eight months, operating at 25-30% margins. 

"We've perfected the product over 1.5 years and are now ready to expand," Dharamveer told Startup Pedia, with future plans targeting cities like Mumbai, Goa, and Hyderabad.

Financial journey

Since its inception, the brand has consistently turned a profit, generating Rs 20 lakh in monthly revenue with fixed costs to remain around Rs 11 lakh. Among their many sources of income include events, kitchens, and room rents.

After moving away from the exclusive NFT-only memberships, Zo House has recently presented a novel concept that combines ownership and membership. These prized memberships are currently limited to 250.

Furthermore, the brand's pre-seed round has received $3 million from an Indian family office. However, Zo World prioritises its larger objectives and impact over financial gain.

Zo House: A Global Vision

Zo House envisions a world where creators, collectors, and NFT enthusiasts can seamlessly live, work, and connect within a vibrant community.

With an objective to establish a global network of creative centres that foster innovation and cooperation, Zo House is also planning to expand into the top 50 cities worldwide.

This ambitious vision is part of a broader strategy for the Zo brand, which seeks to blend the physical and digital worlds. The brand aspires to build a holistic ecosystem by promoting Zo House as a top clubhouse that combines real estate and hospitality, as well as upgrading Zo Club to the world's most exclusive web3 and lifestyle club.

To achieve this, Zo House will operate on a membership-based model, tailoring experiences to local markets while maintaining a consistent brand identity. The future will entail decentralised operations that allow communities to create and shape their own experiences, enriched with private events, workshops, and social gatherings.

"Our vision will incorporate a strong emphasis on technology. Smart amenities, ranging from furniture to lighting, will result in a smooth and beautiful living experience. High-speed internet and dedicated workstations will meet the needs of the digital nomad, while entertainment offerings will promote a lively social environment", explained Dharamveer, the co-founder of Zo World.