Colonies

Colonies is a pioneering French startup offering urban co-living solutions. It operates a unique co-living model that combines affordability, community, and convenience, particularly appealing to young professionals and students seeking more than just accommodation in cities. Each Colonies co-living space features fully furnished private bedrooms or studios alongside common areas designed to foster a sense of community.

The company's approach involves sourcing and refurbishing properties, furnishing them to create a blend of private and communal spaces. As of May 2022, Colonies had around 1,100 tenants across 180 sites in Paris, Toulouse, Marseille, Nantes, Bordeaux, Lille, Berlin, and Brussels. Properties range from houses to apartment buildings, with larger developments like a 330-unit residence planned for delivery in Orsay in 2022.

Colonies aims to provide flexible, community-focused living environments with an average monthly rent of EUR 590 as of 2022, inclusive of utilities, insurance, internet, and weekly cleaning services for shared areas. The startup raised EUR 221 million in funding over four rounds by December 2023, with a EUR 30 million round led by Crédit Mutuel Impact in December 2023 to support expansion plans.

While initially targeting young professionals, Colonies has broadened its offerings to cater to students, who comprised 35% of its tenant base by 2022. The company envisions extending its co-living concept to families, offering amenities like childcare facilities and spaces for parents to socialize.