Brussels-based Cohabs, a network of shared homes enabling co-living, announced on Wednesday that it has reportedly raised €110M in a fresh round of funding to accelerate its growth.
The investment came from global real estate investor Ivanhoé Cambridge, Belfius Insurance, and the real estate arm of the Belgian Sovereign Fund (SFPIM – Real Estate).
Arnaud Malbos, Head of Investments Europe for Ivanhoé Cambridge, says, “Cohabs offers everything we are looking for in terms of an innovative concept in an alternative asset class, which aligns with a strong and growing trend in the living sector, and we are confident the company will grow further internationally. This operation is another demonstration of Ivanhoé Cambridge’s ability to successfully close complex private equity deals, and to diversify its portfolio with alternative asset classes.”
The founders and historical shareholders AG Real Estate and Alphastone remain on board to fuel the growth of the company.
“Beautiful shared homes for nomads”
Founded in 2016 by Youri Dauber, François Samyn, Malik Dauber, and Lionel Jadot, Cohabs is a fully integrated co-living platform that both owns and operates its real estate assets. The company provides a shared housing experience through fully furnished, premium accommodations.
It offers fully furnished shared/single living spaces along with paid amenities such as cleaning services, laundry services, car rental facilities, yoga classes, networking events, and more. Users can also register online to apply and book a viewing. The spaces are available on a monthly or yearly basis.
The company has a staff of 50 people and 1,550 beds spread throughout five cities – Brussels, Paris, New York, Madrid, and Luxembourg. The majority of its resources and team are situated in Brussels.
Cohabs claims to optimise the experience of its members through a tech-centric and flexible methodology, driven by a community-first philosophy. The company is dedicated to reducing its environmental effect by concentrating on a worldwide, sustainable strategy. In order to guarantee that co-living is accessible to everyone, Cohabs is committed to preserving 5 per cent of the Belgium portfolio as solidarity bedrooms with 50 per cent reduced rent.
Capital utilisation
Cohabs hopes to achieve 5,000 bedrooms across 11 locations by the end of 2026. Through increasing institutional support, the company hopes to start the next phase of growth.
With this investment, the investors will assist Cohabs in terms of structure, financing, and operational expansion due to their vast resources and expertise in creating high-quality real estate all over the world. Cohabs will have a strong capital structure and be better equipped to establish itself as a key player with a focus on a sustainable coliving experience that always puts its members first.
Youri Dauber, founder and CEO of Cohabs, says, “From the very first meeting with Ivanhoé Cambridge, it was clear we were a good fit. They immediately understood our vision of coliving and shared our fundamental values. They have the experience, resources, and drive to help us reach the next level. Combining this dynamic with the belief and support from our historical Belgian investors and our ambition has all the fuel necessary for us to accomplish our goals. Our mission will remain the same: be the most qualitative, sustainable, and member-centric coliving company in the world.”
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