Suresh Rangarajan K (Colive): 10 Key Things You Must Know

Overview

Suresh Rangarajan K, often associated with the brand Colive, is a prominent entrepreneur and business leader in the co-living and real estate sectors in India. He is widely recognized as the Founder and CEO of Colive, a technology-powered platform providing managed rental homes primarily catering to millennials and young urban professionals. His career spans extensive leadership roles across real estate, internet, and finance, delivering innovative solutions to evolving housing needs. From pioneering co-living arrangements to leading digital real estate innovations, Suresh Rangarajan's endeavors have impacted India's rental housing landscape remarkably. This article highlights ten crucial aspects of Suresh Rangarajan's career, achievements, controversies, and ongoing influence in the industry.

1. Founder and CEO of Colive

Suresh Rangarajan founded Colive in 2016, a Bengaluru-based startup that operates as a tech-enabled managed co-living space provider. Colive addresses the growing demand for affordable, flexible, and community-oriented urban housing targeting millennials and young professionals. The company offers furnished single and shared occupancy rooms with modern amenities close to workplaces and educational institutions in major Indian cities. Under his leadership, Colive has raised significant investments, including a $20 million Series B funding led by Bain Capital, positioning it as one of the leading players in India's booming co-living market.

2. Early Career and Professional Background

Before establishing Colive, Suresh Rangarajan held influential positions in multiple sectors. He began his career with Citi as Vice President, then moved on to serve in leadership roles at TimesOfMoney.com—the financial services wing of The Times Group—where he was President & CEO. He later ventured into real estate with Artha, an innovative platform focusing on structured and tech-driven real estate transactions. This diverse background in internet services, financial technology, and real estate helped shape his entrepreneurial vision and capabilities.

3. Educational Credentials and Leadership Development

Suresh Rangarajan's academic credentials include being a Chartered Accountant and an alumnus of the Yale School of Management, where he completed an MBA specializing in Business Administration and Management. Additionally, he participated in the Global Executive Leadership Program at Yale, enhancing his expertise in organizational leadership. His education and continuous learning have been instrumental in driving innovation and scaling business operations effectively.

4. Net Worth and Financial Influence

While exact figures for Suresh Rangarajan's net worth are not publicly disclosed, available estimates place it roughly in the range of ₹0 to ₹500+ crore (approximately $0 to $60 million). His wealth primarily comes from his entrepreneurial ventures, particularly in real estate and rental housing through Colive and previous enterprises such as Artha. The rapid growth of Colive and its significant funding rounds underscore his substantial influence in the startup ecosystem.

5. Key Contribution in Indian Real Estate

Suresh Rangarajan is credited with transforming the rental housing market in India by introducing tech-driven, scalable solutions to rent a home. His initiatives focus on creating standardized rental products with emphasis on quality, safety, and community living. He has overseen buy-to-let assets exceeding 16 million square feet and transactions worth over ₹4,000 crore, thereby contributing significantly to India’s evolving real estate ecosystem.

6. Role at Tata Motors and the #MeToo Allegation

Suresh Rangarajan previously served as Corporate Communications Head at Tata Motors from 2016. However, his tenure became controversial due to allegations of sexual harassment reported during the #MeToo movement in 2018. Following complaints and a subsequent internal inquiry, Tata Motors relieved him from his position. This incident attracted wide media coverage and highlighted corporate India’s challenges with workplace harassment issues.

7. Leadership Role at Kaizzen

In 2025, Suresh Rangarajan was appointed Senior Vice President - South at Kaizzen, a leading integrated communications agency in India. His role involves expanding the company’s business footprint across South India, leveraging his extensive experience in corporate communications, technology, and brand leadership. This position testifies to his versatility and ongoing prominence in India's business landscape beyond real estate.

8. Technology and Innovation in Coliving

Suresh Rangarajan has been a trendsetter in integrating technology into traditional real estate through Colive. The company utilizes proprietary tech platforms like C-box (operations tracking), M-box (ground operations management), and SHONA (smart home assistant) to streamline rental processes, enhance customer experiences, and improve operational efficiency. The use of AI and data-driven tools for rental trends and negotiations exemplifies his forward-thinking approach to real estate.

9. Industry Recognition and Awards

Recognized for his contributions to real estate innovation, Suresh Rangarajan has received multiple accolades, including the Udyog Rattan award and the World CSR Day Recognition (WCRC). Ernst & Young named him “Trend Setter in Real Estate,” acknowledging his role in creating disruptive rental products that address modern urban living challenges. Such awards reflect his impact and vision in reshaping India’s residential rental market.

10. Engagement in Advisory and Board Roles

Beyond his primary ventures, Suresh actively holds board positions and advisory roles in several startups and enterprises. His experience benefits emerging companies in technology, real estate, and brand acceleration domains. He advises platforms like Brand Accelerator, Vear, Ubinga, and TherPup, helping nurture innovation and entrepreneurship in diverse sectors, thereby broadening his leadership footprint.

Conclusion

Suresh Rangarajan K stands as a distinctive entrepreneur who has merged technology with real estate to revolutionize the rental housing sector in India. From founding Colive to leading impactful businesses and navigating controversies, his journey encapsulates the complexity and opportunities of the modern Indian startup ecosystem. His integration of tech innovation, community-led living concepts, and strategic leadership continues to influence urban housing trends. As the co-living market grows exponentially, Suresh's vision for flexible, affordable, and connected urban spaces could reshape how millions live and work in India’s metropolitan hubs. Will his endeavors inspire further transformation in housing landscapes globally? The future promises to reveal.