Inside Forbes India How Urban Company and others have created an opportunity for India's blue collar workforce
Nov 19, 2025
Naini Thaker, a journalist and co-author of the Forbes India cover story on Urban Company, discusses the evolution of the gig economy and its impact on blue-collar workers in India. She delves into how Urban Company transformed home services by providing reliability and transparency. Investors are keen due to the company's scalable model, which enhances earnings and dignity for gig workers. Naini also explores the economic potential of this sector and emphasizes the urgent need for fair regulations to protect workers.
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Platform Solved Trust Gap In Home Services
- Urban Company addressed a large transparency and trust gap in home services by becoming a reliable middleman between consumers and informal workers.
- The platform standardized pricing, quality assurance, and booking convenience, turning ad-hoc labor into repeatable services.
Investors Liked Clear Problem And Scalability
- Investors valued Urban Company's clear consumer-facing problem, brand trust, and obvious scalability across many service categories.
- Founders framed the IPO as a beginning, signalling growth potential rather than an exit.
Workers Gained Income And Dignity
- Urban Company workers earn more and gain dignity from uniformed, app-backed service roles that change community perceptions.
- Naini described how simple courtesies like a smile or offering water reinforce respect for gig workers.