In India’s rapidly expanding gig economy, it’s not just jobs that workers need—it’s support systems that help them live with dignity and stability. As lakhs of workers migrate to cities for temporary or gig-based jobs, the need for affordable housing and nutritious food becomes more critical than ever.
Marketplace Company is stepping up to fill this gap through Nest, its worker housing initiative, and Curry, its low-cost food service arm. Together, they represent a powerful new category in the gig ecosystem: Living Infrastructure—designed to take care of workers beyond the job.
Why Gig Workers Need Living Infrastructure
Most gig workers—delivery agents, drivers, housekeeping staff, and on-demand support staff—often come from different towns and villages, migrating to metros for daily income opportunities. But even with work, challenges remain:
- Lack of stable housing near job zones
- Unsafe, overcrowded rentals or shared rooms
- Lack of access to hygienic meals
- Long commutes from remote suburbs
To support their workforce better, Marketplace Company has built Nest and Curry as key components of its end-to-end worker support strategy.
Introducing Nest: Affordable Worker Housing
Nest is a tech-enabled housing solution built specifically for gig workers. With shared and private room options located near major job zones, Nest solves three critical problems at once:
- Affordability – Monthly rents are subsidized, and payment is directly linked to earnings.
- Proximity to gigs – Nest homes are located within 3–5 km of gig hotspots.
- Safety and dignity – Secure access, clean washrooms, and CCTV-monitored entry points.
Each Nest home is designed to accommodate between 4–10 workers with access to shared kitchens, rest zones, and Wi-Fi, so workers can rest and recharge between gigs.
Workers can check Nest availability directly through the Marketplace App or while completing their digital onboarding.
Curry: Daily Meals for India’s Workforce
Curry it’s a worker-first meal program that ensures gig workers have access to clean, filling food at affordable prices within the pg itself.
What makes Curry unique?
- Nutritious, local menus with dal, rice, sabzi, roti, and occasional sweets
How to Access Nest and Curry
Access to Nest and Curry is integrated into the worker onboarding journey. Once a worker signs up, they are prompted to:
- Select their location and room type
- Choose meal preferences
- Book through the app and get directions or customer support
The entire journey is designed to be paperless and app-based.
Why Employers Benefit from Living Infrastructure
A stable worker is a productive worker. Companies hiring through gig platforms now recognize that providing housing and food support can improve:
- Punctuality and attendance
- Retention rates among gig staff
- Health outcomes and workforce satisfaction
Marketplace Company’s careers page encourages businesses to sponsor Nest or Curry for their gig teams. It’s not CSR—it’s smart hiring.
A Culture of Dignity, Not Just Delivery
Beyond logistics, Nest and Curry are designed to send one strong message to gig workers: you are valued. The infrastructure includes:
- Cultural celebrations during festivals
- Birthday meals and recognition gifts
- Noticeboards with job tips, health info, and financial literacy
- Worker stories and testimonials on social media
What’s Next for Living Infrastructure?
Marketplace Company is now working on:
- Smart locks for Nest homes
- Subscription-based food wallets
- Emergency housing support
- Tie-ups with health clinics and mental wellness programs
The future of the gig economy doesn’t stop at matching people with jobs—it means supporting them where they sleep and eat.
Final Words: A More Human Platform
Platforms often talk about AI, tech, and algorithms—but the true heart of the gig economy is the human worker. With Nest and Curry, Marketplace Company is showing that responsible platforms must build not just tools, but homes and meals.
Want to support this change?
- Explore opportunities to hire
- Share this vision on LinkedIn
- Stay updated via Instagram
- Or contact us to become a partner in this mission.
Let’s reimagine the gig economy—not just as work, but as a way of living with dignity, one Nest and one Curry at a time.