Here's WeWork's Next Global Play
WeWork has 51 US locations, but only 12 abroad. But that's all about to change. The co-working space giant announced plans last month to open in Berlin and Shanghai, and it plans to expand its global presence even further.
They want to be everywhere, like LinkedIn, The Real Deal reports, because a bigger network means more appeal to customers.
But it will be interesting to see how WeWork adjusts in some countries. The business model is famously western with perks like craft beer, ping pong tables, arcade games and annual camping retreats.
And beyond those amenities, the office design doesn't exactly fit with the white-collar culture in some eastern countries. Sources say WeWork will get some help from a local real estate firm called Shanghai Huge Interprises to accommodate Chinese white-collar workers.
And while it might have to make a few tweaks to its office culture, it still has some key advantages, like its relationship with major US companies like Pepsi and KPMG. [TRD]
