Most of us have been on board with WeWork for a while now, literally having an office there. And TBH, if you haven't noticed, they've been definitely taking over the city, recently buying the iconic Lord & Taylor building for a cool $850 million.
They're one of the largest private companies in the world—valued at over $20 billion—after launching in 2010 to provide startups, entrepreneurs, and other creators a convenient place to work full of amenities on a monthly basis, without needing to commit to a lease. Obviously, they charge a nice chunk on top as part of the package.
WeWork gives new businesses the support to develop their brand while posing less of a long-term risk that usually comes with leasing a workspace.
For those who haven’t seen or heard of this, a typical WeWork environment in NYC looks like this: a modernly designed common area with comfy seating for chilling and collaborating, a kitchen area with unlimited coffee, tea and beer—all surrounded by various separate offices. Stereotypical startup stuff.
They also launched WeLive last year as part of their planned We Empire (which is presumably their secret codename for all of this.
And now, WeWork is expanding into education with WeGrow.
The program will have a trial run, with seven kids between ages 5 and 8, in which students receive lessons from WeWork employees on business and entrepreneurship skills.
WeWork Founder, Rebekah Neumann sees no reason why children of this age shouldn’t be able to kick-start their own brand or business. She has incredible confidence in and high goals for the creativity in young minds, which may not be used to their full potential.
Having recently acquired a $4.4 billion investment, WeWork will launch their new program through a private school held near their NYC headquarters at 115 West 18th Street.
Education is hard, and hopefully, they can figure something out that makes sense for them as a business and the children they're planning on educating.