Dr. Gleb Tsipursky – The Office Whisperer
Nirit Cohen – WorkFutures
Angela Howard – Culture Expert
Drew Jones – Design & Innovation
Jonathan Price – CRE & Flex Expert
What’s going on:
The US-based WeWork Global made headlines this week as it has raised alarms about its capacity to continue financially in the long run — citing significant losses, mounting cash requirements, and deteriorating liquidity. However, WeWork India, which is mainly backed by the Bengaluru-based Embassy Group, has stated that the global developments will not influence its operations in India, according to Economic Times.
WeWork Global reported a loss of $696 million in the first half of this year but has outlined plans to improve liquidity and profitability. These challenges won’t necessarily cause issues for WeWork India because Embassy Group holds a reported 73% stake, while WeWork Global has a 27% holding. Additionally, WeWork India’s CEO Karan Virwani said that the company ended FY2022-23 with revenue of Rs 1,400 crore and 250 crore.
Why it matters:
WeWork Global is a major player in the coworking industry, serving hundreds of thousands of customers across numerous countries. Its potential instability could disrupt the coworking industry and commercial real estate markets.
How it’ll impact the future:
If WeWork Global fails to stabilize its financial troubles, it may potentially drive businesses and professionals to consider alternative solutions for coworking spaces. On the flip side, regional entities like WeWork India might flourish by emphasizing their local strengths and profitability, leading to more region-specific coworking models. The uncertainty surrounding WeWork Global underscores the importance of resilient business models, especially in industries that directly interface with the evolving demands of the workforce.
