Member-only story
WeWork for Women.. Only.
Co-working spaces have evolved from mere facilities with tables and chairs to structures with white board painted walls and beer on tap. Unlike most industries, the progression of innovation wasn’t gradual. In 1995 the first documented co-working space was opened in Germany by a group of hackers who needed a place to get together and work. They essentially each paid a portion of the rent for a giant room and shared desks, tables, and chairs.
Fast forward a few years and, in 1999, 42 West 24 was opened in New York City. This co-working concept is closer to what we see today with flexible short term desk rentals, short term office leases, and open spaces for collaboration. There were no amenities though- it was still just space and seating at it’s core. From 2000–2010 co-working spaces come and go but none made a huge impact on the industry, likely because they had a very limited number of locations and were missing key elements that consumers desired.
In 2011, WeWork changed the game. The founders’ focus on design coupled with their vision for community building led them to implement amenities such as a full kitchen, complimentary coffee and beer, meeting rooms, and lounge areas. They also expanded quickly…
