• @Addv4@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    English
    189 months ago

    The irony of the whole thing is that with the mass availablity of cheap commercial office space for the next couple of years, Wework itself might actually have a viable business model. After all, it generally functioned best in a recession or when leases were cheap. I’d guess that’s what Neumann is hoping for, although I suspect he’d have trouble getting investment if the company got in trouble in future.

    • David GerardMA
      link
      English
      149 months ago

      there is so much money in VC and it’s so fucking dumb that I am reluctant to bet against a talker like Neumann on such trivial grounds as “your idea is bloody stupid” - Softbank considered that a feature, after all.

    • @gerikson
      link
      English
      119 months ago

      Yeah, in an era of “hybrid” work having a lot of short-term workplaces all over the place makes a ton of sense.

      • @Addv4@lemmy.world
        link
        fedilink
        English
        69 months ago

        Yep, and smaller companies could have more flexible spaces that could adjust to the need of the company. We work is a middle man, but the business model does sorta make sense when rent is very cheap (admittedly with probably pretty slim margins). That being said, I’d be especially hesitant to invest in anything with Neumann’s name attached to it, so wouldn’t expect a huge resurgence or anything.

  • David GerardMA
    link
    English
    189 months ago

    WITH THEIR OWN MONEY

    it’s hard to say that Softbank didn’t ask for it of course

    • @corbin
      link
      English
      109 months ago

      I’d summarize it as joyriding but with skyscrapers.