London, UK – October 31, 2022 – How we all work has changed drastically over the last few years, with many people now choosing more flexible ways to work, including working remotely and from home. However, we recognise that entrepreneurs being immersed in a like-minded community is critical for driving innovation, creativity and company culture. Having the right environment to grow your business is crucial and we recognise that businesses need space that can be scaled up or down to meet the size of their workforces. And, now more than ever, founders need extra support.
The Diverse Founders programme will offer WeWork All Access passes to 100 founders for a period of 12 months starting from January 2023. It provides the founders with the flexibility to work from hundreds of WeWork locations worldwide, including in the UK & Ireland. Having the optionality and choice to book WeWork workspace at a number of locations around the world gives founders more location flexibility and opportunities to grow their businesses.
This marks the second phase of the Diverse Founders programme, as 100 founders were also welcomed into WeWork spaces in 2020. Yemi Awopetu, Founder of Herby Box, said: “When we were first starting out, we all worked remote and didn’t have a base. Access to WeWork spaces has been crucial, as well as the mentorship support that was provided – it allowed us to meet and learn from other people to develop our business. We also participated in events such as a pop-up WeWork organised for Black History Month, and during that event we met our first corporate client and have been collaborating with them since.”
Eligible founders are invited to find out more about the programme here and register their interest via this form.
“It’s great that we are starting our second year of this programme, designed to level the playing field for diverse early-stage entrepreneurs. Over the last two years, we have helped 2,000+ diverse, future leaders with opportunities to grow and thrive, and we’re excited to work alongside WeWork to equip even more founders with the tools and opportunities to succeed.” — Izzy Obeng, CEO of Foundervine
“At WeWork we strive to be a place where every individual—regardless of their background, or difference of any kind—is welcomed, included, and valued. We’re delighted to be working with Foundervine to support entrepreneurs and founders from diverse backgrounds with the workspace and environment they need to grow their businesses, and together we can ensure that individuals from underserved communities have equal opportunities to succeed.” – Mathieu Proust, Managing Director – International Operations, WeWork
About Foundervine
Foundervine opens doors for bold founders. We know that with the right support, an idea can grow into a groundbreaking enterprise. That’s why we connect businesses to entrepreneurs, helping founders of all backgrounds imagine, launch and grow new ventures.
We have a lived understanding of the distinct challenges these founders face. We give them a space to ask questions, learn and share experiences. Then we combine training, networking and ongoing mentorship from professionals across a variety of industries.
Through all of this, we act as vocal advocates, working to change policy, evolving workplaces and educate businesses on the ways diversity strengthens their offering.
We exist to help shape a better future. One that includes all people, regardless of who they are or who they know. We’ll continue working with founders, educating businesses and being vocal advocates until we can make it a reality.
About WeWork
WeWork (NYSE: WE) was founded in 2010 with the vision to create environments where people and companies come together and do their best work. Since then, we’ve become one of the leading global flexible space providers committed to delivering technology-driven turnkey solutions, flexible spaces, and community experiences. For more information about WeWork, please visit us at wework.com.
