Your Boost For Post-Covid Recovery: Growth Campus

September 13, 2021

It’s safe to say that coworking spaces are the touchstone of entrepreneurship and the startup ecosystem. Aside from its financial benefits, coworking spaces help provide a vibrant and creative area for entrepreneurs to turn their skills into hard work. To increase our positive impact on the UK's startup ecosystem, we are excited to partner up with WeWork. With over 500 locations worldwide, WeWork proves its commitment to being a global hub for entrepreneurs. WeWork’s latest initiative, Growth Campus is designed to help and heal the UK's startup community from the post-Covid havoc. We had a chance to discuss how Growth Campus can help startups, with Senior Manager (UK&I), Daisy Anderson-Perrin.

How did WeWork start?

WeWork was founded in 2010 with the vision to create environments where people and companies come together and do their best work. Since opening our first location in New York City, we’ve grown into a global flexible space provider committed to delivering technology-driven flexible solutions, inspiring spaces, and unmatched community experiences. Today, we’re constantly reimagining how the workplace can help everyone, from freelancers to Fortune 500s, be more motivated, productive, and connected.

How do you define your relationship with the startup ecosystem?

WeWork has always been a hub for startups and entrepreneurs since its inception in 2010 - and it is these businesses that play a central role in WeWork’s community. We have a history of understanding the importance of a strong network and flexible workspace in helping startups grow and thrive.

WeWork Growth Campus UK

What is Growth Campus?

WeWork’s Growth Campus is an initiative aimed at giving a boost to the UK’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, by providing subsidised flexible workspace and acceleration support including coaching opportunities, customised educational programming, and exclusive member benefits.

Where is it located?

Growth Campus has a main hub at WeWork Aldwych House in London, and campuses across London, Cambridge, Birmingham, Manchester, and Edinburgh.

How did Covid-19 reshape WeWork’s mission? 

The pandemic has presented a huge challenge for growth companies: from start-ups to scale-ups, to corporate incubation projects, the crisis has stifled momentum. With innovation being key to a thriving economy, Growth Campus will support this sector and its role in the UK’s economic recovery, gathering a whole entrepreneurial community together.

How does it work?

Founders and companies apply to join Growth Campus. If they qualify, we work with them to find a suitable workspace either within our main hub or in a satellite office. They have access to our WeWork Labs platform which includes virtual events, on-demand content, mentorship, and exclusive service offerings, alongside all the additional benefits that come with being a WeWork member.

WeWork Office

Who qualifies and how would they know if they are eligible?

The Growth Campus is made up of early-stage startups, investors & VCs, incubators & accelerators as well as social impact organisations. We have eligibility criteria for companies who want to join the Growth Campus, they just need to apply here and a member of the team will qualify the lead.

How will Hackquarters and WeWork work together? 

We are keen to partner with key players in the startup ecosystem so we can share our initiative with the companies that will benefit the most. Hackquarters has a great network that supports startups through their various programmes, and we felt like it was a great opportunity to strengthen the offering to their members.

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