Mathieu Proust, General Manager, WeWork UK, Ireland and Emerging Markets says, “We know the power of being part of the WeWork community - we’ve seen so many entrepreneurs come through our doors and build successful businesses, surrounded by a network and space to help them succeed. This pandemic has heightened the inequality of opportunity that we know exists across the professional world and small businesses led by diverse founders are amongst those who have been hardest hit. That’s why we’re partnering with Foundervine to help play our part in breaking down barriers and creating a fairer, more inclusive business network for diverse founder businesses to grow and thrive.”

The successful founders will have their choice of hotdesk space at any UK and Ireland WeWork location, including 60 spaces across London, to help find a suitable and convenient workspace for their business needs. As well as an annual membership to a flexible workspace that inspires productivity and collaboration, WeWork’s Community Labs membership will also give the founders online access to mentoring and coaching opportunities, customised educational programming, a global network and member community, exclusive member benefits and discounts.

Izzy Obeng, Managing Director of Foundervine says, “It’s great to announce our partnership programme with WeWork, 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.”

Diverse Founders Programme

WeWork is committed to ensuring our diverse community is supported and celebrated. This launch coincides with WeWork’s series of events to mark Black History Month, from online workshops to hosting art exhibitions celebrating Black artists. The Diverse Founders Programme will launch with a digital panel event on Tuesday 27th October, where WeWork and Foundervine will discuss why it's more important than ever to support diverse founders and celebrate diversity and inclusion in the business community.

By collaborating with UK social enterprise Foundervine, it aims to break down the racial and economic barriers that ethnically diverse founders in the UK and Ireland face, and open our doors so that entrepreneurs – regardless of their background – have access to the opportunities needed to succeed.

Together, WeWork are excited to launch its Diverse Founders Programme that will provide access to 100 WeWork Labs memberships through its community Labs platform, as well as hot desk spaces, starting in January 2021.

To RSVP to the panel event, click here.