Billion Dollar Loser

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In its early days, WeWork aimed to transform the American workplace into a trendy hub. Adam Neumann, an immigrant seeking success in the U.S., envisioned repurposing surplus office space for the growing freelance workforce. Over ten years, WeWork attracted billions from top investors, using these funds to create a global real estate empire that Neumann claimed was about "elevating the world's consciousness." This narrative explores the internal dynamics of WeWork, weaving through New York real estate, Silicon Valley venture capital, and Neumann's unique blend of spirituality and ambition. Drawing from over two hundred interviews, the book details the rapid growth of Neumann's company and his interactions with influential investors, including Masayoshi Son of SoftBank, who supported its chaotic expansion into diverse ventures, from apartment buildings to schools. It culminates in a day-by-day account of the tumultuous five weeks leading to WeWork's failed IPO and Neumann's dramatic exit, revealing the company's frantic efforts to secure necessary funding amid a decade marked by excess. This work captures the high-stakes, optimistic landscape of American business during President Trump's first term while also reflecting on its consequences as a new era dawns.