New York, NY – August 12th, 2026 – WeWork, a global real estate platform, published a research report highlighting the strong connection between the continued growth of coworking and startups.
The WeWork U.S. Startups Report analyzed team size, growth, and other characteristics among startups and small businesses, using WeWork data as of April 2026. The data shows that flex space has become an important enabler for startups, with markets experiencing strong startup growth also seeing an increase in coworking adoption.
Of the startups and SMBs still active at WeWork since 2023, 96% have maintained or expanded their footprint, while just 4% have downsized. In addition, average team size has grown more than 50% over three years, and roughly 1 in 12 now operates from multiple WeWork locations.
The findings reinforce the role of flexible workspaces in supporting startups and SMBs in the metros where entrepreneurial activity is strongest. The report also reveals how these small teams are scaling: the metros with the largest increases in occupancy are the same ones leading the country in startup growth.
“Flexible workspaces are an essential tool for startups, providing them the flexibility, speed, and scalability their businesses need to succeed,” shared Luke Robinson, Regional President for North America at WeWork. “With a robust startup ecosystem in the United States, the data shows that startups are consistently leveraging this solution to focus on what matters most: their businesses and the incredible innovations and advancements they are creating.”
This report is a product of WeWork Business Intelligence, the company’s proprietary data engine for understanding the complexities of the modern workplace. By combining global real estate trends with real-time market data, Business Intelligence gives leaders the evidence they need to build agile, high-performing workplaces for the future.
Read the full report here.
About WeWork
WeWork is a leading global real estate platform, purpose-built to empower businesses of all sizes with flexible workplace solutions, hospitality-driven experiences, best-in-class services, and innovative technology. With a curated portfolio of over 600 thoughtfully designed locations, spanning 45M square feet worldwide, WeWork helps more than half a million members – from emerging startups to Fortune 100 companies – perform their best work, today and tomorrow.
To learn more, visit wework.com.