WeWork's best move may be to delay its IPO as the public markets thumb their nose at the company's $47 billion private valuation.
, it's more likely that public markets will treat the company like most commercial real estate entities, which typically struggle during downturns as companies lay off employees and lower office space costs. Individuals or small businesses that may use WeWork now could also downsize to home offices or other lower-cost spaces.
Neumann has many reasons to support his belief that his company is well-suited for a recession. He toldWeWork is 50% cheaper than the average office in New York City. He has said WeWork has already survived downturns in other countries. He explained that WeWork offers "flexibility and mobility," both of which are beneficial in a downturn compared to the standard static commercial real estate lease.
If Neumann truly believes in his company's ability to weather a downturn, WeWork could be a much more appetizing IPO after a recession happens. That would help Neumann capture the value of the company's upside instead of giving it away to public investors.
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