Early Life
Adam Neumann was born in Beersheba, Israel, and spent his childhood in various locations due to his parents' divorce. He served in the Israeli Navy and later moved to New York City. Neumann attended Baruch College, where he studied business before founding WeWork.
Rise to Success
In 2010, Neumann co-founded WeWork with Miguel McKelvey. The company quickly expanded, driven by Neumann's vision and charismatic leadership. WeWork provided shared workspaces, attracting startups, entrepreneurs, and larger companies. The company grew rapidly, fueled by significant investments and a valuation that peaked at $47 billion.
Key Business Strategies
WeWork's business model involved leasing office spaces and then subleasing them to members. The company focused on creating a community atmosphere and offering various amenities. WeWork’s rapid expansion and valuation growth made it a significant player in the real estate industry, but this growth was unsustainable.
Philanthropy
Information regarding Adam Neumann's direct philanthropy is limited. However, during his time as CEO of WeWork, Neumann often emphasized the importance of community and the idea of “we” as a core value of the company. He also donated $1 million to the “Be the Match Registry” of the National Marrow Donor Program.