One thing I haven't seen mentioned in this thread that definitely played a part in WeWork's explosive growth is the cult-like religious aspect of it. Adam wasn'

One thing I haven't seen mentioned in this thread that definitely played a part in WeWork's explosive growth is the cult-like religious aspect of it. Adam wasn't just selling office space. He was selling a philosophy of working together as inexperienced entrepreneurs to perhaps create better companies. Whether you believe in this model or not (I don't), it is appealing to young professionals without much traditional business experience. The summer camp, "let's help everyone and have fun" environment was more valuable (and played a bigger role in the strategy and market fit) than the office space itself. Regus, as pointed out, sold co-working space before WeWork and still does. They don't, however, sell religion and it's likely that any future co-working brand will forego that aspect, too. Of course, cult-like attraction does work for some companies... if you can get enough believers.