WeWork, a leading 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.”
Source: WeWork
