SoftBank invests $2 billion in WeWork

SoftBank has stepped up its investment in WeWork, the upstart co-working company. The Japanese conglomerate is putting an additional $2 million into the business. Though the amount is less than the expected $16 billion, it’s still a substantial number. This latest action makes the total venture worth about $10 billion.

Why SoftBank is betting big on WeWork

WeWork is a successful office space provider for businesses in over 25 countries. The company has become so popular that it’s abandoning its old name to become We Company to expand beyond spaces for workers. Chief executive officer, (CEO), Adam Neuman, said the name change is to ‘encompass all aspects of people's lives, in both physical and digital worlds.’ SoftBank has noticed the growth of the company and is now betting its investment will create more expansion and eventually profits for WeWork. This latest venture increases the business’ value to $47 billion

Is WeWork worth billions?

While the office space company has grown to 100 cities, WeWork is not yet profitable. The startup has reported a $723 million loss in 2018. Financial analysts like, Alex Snyder, from investment firm CenterSquare, noted that WeWork has to increase profits soon to avoid being seen as overvalued.

'The valuation is going to take a significant amount of growth to justify it,’ said Snyder.

SoftBank’s Saudi Arabia Controversy

SoftBank has been under fire recently for funding WeWork from its Vision Fund, which is backed by the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The country has been criticised for its role in the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Many venture capitalists in tech are urging conglomerates like SoftBank not to do business with Saudi Arabia’s controversial prince, Mohammed bin Salman. Investors and even human rights activists will be watching to see how this partnership between SoftBank and WeWork will unfold.