Wednesday evening, hoards of contributors to Boston's innovation ecosystem – including Mayor Marty Walsh himself – crowded into the newly constructed entrepreneurial playground WeWork in Fort Point.
New York City-founded community-focused co-working company WeWork has set up two posts in Boston, both of which are now officially open. WeWork South Station, located at 475 Atlantic Avenue, had its official debut last week. Wednesday night's gathering celebrated the opening of the company's second Hub-based building, which is located at 51 Melcher Street in the Innovation District.
The guest of honor was Mayor Walsh, who gave a short, yet sweet, welcoming speech to the crowd before ceremoniously cutting the WeWork ribbon alongside the company's CEO and Co-founder Adam Neumann. Said Walsh of WeWork's value added in the city:
Some of these companies might be starting small ... and some entrepreneurs may be unknown, but no one should ever underestimate your drive and the power of your ideas. The entrepreneurs and small businesses here provide an engine for growth in our city, and you are helping make Boston a global leader in an innovative economy.
Further, the mayor emphasized the role WeWork will play in keeping up-and-coming talent in Boston by giving them a free space within which to bounce ideas."There's opportunities for young people, and even older people, to come in here and follow their dreams," said Walsh.
With the ribbon cut, a four-man jazz band kicked off its first song and the crowd dispersed around WeWork's multi-floor compound (which includes a sick sports lounge furnished with foosball, retro arcade games, ping-pong table and many a flatscreen). Guests milled around and met one another while chowing down on mouth-watering Boston-themed appetizers, including Roxie's grilled cheeses and mini lobster rolls.
Because what better way to fuel a community of innovators than with a little brain food?
But the perks of WeWork are more than bottomless beer and snacks; they're valuable and real. For as little as $400 a month, members gain access to workspace, conference rooms and a networking community with national, and soon-to-be global, reach. WeWork Boston lead Hunter Perry told BostInno:
We are really focused on building the most inclusive and beneficial small business community in Boston ... Just having such amazing spaces and offering the benefits that we do – like health insurance, gym membership discounts and being able to work from different WeWork locations around the country – allow for [WeWork to be a place] for people to really succeed. We have people expand within WeWork ... and we love to see people expand not only locally but nationally as well.
But wherever Boston entrepreneurs go, with or without WeWork's help, Mayor Walsh has one wish:
Just remember one thing. When you make it big, don't forget the city of Boston.
Take an in-depth digital tour of WeWork here.
