WeWork acquires coding bootcamp Flatiron School

Shared-workspace company WeWork has acquired New York-based coding bootcamp, Flatiron School. Launched in 2012, Flatiron School is a coding education platform that offers both online and offline classes to folks who want a career in the world of tech.

“WeWork’s culture is one in which we are always ready to do more, to learn more, and we are proud to expand our offering with this new platform for learning,” said WeWork CEO Adam Neumann. “In Flatiron, we have found a partner who shares our vision of connecting people–through space, design, technology, and community–and understands that those connections are what humanizes the way we work and live. We are all students for life.”

WeWork is not only known for providing spaces to blooming companies (and mega-corporations), to flexibly set up shop and work on their products, but also as a supporter of community of folks who can network and support each other as they grow their businesses and their individual careers. The acquisition of Flatiron School will provide those WeWork members an opportunity to expand their knowledge base and skill set, as well as add to their resumes for future opportunities. Artie Minson, WeWork's CFO, said the deal was in the works for nine months.

Adam Enbar, co-founder of Flatiron said that many on-line schools were failing to teach effectively because most students need to be with other students while they learn, and not just learning content at home alone. That is why the physical school is important. "We forget about that," he said. "Something is lost when you remove a physical community."

Earlier this month, WeWork announced a "wellness facility" in New York City called Rise, which includes fitness classes and a spa. It grew out of WeWork's internal wellness initiatives for members but anyone can join the gym.