1 Introduction: Global Network Meets Neighbourhood Pioneer
Ask any Berlin‑based founder to name the best coworking spaces in the German capital and two brands jump out: WeWork—a global network founded by Adam Neumann—and Unicorn Workspaces, a Berlin‑born chain attracting innovative companies that want a cozy yet dynamic and inspiring environment close to home.
This article dives into wework vs unicorn, answering which provider offers the perfect workspace for startups, freelancers, and small businesses chasing growth without sacrificing vibe. Along the way we’ll compare modern meeting rooms, event spaces, pricing, and the vibrant community culture that makes each brand shine in the german capital.
2 Brand Story & Business Model
2.1 WeWork – From SoHo Loft to Global Phenomenon
Founded in 2010, fuelled by Steve Jobs‑level presentation flair, WeWork now manages 700+ flexible workspaces worldwide. Its Berlin portfolio features flagship spaces at Alexanderplatz, Ku’damm, Potsdamer Platz, and Neue Schönhauser Straße. Every site showcases neon murals, phone booths with white‑noise machines, and networking events that gather diverse community members ranging from fintech unicorns to government offices innovation labs.
Launched in 2015 inside Prenzlauer Berg, unicorn workspaces grew to 23 locations across Berlin plus hubs in Hamburg, Cologne, and Munich. Its business model focuses on boutique private offices (2–20 desks) and airy cafés serving delicious coffee roasted locally. Sustainability drives design: reclaimed timber desks, solar power on rooftops, and zero‑plastic kitchens create a welcoming atmosphere that attracts creatives and remote workers.
WeWork excels when your sales team bounces between Mitte and Kreuzberg during rush hour. Unicorn excels when you want the office five minutes from your flat, your kids’ Kita, and the best co working spaces cafés in Prenzlauer Berg.
4 Vibe & Space Style: Comparing Environments
4.1 WeWork’s Trendy, Buzzing Lounges
Walk into WeWork Ku’damm and you’re met by a two‑storey atrium where Edison bulbs, velvet couches, and jungle plants frame hot‑desking rows. The inspiring environment is designed to foster collaboration: glass walls make every team visible, and a giant stair auditorium doubles as event space for 300 guests.
4.2 Unicorn’s Cozy Minimalism
Unicorn Mitte feels like a boutique hotel: soft neutral tones, acoustic felt, greenery, and vintage Eames chairs. Private offices line the perimeter; central lounges host daily stand‑ups over free specialty cappuccinos. The vibe is calmer—ideal for remote workers needing deep focus while still enjoying networking opportunities at weekly cake‑club.
Unicorn’s strength is turnkey private offices for small businesses that outgrow cafés yet aren’t ready for a long lease. WeWork wins for conference rooms and event spaces scale—great for product launches.
6 Services & Amenities
High‑speed Wi‑Fi & redundant fibre (both brands)
Phone booths: WeWork 10 per floor; Unicorn 4 per floor but bookable.
Delicious coffee: Nitro & kombucha taps at WeWork; locally roasted flat whites at Unicorn.
Event spaces included 4 hrs/mo WeWork; 2 hrs/mo Unicorn.
Both cater to innovative companies seeking on‑site showers, lockers, and pet‑friendly policies.
7 Community & Networking Events
7.1 WeWork’s Global Calendar
Weekly Lunch & Learn webinars stream from NYC; Berlin members join via conference rooms. Creator Awards roadshows gift equity‑free grants—one reason startups flock to WeWork.
7.2 Unicorn’s Neighbourhood‑Driven Gatherings
Think Vegan Schnitzel Thursdays or Podcast‑Editing Bootcamp limited to 15 seats—intimate sessions where members swap skills. The smaller community density fosters deeper friendships, which attracting creatives love.
WeWork offers flexible terms month‑to‑month; enterprise contracts can lock 200 desks for three years with custom build‑outs. Unicorn champions 30‑day notice for office downsizing—helpful for freelancers scaling teams quickly.
Both brands provide on‑demand meeting rooms credits; Unicorn’s café passes double as public‑facing business model revenue, letting non‑members rent seats hourly.
Both welcome freelancers—just pick noise level preference.
11 Sustainability & Social Impact
WeWork purchases green power and offsets via Gold Standard. Unicorn sources furniture locally, offers composting, and donates 1 % of revenue to Berlin community gardens—aligning with innovative companies that value ESG.
Seek intimate testing sessions with local community
Government pilot office
Need strict compliance, on‑site IT, 24/7 guards
Want sustainable fit‑out & new HVAC
14 On‑Site Tour: Ku’damm vs Unicorn Mitte
Walk 12 minutes on the U1 between WeWork Ku’damm and Unicorn Rosenthaler Platz, comparing dynamic and inspiring environment noise levels, phone booths availability, and that all‑important delicious coffee crema.
15 Negotiation Tips & Extras
Ask WeWork for creator‑credits or discounted meeting rooms hours.
Ask Unicorn for two free modern meeting rooms bookings monthly.
Request extended guest passes if your clients visit often.
16 Conclusion: Picking Your Perfect Workspace
If you thrive in a vibrant community under neon lights and need a global network of flexible workspaces, choose WeWork. If you favour a quieter inspiring environment, short bike commute, and budget‑friendly private offices, choose Unicorn Workspaces.
