Coworking Brands

WeWork vs Unicorn Workspaces (2025): Ultimate Guide to Coworking Spaces in Berlin

Yan Cruz
June 20, 2025
7
 min read

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.

2.2 Unicorn Workspaces – Berlin’s Neighbourhood Hero

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.

3 Location Footprint & Accessibility

Metric WeWork Unicorn Workspaces
Spaces in Berlin 6 city‑centre sites 18 neighbourhood sites
Other German cities 4 (Hamburg, Frankfurt, Munich, Cologne) 3 (Hamburg, Cologne, Munich)
Worldwide locations 700+ 0 (Berlin‑centric brand)
Public transport access Next to S‑Bahn & U‑Bahn hubs On bike lanes, near tram stops

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.

5 Workspace Inventory & Flexible Solutions

Product WeWork Unicorn Workspaces
Hot desks / Flexible workspaces €249 / mo €189 / mo
Dedicated desks From €350 / mo From €260 / mo
Private offices 4 – 100 desks 2 – 20 desks
Modern meeting rooms 18 per site 6 per site
Event spaces Auditorium + rooftop terrace Café convertible, 80 pax
Virtual offices / Business address Yes (global mail handling) Yes (digital mailbox)

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.
  • 24/7 access with secure app entry (both)
  • Printing quotas: 300 pages/mo WeWork, 200 pages/mo 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.

8 Services & Flexibility: Contracts, Upgrades, Add‑Ons

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.

9 Pricing & Value Comparison

Plan WeWork Unicorn Workspaces
Day pass €45 €25
Hot desk €249 / mo €189 / mo
Dedicated desk €350+  €260+ 
Private office (4‑desk) €2 200 / mo €1 400 / mo
Meeting room (per hour) €35 €25

Unicorn undercuts WeWork by ~25 % on every tier, yet cannot match WeWork’s global network perks like drop‑ins in Tokyo.

10 Clientele Breakdown

  • WeWork: SaaS scale‑ups, remote squads from corporations, VC funds needing prestige, established companies running Berlin project teams.
  • Unicorn: Design studios, entrepreneurs, indie app founders, small businesses wanting boutique vibe.

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.

12 Pros & Cons Table

Advantages Drawbacks
WeWork Huge global network, large event spaces, extensive meeting rooms, robust app Higher price, louder open lounges
Unicorn WS Cozy atmosphere, lower cost, neighbourhood charm, sustainable design Fewer spaces outside Berlin, smaller conference rooms

13 Decision Matrix: Who Wins Your Use‑Case?

Scenario Choose WeWork if… Choose Unicorn if…
Remote team scaling fast Need 100 desks + multiple global sites Want <20 desks across Berlin neighbourhoods
Freelance designer Crave big‑brand prestige & daily events Prefer quiet café feel & lower cost
Innovative product demo Require large auditorium + streaming kit 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.

→ Book a trial day at coworking spaces in MunichWeWork Ku’damm • Unicorn Mitte

Find Your Ideal Workspace With Us!
✅ 100% Free
✅ Guaranteed Best Rates
✅ Personal Assistance
Contact usSchedule Tour
Check out our Monthly Subscription Plans
Support

Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about
WeWork vs Unicorn Workspaces 2025: Berlin Coworking Guide
Is WeWork an Einhorn?
Financial struggles aside, WeWork’s valuation dipped below €1 bn—technically no longer a unicorn, but its scale still dwarfs competitors.
Why are coworking spaces failing?
Poor community building and rigid leases—issues both brands work hard to avoid through flexible workspaces.
Who is WeWork’s biggest competitor?
Regus globally; in Berlin, arguably unicorn workspaces among others.
Do both brands offer conference rooms with recording kits?
Yes—WeWork ABDN spec; Unicorn rents podcast booths.
Avatar photoAvatar photoAvatar photo
Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Please chat to our friendly team.

Let's find the best workspace setup for you

Why wait? Get in touch with us today to schedule your free consultation call! You can reach us anytime at hello@onecoworking.com
Contact image
Maria Gomez
Account Manager
Cafes are Good... Coworking is Better!
Free Coffee, Free Tea, Reliable Internet Connection, Quiet spaces, Networking opportunities... and the list goes on.
Get €5 Off on your 1st Day-Pass booking with One Coworking!
Claim Discount
Exit icon
You rock!
I am just saying, you will love coworking
We will send you the promo code via email.
Please add your email below.
Keep an eye on your email :) Your promo code will arrive soon!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form. Please try again with a valid email.
Exit icon
Exit icon
"