Meetup was a darling of the tech industry. But can it survive WeWork? - NBCNews.com
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At Meetup’s headquarters in midtown New York City, a screen broadcasts event RSVPs that roll in at an average of 100 per minute. The events span the globe: “Ankara Board Game Enthusiasts” in Turkey, “Adelaide Walkers and Joggers” in Australia and “Myrtle Beach Live Music” in South Carolina all flash up in the same minute. Limited time: Save 25% on NBC News subscription Get exclusive reporting, live Q&As and ad-free reading. For 18 years, this is what Meetup has done — and little else.
AI Summary
Main Idea: Meetup, once a quiet success in tech, is trying to move past WeWork’s turmoil as it looks for a buyer and a fresh start.
Key Points:
- Meetup grew slowly for years by helping people organize real-world events and build communities.
- WeWork bought Meetup in 2017, but its own financial troubles have left Meetup in limbo and up for sale.
- Meetup tested a new fee plan and cut nearly 25% of its staff, drawing backlash from users and workers.
- CEO David Siegel says he wants a buyer that will protect Meetup’s mission and keep the service alive.
Groups & Affiliates:
- Tech companies: Meetup; WeWork
Impact on the People
Negative Impact
Meetup’s higher fees, layoffs, and uncertain sale could raise costs for small groups and disrupt local communities that rely on the service to meet and organize.
Positive Impact
A new owner could stabilize Meetup and keep a useful tool for in-person groups alive for consumers, workers, and small businesses.
How did each entity affect people?
Rate how each entity in this article affected the American people.
- Primary:
Candidate Entities13 candidates · 5 weighted vote min · 70% decision
- Tech companiescompanyNot scoredEvaluatedInclude 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold
- MeetupcompanyPrimaryAI selected
Central company in the article; its future, sale, user changes, and role under WeWork are the main focus.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - Tech companies (Meetup; WeWork)companyPrimaryAI selected
The article discusses these named companies together as a central group.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - WeWorkcompanyPrimaryAI selected
Core company driving the story through its acquisition of Meetup, financial troubles, and divestment plans.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - CEO David SiegelpersonMajorAI selected
Meetup CEO quoted on the company’s challenges, sale process, and prospects.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - Chair Scott HeifermanpersonMajorAI selected
Meetup co-founder and chairman; his connection to the company and possible reacquisition is discussed.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - Adam NeumannpersonContextCandidate
Former WeWork CEO and co-founder mentioned as part of WeWork’s acquisition history.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - SoftBankcompanyContextCandidate
Major investor referenced for its bailout of WeWork, providing important context on WeWork’s finances.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold
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