You can’t work with us: How new, ultra-exclusive shared workspaces stack up

A number of ultra-exclusive shared workspaces touting themselves as gathering spots and community hubs have sprung up. Here’s how they compare.

The Wing:
Self-described as: “A network of work and community spaces designed for women of all definitions”
Funding:Raised $118 million in five rounds, with 24 investors including actress Kerry Washington
Locations: 13
Annual membership:$2,350 annually, $215 monthly
Waitlist: 35,000 in the U.S.
Member criteria: Must show their commitment to The Wing’s mission, according to the company. As of early 2019, following a discrimination lawsuit, men can become members.
Application process: An online application that, notably, does not include a prompt to upload a photo
If you’re lucky, you’ll see: Fashion designer Rebecca Minkoff and VC “celebrities” like Soraya Darabi, said a member
Dress code: “Very AYR and Mansur Gavriel, with a splash of Khaite and select designer items. No LV logo bags here — think understated luxury,” said the member
Order: The Notorious RBG cocktail, made from vodka, orange, lime, sage simple syrup and cranberry
Amenities: An in-house cafe, a beauty room, showers, and a pump room
What people are actually doing vs. working: Select high-profile meetings occur during the day. Evenings are when most of the powerhouse women come out, usually to attend one of the programmed events.
Insiders know:It gets loud and crowded, and the private rooms get filled fast. But it has the best vanity and bathroom of all the clubs. “There are great products for skin and hair, and room to relax and get prepped to go out.”

NeueHouse Madison Square

NeueHouse:
Self-described as: “The private workspace and cultural home for creators, innovators and thought-leaders”
Funding: Raised $78 million in four rounds from investors including Barry Diller and Diane von Furstenberg
Locations: 3 (1 in NYC, 2 in Los Angeles)
Annual membership: $900/month for a non-permanent desk in a communal workspace to $4,500/month for an enclosed office
Waitlist:All locations, number undisclosed
Member criteria:“NeueHouse seeks members who are changing the world or the way we see it,” said a company spokesperson.
Application process: Your photo is required, a committee approves.
If you’re lucky, you’ll see:Members Salman Rushdie and Freida Pinto
Dress code: No gym clothes allowed
Order:Cauliflower pizza or an Impossible Burger … if you dare (see below).
Amenities: Eleven, a floor for high-tier members, offers dedicated concierge services and a wellness room for relaxation.
What people are actually doing vs. working: Attending classes and events, from a morning yoga session to a live Highsnobiety podcast
Insiders know: The food is bad.

Chief

Chief:
Self-described as: “A private network focused on investing in and supporting female leaders.”
Funding: $25 million in two rounds
Locations: 1 in NYC’s Tribeca, with “a few” to come in early 2020 including one in NYC’s Flatiron neighborhood, said Chief co-founder Carolyn Childers
Annual membership:$5,400/year for vps, $7,800 for C-suite members
Waitlist: 7,000
Member criteria: Women executives vp-level or above
Application process:Must report the number of people and the size of the budget you manage and what you’re looking to get out of a Chief membership. The latter meant to weed out those looking to abuse the access to executives.
If you’re lucky, you’ll see: Amal Clooney, Tina Fey and Whoopi Goldberg have spoken at events. Also, search LinkedIn — hundreds of women have added their membership to their profiles.
Dress code: None, “to allow women to kick up their heels and come as they are,” said Childers
Order: N/A, but the Flatiron location will have two bars
Amenities: A green room for featured panelists, a mothers’ room and a lounge space
What people are actually doing vs. working:Meeting with executive coaches about monthly, in groups of 8-10 members
Insiders know: It’s in a residential building and hard to find. And a member said, so far, Chief’s kept its integrity: “I have seen other groups that start off strong sell out, and the value of the community falls quickly.”

Soho House’s Dumbo House

Soho House:
Self-described as:“A global private members’ club for people in the creative industries”
Funding: Raised $610 million over four rounds
Locations: 27 worldwide, 8 in the U.S.
Annual membership:$3,300 for all-access, $2,160 for local location only; members under age 27 pay half
Waitlist: 36,000 names globally
Member criteria: “We aim to assemble communities of members that have something in common — namely, a creative soul,” according to the website.
Application process:Requires letters of recommendation from existing members, personal photo
If you’re lucky, you’ll see: Member Justin Timberlake
Dress code:Casual, no suits to foster a non-corporate atmosphere
Order: A Cleanse “elixir” or an $18 Dirty Burger from the Club Menu
Amenities: Cowshed spa, offering cryotherapy and laser treatments, hotel “bedrooms”
What people are actually doing vs. working:Attending meetings, sipping cocktails or attending programmed events like film screenings
Insiders know: Photography is forbidden, calls are restricted to certain areas

Spring Place:
Self-described as:“Workplaces and social spaces to build community, foster creativity, and spring new ways of creatively connecting”
Funding:Fundedby founders and co-chairmen Alessandro Cajrati Crivelli and Francesco Costa
Locations: 2 (NYC and LA)
Annual membership:Starts at $3,000/year, top-tier members pay $14,400/year and get a dedicated desk
Waitlist:Yes, number undisclosed
Member criteria: “Startups and entrepreneurs in creative and innovative fields,” according to a spokesperson
Application process: An online form, requiring social handles and a photo
If you’re lucky, you’ll see:A supermodel; in NYC, umbrella building Spring Studios is an official NYFW venue
Dress code: Business casual attire enforced; no sandals, men’s shorts or activewear
Order: Sliders and mini crab cakes served by James Beard-nominated chefs
Amenities: A concierge offers members childcare, pet walking, appointment booking and personal shopping
What people are actually doing vs. working: Shopping. Retailers like Luisa Via Roma regularly host pop-ups in-house
Insiders know: The rooftop sundeck offers some of the best views in Manhattan.