WeWork to hold awards event in Tel Aviv

WeWork, a US-based company that provides work bases and services to more than 20,000 companies around the world, plans to hold an Israel Creator Awards in Tel Aviv.

The happening, on October 26, will be the regional segment of a global event series including over $20 million in available prizes for individuals and companies. The transnational awards event aims to reward and encourage creative spirit and effort, organizers said in a statement, and is not only open to WeWork members.

“Anyone who brings a new idea into the world, pursues his or her passion, and believes in something greater than oneself is a creator,” the release said.

“From freelancers to founders, nonprofits to small businesses, artists to educators, creators are bringing new ideas into the world –and making it a better place –every day.”

The all-day event in Tel Aviv will see a panel of judges reviewing finalist presentations and giving out $1.5 million in prizes in three categories reflecting different stages of development — Incubate, Launch and Scale, the highest award.

Winners will then be eligible to present again at the Creator Awards “Global Final” in New York, the statement said.

In addition to the main event, WeWork will hold a sponsored job fair and “master classes,” including workshops held by WeWork co-founder and CEO Tel Aviv native Adam Neumann, singer Aviv Geffen and former Better Place CEO Shai Agassi. There will also be musical performances, including New York-based Balkan Beat Box.

Founded in New York in 2010 and employing nearly 3,000 people, WeWork is estimated to be worth around $20 billion.

The firm is spread out over 160 physical locations in 53 cities worldwide. This summer it launched major expansion into China, South Korea and Southeast Asia. Since launching the Creator Awards in March of this year, events have been held in Washington, DC; Detroit, Michigan; Austin, Texas; London and Berlin. The New York final will be held on November 30, the statement said.