The colossal valuation paved the way for the company's flotation on the stock market. And that's when the trouble started.

After filing for its IPO in August 2019, investors and the media were finally able to go through The We Company's finances with a fine-tooth comb. And the data didn't make for pleasant reading...

It transpired that the company was haemorrhaging money, with losses in 2018 amounting to a painful $1.9 billion (£1.6bn).

Serious doubts were cast over whether the business could ever be profitable, spooking investors. The IPO was delayed. Then, to make matters worse, the focus turned to Neumann and his managerial style, which was unconventional to say the least.

WeWork founder Adam Neumann's controversial career