WeWork's looming IPO lights the path for rivals

WEWORK took the real estate world by storm on its way to an initial public offering (IPO) that's set to be among the year's biggest. It's not the only co-working firm that's primed for new heights.

More and more companies are vying to meet global demand for hip, furnished offices without the commitment of a long-term lease.

Some, such as IWG's Regus, preceded WeWork. Others followed in the footsteps of the powerhouse that's raised more than US$12 billion and opened locations in more than 100 cites.