Skip to content
Orange County Press

OC Business Journal | Incubator Unique Add to Startup Ecosystem

Chelsea Cain
Chelsea Cain

Did you catch the EvoNexus article, "Incubator Unique Add to Startup Ecosystem," in the OC Business Journal yesterday? We were thrilled to be featured in the piece which included TenantBase’s recent graduation from Irvine business incubator EvoNexus to new headquarters in Newport Beach, CA.

Our mission at TenantBase is to make searching for an office and signing a lease simple for startups and small businesses. We believe searching for online office space should be simple and fun experience, while saving our clients time and money. We provide the online tools and personal support small businesses and startups need to find their dream office (on their own time).

This is the mission co-founders Bennett Washabaugh, Mike Zei, and Andy Kish have had since TenantBase’s beginning in Nashville. Once TenantBase decided to expand to Southern California, we received an invitation from Andy Fathollahi, Irvine based Incipio founder and EvoNexus selection committee member, to apply for one of EvoNexus’ free co-working spaces.

Our CEO Bennett Washabaugh was very excited about the offer to be a part of the EvoNexus incubator. “When we learned more about EvoNexus, we were so impressed with the people involved with it,” he said. “The success stories they already had were astonishing to us.”

According to EvoNexus founder Rory Moore, the EvoNexus incubator is supported by tech and life science companies, which allows the program to be free of cost for startups. In fact, companies such as San Diego based QualComm have raised more than $9 million for the incubator in its first year.

Although the space is free, the competition is tough. Less than one in ten startups is accepted after applying, and EvoNexus remains exclusive; only 26 startups have been invited since 2015. These selected startups receive resources and mentors that help them to grow their business.

Former chief executive of Buy.com Greg Hawkins was assigned to TenantBase as a mentor. He helped introduce TenantBase to investors and advisors and eventually became TenantBase’s Executive Chairman.

Due to the support, advice, and strategic networking provided by ExoNexus, TenantBase was able to grow quickly, graduate from the wonderful EvoNexus program, and move to its current Orange County location.

Thank you to OC Business Journal for our feature!

OCBJ_TenantBase_OfficeSpace Press Release 2

Share this post

Frequently Asked Questions

How does TenantBase work?

TenantBase reverses the traditional commercial real estate model. Instead of spending weeks searching listings and contacting landlords, tenants share their requirements — location, size, budget, and timing — and TenantBase matches them with qualified local tenant-rep brokers and relevant market options.

What does a tenant-rep broker actually do?

Tenant-rep brokers provide market expertise, advocate exclusively for tenant interests, and manage the leasing process from start to finish — space selection, negotiations, and concessions — helping reduce risk and improve outcomes at no direct cost to the tenant in most U.S. markets.

What's the difference between a gross lease and a net lease?

In a gross lease, one all-in rent payment covers most building expenses. In a net lease, tenants pay base rent plus some combination of property taxes, insurance, and CAM charges on top. Those pass-throughs can add 30–100% above the face rate, so understanding the structure before you tour is critical.

Who are the Partner Broker Highlights?

Partner Broker Highlights feature trusted tenant-rep brokers in TenantBase's network — their background, market expertise, and approach to representing tenants. It's designed to help businesses find and vet the right local advisor before starting a search.

How does TenantBase help me find the right space for my business?

TenantBase combines technology with local tenant advisors to match searches based on headcount, growth plans, budget, and timing — streamlining discovery and helping teams lease space that fits their operational and financial goals.