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Orange County Press

OC Business Journal | Incubator Unique Add to Startup Ecosystem

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does TenantBase's technology-enabled platform simplify the process of finding office space for businesses?

TenantBase simplifies the office search by reversing the traditional commercial real estate model. Instead of businesses spending weeks searching listings and contacting landlords, tenants begin by sharing their space requirements, including location, size, budget, and timing. TenantBase’s technology then matches those needs with qualified local tenant-representation brokers and relevant market options.

What role do local tenant representation brokers play in TenantBase's commercial real estate leasing process?

Local tenant-representation brokers provide market expertise, advocate for tenant interests, and manage the leasing process from start to finish—space selection, negotiations, and concessions—helping reduce risk and improve outcomes.

How can I use TenantBase's blog to compare different commercial real estate leasing options?

The blog breaks down lease structures (Gross, Net, Modified Gross) and explains how costs like taxes, insurance, and CAM charges affect total occupancy expenses so readers can compare trade-offs.

What insights does the Partner Broker Highlight section provide for businesses searching for office space for rent?

Partner Broker Highlights showcase trusted tenant-rep brokers, their experience, and advice—building transparency and trust while sharing negotiation and market insights.

How does TenantBase tailor the leasing experience to help businesses find the right office space fit online?

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