How to Find a Commercial Real Estate Broker for Startups

Finding the right commercial real estate broker can save your startup time, money, and costly lease mistakes. This guide explains what to look for in a broker, how tenant representation works, and how startups in New York City can evaluate office space options with more confidence in fast-moving neighborhoods like Flatiron, SoHo, and NoMad.

Startup founders meeting with a commercial real estate broker

Our Commercial Real Estate Brokerage Services

Startup-focused brokerage support covering strategy, search, negotiation, and office delivery for growing teams.

Lease Strategy

Define space needs, growth plans, budget parameters, and workplace goals before entering the market, helping startups avoid mismatched offices and costly lease commitments.

Space Discovery

Access curated office inventory and targeted property options aligned with team size, culture, location priorities, and expansion plans across competitive startup markets.

Property Tours

Compare shortlisted spaces efficiently through guided tours that evaluate layout, building quality, commute convenience, and operational fit for scaling teams.

Financial Evaluation

Review rent structure, concessions, buildout implications, and long-term occupancy costs so founders can make informed decisions with fewer surprises.

Lease Negotiation

Negotiate favorable lease terms, flexibility, and protections on the tenant's behalf to reduce risk and improve overall deal value.

Move-In Support

Coordinate the transition from signed lease to occupied office with guidance that keeps timelines organized and supports a smoother launch.

Commercial broker guiding startup founders through office search steps

How Startups Choose the Right Broker

Clarify Your Space Requirements First

Start by outlining headcount, budget, timing, workplace style, and growth plans. For startups considering New York City, neighborhood fit matters too, whether you're targeting Flatiron for access, SoHo for brand presence, or Williamsburg for creative flexibility.

Look For Tenant Representation Experience

Evaluate Market Knowledge And Inventory

Review Their End-To-End Support

Confirm Communication And Execution Style

Trusted By Startups

Client Success

See how growing companies secured smarter office solutions with experienced tenant-focused brokerage support.

"Nomad got it. We needed to move fast, stay focused, and grow. They made it effortless."

FloraFauna Team
The Nomad Difference

Why Choose Nomad Group?

Nomad Group combines startup-focused advisory with deep commercial leasing expertise.

Startup Focus

Built for high-growth companies that need flexible, strategic office decisions without unnecessary leasing friction.

NYC Expertise

Deep knowledge of NoMad, Flatiron, SoHo, Williamsburg, and other fast-moving New York City office markets.

End-To-End

Support spans brokerage, buildout, and operations for smoother execution after the lease is signed.

Proven Scale

Over 300 buildouts and 2 million square feet leased across NYC's growth-focused business neighborhoods.

Meet The Nomad Team

Experienced advisors for startup office leasing decisions.

Portrait of Matthew DeRose, Co-Founder and CEO of Nomad Group

Matthew DeRose

Co-Founder, CEO

Matthew DeRose is the Co-Founder and CEO of Nomad Group, a leading commercial real estate firm specializing in helping high-growth companies find, build, manage, and operate office space across New York City. As the driving force behind Nomad Group's strategic vision, Matthew has been instrumental in evolving the firm from a traditional brokerage into a full-service commercial real estate partner. Under his leadership, the company has completed over 300 tenant buildouts and leased more than 2 million square feet across NYC's most dynamic neighborhoods. Matthew's relationship-first philosophy and deep market expertise in areas like NoMad, Flatiron, and SoHo have made Nomad Group a trusted partner for startups, enterprise companies, and landlords alike.

Portrait of William Janetschek, Co-Founder and COO of Nomad Group

William Janetschek

Co-Founder, COO

William Janetschek is the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Nomad Group, where he oversees the day-to-day operations that power the firm's full-service commercial real estate platform in New York City. William plays a central role in ensuring that Nomad Group's end-to-end solutions — from brokerage and construction management to facilities and asset management — are delivered seamlessly and on time. His operational expertise has been key to scaling the company's in-house infrastructure, including the innovative Flex by Nomad service model. William's commitment to transparency and collaboration reflects the firm's core values and helps clients across Union Square, Williamsburg, Grand Central, and beyond receive an unmatched real estate experience.

Portrait of Adam Justin, Co-Founder and Principal at Nomad Group

Adam Justin

Co-Founder, Principal

Adam Justin is a Co-Founder and Principal at Nomad Group, bringing deep expertise in commercial real estate to his role as a key driver of the firm's client relationships and deal-making capabilities in New York City. As a founding member of the team, Adam has helped shape the company's reputation for authenticity, transparency, and client-centric service across NYC's high-growth neighborhoods. He works closely with startups, technology companies, and enterprise clients to identify strategic office space solutions that support growth and culture. Adam's hands-on approach and intimate knowledge of the NYC market — from SoHo to the Flatiron District — make him a trusted advisor for companies navigating complex leasing decisions.

Portrait of David Greene, Principal at Nomad Group

David Greene

Principal

David Greene serves as a Principal at Nomad Group, where he brings strong commercial real estate acumen and a client-first mindset to every engagement. Based in New York City, David works with high-growth companies across technology, fintech, and other sectors to identify and secure the right office space for their evolving needs. His expertise spans the full real estate lifecycle, from initial site selection and lease negotiation to buildout and ongoing space management. David is known for his strategic thinking, market knowledge across neighborhoods like NoMad, Flatiron, and Williamsburg, and his dedication to building long-term relationships that go beyond a single transaction.

Portrait of Megan Gallagher, Director at Nomad Group

Megan Gallagher

Director

Megan Gallagher is a Director at Nomad Group, contributing her expertise in commercial real estate to help clients across New York City navigate the leasing process with confidence and clarity. In her role, Megan manages client relationships and oversees key transactions, ensuring a smooth and transparent experience from initial search through to space delivery. She works with a diverse portfolio of clients, including scaling startups and established enterprises, across neighborhoods such as Union Square, SoHo, and Grand Central. Megan embodies Nomad Group's commitment to being authentic and client-centric, consistently going above and beyond to ensure every client feels supported throughout their real estate journey.

Portrait of Nicholas Hein, Director at Nomad Group

Nicholas Hein

Director

Nicholas Hein is a Director at Nomad Group, playing a vital role in guiding clients through the complexities of commercial office leasing in New York City. With a deep understanding of NYC's dynamic real estate market, Nicholas works with high-growth companies to identify spaces that align with their business goals, team culture, and budget requirements. He manages transactions across key neighborhoods including NoMad, Flatiron, and Williamsburg, ensuring clients benefit from Nomad Group's tech-driven approach and personalized service. Nicholas is passionate about delivering a simplified, enjoyable leasing experience and takes pride in building lasting partnerships that support his clients' long-term success.

Portrait of Lauren Peaks, Senior Marketing Director at Nomad Group

Lauren Peaks

Senior Marketing Director

Lauren Peaks serves as Senior Marketing Director at Nomad Group, where she leads the firm's brand strategy, content development, and marketing initiatives across New York City's commercial real estate landscape. Lauren is responsible for communicating Nomad Group's unique value proposition — combining tech-driven tools with a deeply human touch — to clients ranging from early-stage startups to enterprise companies. She plays a key role in positioning the firm as a trusted, relationship-first commercial real estate partner in NYC's most sought-after neighborhoods. Lauren's creative vision and strategic approach help amplify Nomad Group's mission of building a community where lasting relationships come first.

Portrait of Calvin Bruwelheide, Associate at Nomad Group

Calvin Bruwelheide

Associate

Calvin Bruwelheide is an Associate at Nomad Group, supporting the firm's commercial real estate operations and client service efforts across New York City. In his role, Calvin assists in identifying office space opportunities, conducting market research, and helping clients navigate the leasing process from search to signature. He works alongside Nomad Group's experienced team of principals and directors to deliver the firm's signature end-to-end real estate solutions to high-growth companies in neighborhoods such as NoMad, SoHo, and the Flatiron District. Calvin brings energy, attention to detail, and a commitment to the firm's client-centric values to every project he undertakes.

Portrait of Kyle Tsang, Marketing Coordinator at Nomad Group

Kyle Tsang

Marketing Coordinator

Kyle Tsang is the Marketing Coordinator at Nomad Group, supporting the firm's marketing and communications efforts to help elevate its brand presence in New York City's commercial real estate market. Kyle assists in executing digital campaigns, creating content, and coordinating marketing activities that reflect Nomad Group's commitment to transparency, authenticity, and exceptional client experiences. He works closely with the senior marketing team to ensure the firm's messaging resonates with high-growth startups, technology companies, and enterprise clients across NYC's premier office neighborhoods. Kyle's contributions help Nomad Group maintain its reputation as a forward-thinking, relationship-driven commercial real estate partner.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a commercial real estate broker do for a startup?

A commercial real estate broker helps a startup define space needs, search available inventory, schedule tours, compare options, evaluate occupancy costs, and negotiate lease terms. A tenant-focused broker also acts as an advisor throughout the process, helping founders avoid poor-fit spaces, hidden costs, and inflexible lease structures that can create problems as the company grows.

Should a startup work with a tenant representation broker?

How do I know if a broker understands startup needs?

What questions should I ask before hiring a commercial real estate broker?

How early should a startup start looking for office space?

How are commercial real estate brokers paid?

Can a broker help with lease negotiation and buildout planning?

What makes Nomad Group a good fit for startups?

Still Comparing Broker Options?

Speak with our team for clear, startup-focused leasing guidance.

Areas We Serve

Nomad Group supports startups and growing companies across key New York City office neighborhoods.

NYC Neighborhoods

Service Area

2M+ Sq Ft Leased

Track Record

300+ Buildouts

Project Volume

Need Help In Your Neighborhood?

Ask if Nomad Group covers your target office area.

Trusted & Proven

Awards and Recognition

300 plus buildouts trust badge

300+ Buildouts

Proven delivery across tenant projects.

2 million square feet leased trust badge

2M+ Sq Ft

Extensive leasing volume in NYC.

Full-service commercial real estate trust badge

Full-Service Partner

Brokerage through operations support.

Find the Right Broker for Your Startup

Share your office goals, timeline, and target neighborhoods, and our team will help you evaluate the next best step.

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