AI Firm Upstart Takes 15K SF at Global Holdings’ Nomad Tower

AI lending platform Upstart is setting up shop in Manhattan’s NoMad neighborhood, Commercial Observer has learned.

Upstart, which is based in California and uses AI to connect consumers to more than 100 banks and credit unions, has signed a seven-year lease for 15,356 square feet on the entire 33rd floor of Global Holdings’ 39-story Nomad Tower at 1250 Broadway, according to the landlord. Asking rent was $98 per square foot.

It’s unclear whether the deal represents a relocation or a new location for Upstart, but the firm will move into its new office between West 31st and West 32nd streets in late spring of 2026.

“Upstart reflects the kind of dynamic, forward-thinking spirit we aim to foster at Nomad Tower, recognizing the importance of a prime location and workplace that attracts innovators,” Craig Panzirer, senior vice president and director of leasing at Global Holdings, said in a statement.

“Our modern spaces and premium amenities are designed to provide the flexibility and sophistication that leading technology companies value most,” Panzirer added.

Newmark’s Scott Brown brokered the deal for the tenant, while Global Holdings was represented in-house by Panzirer and Alex Radmin, as well as by JLL’s Paul Glickman, Mitchell Konsker, Benjamin Bass, Kristen Morgan, Harrison Potter and Diana Biasotti.

“Upstart was seeking a creative, high-end space with great views, convenient access to public transportation, and premium amenities,” Newmark’s Brown said in a statement to CO. “1250 Broadway checked all the boxes.”

“We’re thrilled to welcome Upstart to Nomad Tower, where our roster of leading tenants occupies a future-ready workspace designed for talent, sustainability and growth,” JLL’s Glickman added.

A spokesperson for Upstart did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Founded in 2012, Upstart provides consumers with personal and auto loans, while also providing lenders with a referral network to help them grow their loan portfolios.

The AI firm will join several other tenants at Global Holdings’ Nomad Tower, including software company Elastic, data platform Datavant, law firm Gunderson Dettmer, real estate app Zillow, and fintech firms Copper and Toss Securities, which recently signed deals at the building in July.

Global Holdings also completed in 2019 a $55 million renovation at 1250 Broadway, including a new lobby, a 90-person amphitheater for tenants, an arcade room, a fitness facility and more.

Correction: Due to misinformation from a source, an earlier version of this article stated the tenant was UpStart Ventures. The story has been updated to reflect that the tenant is Upstart.

Isabelle Durso can be reached at idurso@commercialobserver.com.