About Services Profiles Press Contact

Andy Florance

Founder & Chief Executive Officer

CoStar Group

Washington, DC, USA

Andy Florance

Stephen Fitzpatrick

Vertical Aerospace

ENTtech Media Group LLC

Andy’s Biography

View moreless

Andy Florance is the Founder & Chief Executive Officer of CoStar Group. He also serves on the firm’s Board of Directors. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., CoStar Group has offices in 15 countries around the world and a staff of more than 5,500 globally.

Founded in 1986, CoStar Group quickly found itself at the forefront of transforming how commercial real estate professionals access, use and share information. Andrew pioneered the concept of commercial real estate firms outsourcing research and analysis functions to a third-party information provider, leading CoStar to become the industry’s first independent research firm.

Leading the firm since its days as a startup, Andy has guided CoStar Group from its IPO in 1998 to its recent listing on the S&P 500 and the NASDAQ 100 Index. He has continually been recognized as an innovative executive, leading to numerous honors, including Forbes' Most Innovative Leaders, SP 200’s top industry leaders and Commercial Observer's 30 Most Powerful People in Commercial Real Estate Proptech. In addition, CoStar has been named one of Forbes Fast... Andy Florance is the Founder & Chief Executive Officer of CoStar Group. He also serves on the firm’s Board of Directors. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., CoStar Group has offices in 15 countries around the world and a staff of more than 5,500 globally.

Founded in 1986, CoStar Group quickly found itself at the forefront of transforming how commercial real estate professionals access, use and share information. Andrew pioneered the concept of commercial real estate firms outsourcing research and analysis functions to a third-party information provider, leading CoStar to become the industry’s first independent research firm.

Leading the firm since its days as a startup, Andy has guided CoStar Group from its IPO in 1998 to its recent listing on the S&P 500 and the NASDAQ 100 Index. He has continually been recognized as an innovative executive, leading to numerous honors, including Forbes' Most Innovative Leaders, SP 200’s top industry leaders and Commercial Observer's 30 Most Powerful People in Commercial Real Estate Proptech. In addition, CoStar has been named one of Forbes Fast Tech 25 and Fortune magazine’s 100 Fastest Growing Companies. Central to CoStar’s growth is its investments in industry leading companies, such as online commercial real estate marketplace, LoopNet, Apartments.com, Homes.com and data benchmarking and analytics company, STR.

Andy is an active board member, with a focus on professional advancement and education. He serves on the board of Management Leaders for Tomorrow, a nonprofit transforming leadership channels by preparing Black, Latinx and Native American talent to secure high-growth positions. He has also served on the boards of many schools in the D.C. area, as well as Children’s National Health System and the National Building Museum.

Andy earned a BA in Economics from Princeton University and was awarded an honorary doctorate from Virginia Commonwealth University. moreless

Andy’s Newsfeed

RisMedia

Growth, Competition and Profit: Is the Listing Portal Pace Sustainable?

In two discussions at RISMedia’s recent CEO & Leadership Exchange, in Washington, D.C., RISMedia Founder & CEO John Featherston first engaged CoStar Group Founder & CEO Andy Florance for his views on “Who Will Win the Portal Challenge and Why.”

Washingtonian

DC’s 2023 Tech Titans

The Washingtonian's list includes the most important and innovative leaders in DC’s tech scene. CoStar Group and its founder & CEO, Andy Florance, are honored for their continued success, which includes a forthcoming research-and-tech campus in Richmond.

View News Archive

Andy’s Background

CoStar Group

Founder & Chief Executive Officer

May 1986 - Present

Washington, DC, USA

CoStar Group, Inc. is the leading provider of commercial real estate information, analytics and online marketplaces. CoStar conducts thorough, ongoing research to produce and maintain the largest and most comprehensive database of commercial real estate information.

Andy’s Gallery

Board Positions

CoStar Group

Board of Directors

Washington, DC, USA

CoStar Group, Inc. is the leading provider of commercial real estate information, analytics and online marketplaces.

Management Leadership of Tomorrow

Governing Board

Jan 2017 - Present

Washington, DC, USA

Launched in 2002 Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT) is a national nonprofit that is transforming the leadership pipelines of more than 120 leading organizations by driving breakthrough results for individuals and institutions.

View allHide

Previous Board Positions

St. Albans School

Board of Trustees

2015 - 2018

Washington, DC, USA

St. Albans School is a private, all boys day and boarding school. For more than a century, it has offered a distinctive educational experience for young men in grades 4 through 12.

Children's National

Board of Directors

2014 - Jun 2017

Washington, DC, USA

Children's National Hospital has innovated pediatric healthcare around the US and world for more than 150 years. Serving the nation's children, the hospital is one of the top 10 pediatric hospitals in the United States.

Walker & Dunlop

Board of Directors

2013 - 2016

Bethesda, MD, USA

Walker & Dunlop's platform helps people build their business. From its top-ranked base in multifamily lending, it has built robust capital markets and investment sales capabilities.

Beauvoir, the National Cathedral Elementary School

Board of Trustees

2010 - 2016

Washington, DC, USA

Beauvoir provides an extraordinary early childhood education in a diverse community that values every individual. Beauvoir’s program encourages creative, courageous learners and builds an enduring foundation for a lifelong spirit of inquiry and joy in learning.

Shakespeare Theatre Company

Board of Trustees

2008 - 2015

Washington, DC, USA

Shakespeare Theatre Company creates, preserves, and promotes classic theatre — ambitious, enduring plays with universal themes — for all audiences.

American Real Estate Society

Board of Directors

2005 - 2015

Athens, OH, USA

The American Real Estate Society (ARES), founded in 1985, is an association of real estate thought leaders. Members are drawn from academia and the profession at large, both in the United States and internationally.

National Building Museum

Board of Trustees

2009 - 2014

Washington, DC, USA

The National Building Museum educates, entertains, and engages people about the built environment and challenges them to advocate for a sustainable and equitable future.

Ford's Theatre

Board of Trustees

2007 - 2011

Washington, DC, USA

The site of President Abraham Lincoln's assassination, Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C., offers museum exhibits, live theatre performances and immersive educational programs.

St. Andrews School

Board of Trustees

2003 - 2009

Middletown, DE, USA

Since its founding in 1929, St. Andrew’s has been a school affordable to all students who are qualified for admission, regardless of their financial means.

View allHide

Media

CoStar Group Partners with Richmond Public Schools to Provide School Supplies for More than 35,000 Students

Aug 2023

New York, NY, USA

“As the one of the largest employers in Richmond, CoStar Group is thrilled to continue to invest in the Richmond community through providing students in need with the tools they need to thrive,” said Andy Florance. "We’re excited to be able to help set the groundwork for academic success as students return to school this Fall.”

Costar Group’s Andy Florance Wins Gold Stevie® Award In 2023 International Business Awards®

Aug 2023

New York, NY, USA

Andy Florance was named the winner of a Gold Stevie® Award in the Executive of the Year – Real Estate category. He was also honored with a Silver Stevie® Award in the Best Entrepreneur – Real Estate category.

In The News: CEO Exchange Presenter Andy Florance Hints at Costar Expansion

Jun 2023

During a one-on-one chat with RISMedia Founder and CEO John Featherston at RISMedia’s upcoming CEO & Leadership Exchange in September, Florance will discuss CoStar’s future in the residential space and how data is becoming the cornerstone of success in the competitive landscape moving forward.

CoStar Group Named to 20th Anniversary Edition of Forbes Global 2000

Jun 2023

New York, NY, USA

The annual list highlights the world’s largest companies based on their global impact and financial strength. “This award is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our team to provide innovative products and services that enhance and support our clients’ business goals," said Andy Florance.

CoStar lands naming rights for Virginia Commonwealth University campus building with $18M donation

May 2023

The project, tentatively to be named the CoStar Center for Arts and Innovation, will consolidate VCU’s nationally recognized School of the Arts, ranked fourth in the country among graduate programs, and innovation programs under one roof for the first time.

Andy Florance: "CoStar is not going to change its business model to get a portion of the commission"

Dec 2022

Andy Florance discusses recent developments at CoStar and, among other topics, the real estate portal, Homes.com, and the company's role as a residential real estate portal player in the United States.

What’s Behind the New Homes.Com: Andy Florance Gets Down to Brass Tacks

Dec 2022

After acquiring Homesnap in 2020 and Homes.com in 2021, Andy Florance discusses the relaunch of a new and improved Homes.com and other significant developments at the CoStar Group.

CoStar Group Selected by NASDAQ for 100 Index®

Dec 2022

New York, NY, USA

CoStar Group announced that the company will be added to the NASDAQ 100 Index®, effective prior to the opening of trading on Monday, December 19, 2022.

CoStar Group hosts ground-breaking ceremony for $460 million expansion project

Nov 2022

Richmond, VA, USA

The CoStar Group is expanding its research and technology center with office space built next to its office space located on Fifth Street in Richmond. City and state leaders gathered for the groundbreaking.

CoStar Group Plans $460 Million Campus Expansion in Richmond

Dec 2021

Washington, DC, USA

CoStar Group plans to expand its research and technology center in Richmond, investing $460 million to build a two-building complex to create a corporate campus that's expected to bring 2,000 new jobs to the banks of the James River.

CoStar Group CEO calls on graduates to ‘turn adversity into strength’

May 2019

Richmond, VA, USA

Andy Florance, CEO & founder of CoStar Group, challenged graduates to turn adversity into strength at Virginia Commonwealth University’s main commencement ceremony at the Greater Richmond Convention Center.

View allHide

Interviews

CoStar Group CEO on commercial REIT weakness, office vacancy and residential market

Jul 2023

New York, NY, USA

Andy Florance, CoStar Group CEO, joins ‘Closing Bell: Overtime’ to discuss company earnings, commercial REITs impact on business.

Costar—Friend or Foe? Founder and CEO Andy Florance Answers this and More in Exclusive Interview

Dec 2022

Among a range of topics relating to CoStar and the larger real estate market, Andy Florance discusses what the company's role will be as a residential real estate portal player in the U.S., and how the company's residential portal Homes.com would stick to the 'your listing, your lead' principle.

View allHide

Publications

Commentary: VCU and VCU Health are leading in education, health care and student success

Co-author

Aug 2023

Richmond, VA, USA

Andy Florance and co-author, Todd P. Haymore, discuss the important work done and accolades received by Virginia Commonwealth University and VCU Health. In addition, the two authors express their support of VCU Health ending its participation in a development known as the Clay Street Project.

Memberships

Meridian International Center

Member

Washington, DC, USA

Meridian is a nonpartisan, nonprofit diplomacy center that links leaders through culture and collaboration to drive global solutions.

Awards & Recognition

20th Annual International Business Awards®

Executive of the Year & Best Entrepreneur | Real Estate

2023

The Stevie® Awards are the world's premier business awards. They were created to honor and generate public recognition of the achievements and positive contributions of organizations and working professionals worldwide. Andy Florance was honored with a Gold Stevie® Award for Executive of the Year and Best Entrepreneur award in the Real Estate category.

DC’s 2023 Tech Titans

Honoree

2023

Washington, DC, USA

The Washingtonian's list includes the most important and innovative leaders in DC’s tech scene. CoStar Group and its founder & CEO, Andy Florance, are honored for their continued success, which includes a forthcoming research-and-tech campus in Richmond.

Power 100

Honoree

2023

New York, NY, USA

The Power 100 list, published annually, recognizes the most impactful figures in the commercial real estate industry and highlights the companies and figures adapting and innovating in the rapidly evolving CRE space.

RISMedia Newsmakers

Honoree | Futurist

2023

New York, NY, USA

The RISMedia Real Estate Newsmakers lists spotlights the industry’s most dynamic individuals for their accomplishments and contributions to their companies, colleagues and clients, and to the larger cause of expanding homeownership.

The Swanepoel Power 200

Honoree

2023

New York, NY, USA

The Swanepoel Power 200 ranks the most powerful leaders in the residential real estate brokerage industry. Criteria used include the scope and power of leaders’ positions, financial resources at their disposal, their trajectory and much more.

Inman Power Players Awards

Honoree

2023

The Inman Power Players awards honor the most influential figures across the residential real estate space and represent the pinnacle of industry success.

The 30 Most Powerful People in Commercial Real Estate Proptech

Honoree

2022

New York, NY, USA

Commercial Observer's list recognizes a range of leaders in the industry from real estate firms to major landlords and brokerages.

Virginia Commonwealth University

Doctor of Humane Letters

2022

Richmond, VA, USA

The Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters, VCU’s highest form of recognition, acknowledges outstanding contributions to society through scholarship, humanitarianism, science, art and public service.

America's Most Innovative Leaders

Honoree

2019

New York, NY, USA

The methodology of Most Innovative Leaders list is built upon four essential leadership qualities of top founders and CEOs: media reputation for innovation, social connections, track record for value creation and investor expectations for value creation.

View allHide

Training & Management Courses

Harvard Business School

Corporate Governance Program

1999

Cambridge, MA, USA

The Making Corporate Boards More Effective program helps participants gain a deeper understanding of the board's responsibilities in areas such as finance, strategy, executive compensation and compliance.

MIT | Center for Real Estate

Real Estate Capital Markets

1997

Cambridge, MA, USA

MIT’s Center for Real Estate (CRE) investigates the real estate practice and transaction from initial concept to market realization.

Speaking Engagements

Who Will Win the Portal Challenge and Why: One-on-One With Andy Florance

Featured Speaker

Sep 2023

Washington, DC, USA

CoStar CEO Andy Florance joined John Featherston to offer his unfiltered view of the current real estate portal environment and the factors that will lead to ultimate success for both real estate professionals and consumers.

Virginia Commonwealth University Commencement Address

Keynote Speaker

May 2019

Richmond, VA, USA

In his address, Andy Florance shared how he overcame the odds to become a successful business executive, and shared how adversity can be an important driver of success. At the ceremony, Florance was also awarded an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters.

Community Engagement

Protestant Episcopal Cathedral Foundation

Board of Trustees

Washington, DC, USA

Founded in 1893, the Protestant Episcopal Cathedral Foundation (PECF) was chartered by Congress over 100 years ago to promote the causes of religion, education and charity.

Press Releases

CoStar Group Signs Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) Commitment for Emissions Reduction

May 2023

SBTi is a joint initiative of environmental impact tracking organization CDP, the United Nations Global Compact, World Resources Institute (WRI) and the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF). “At CoStar Group we are proud of our commitments to reducing our environmental impact, and this is one of the pillars of our ESG goals,” said Andy Florance, Founder & CEO. "

CoStar Group CEO and Founder Andy Florance Named as Top Ten on SP200 Real Estate's Most Powerful and Influential List

Jan 2023

New York, NY, USA

The 10th annual Swanepoel Power 200 (SP 200) analyzes and ranks the top 245 industry leaders. The recognition of Andy Florance on the list comes on the heels of a banner year for the CoStar Group.

View allHide

Andy’s Education

Virginia Commonwealth University

Doctor of Humane Letters

Princeton University

B.A. | Economics