Top Real Estate Counsel for Negotiating Commercial Leases

Get practical guidance for negotiating commercial leases with startup-focused real estate experts who understand New York City office markets, fast-moving timelines, and growth-stage priorities. From evaluating terms to avoiding costly concessions, this guide helps founders make smarter leasing decisions with clarity, leverage, and a stronger long-term occupancy strategy.

Startup founders reviewing a commercial lease with an advisor

Our Commercial Lease Services

Startup-focused support for office search, lease strategy, negotiation, and occupancy planning in New York City.

Lease Strategy

Clarify headcount, budget, timing, and growth plans before entering the market so your lease structure supports flexibility, hiring, and long-term operating goals.

Space Discovery

Identify curated office options that match your team culture, location priorities, and financial targets across key New York City neighborhoods.

Lease Negotiation

Negotiate business terms, concessions, and risk allocation with tenant-focused representation designed to improve leverage and reduce costly surprises.

Commercial lease negotiation process meeting

How Startup Lease Negotiations Work

Define Space And Growth Needs

Start by aligning headcount forecasts, budget, workplace goals, and timeline. For startups in New York City, this step is critical because neighborhood, commute patterns, and building type can materially affect recruiting and retention.

Review Market Options Strategically

Evaluate Financial And Legal Terms

Negotiate Business Points Confidently

Finalize And Prepare For Occupancy

Trusted By Startups

Client Results

See how growth-stage companies secure smarter office deals with experienced tenant representation.

"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 market knowledge, execution support, and startup-focused guidance throughout the leasing journey.

Startup Focus

Built around high-growth companies that need flexible terms, speed, and strategic occupancy planning.

NYC Expertise

Deep knowledge of New York City submarkets helps clients compare leverage across NoMad, Flatiron, SoHo, and Williamsburg.

End-To-End

Support extends from search and negotiation through buildout, delivery, and ongoing space operations.

Proven Volume

More than 300 buildouts and 2 million square feet leased inform smarter lease decisions.

Meet The NYC Team

Experienced advisors for startup office 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 should startups prioritize when negotiating a commercial lease?

Startups should focus on total occupancy cost, lease flexibility, growth rights, and delivery obligations. Key terms often include base rent, free rent, tenant improvement allowance, renewal options, assignment and sublease rights, expansion rights, and operating expense pass-throughs. A strong negotiation balances immediate budget needs with future hiring plans so the space remains workable as the company scales.

How early should a startup begin the commercial lease process?

What lease terms usually have the biggest financial impact?

Why use tenant representation instead of negotiating directly with a landlord?

Can a startup negotiate flexibility into a longer lease?

How do tenant improvement allowances work?

What neighborhoods are most relevant for startup office leasing in NYC?

What happens after lease terms are agreed upon?

Still Have Lease Questions?

Talk with startup-focused advisors about your next office decision.

Areas We Serve

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

NYC Neighborhoods

Service Area

300+ Completed

Buildouts

2M+ Sq Ft

Leasing Volume

Need Help In Your Area?

Ask about office leasing support in your target neighborhood.

Trusted & Proven

Awards and Recognition

300 plus buildouts trust badge

300+ Buildouts

Demonstrates extensive project delivery experience.

2 million square feet leased trust badge

2M+ Sq Ft

Shows significant leasing transaction volume.

Full-service commercial real estate trust badge

Full-Service Partner

Reflects integrated brokerage and execution support.

Talk Through Your Next Lease

Share your timeline, team size, and target neighborhoods, and get practical guidance on office search, lease terms, and negotiation strategy.

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