- RillaVoice, an AI-driven voice analytics startup, has signed a 10-year, 57,350 SF lease for the penthouse at 25 Kent Ave. in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
- The deal is the largest office lease in Williamsburg in over a year, signaling renewed momentum from AI and tech tenants in New York’s office market.
- Asking rent was $76 PSF, far exceeding the North Brooklyn market average of $44, reflecting the premium appeal of 25 Kent’s amenities and location.
- RillaVoice is relocating from Long Island City and joins major tenants such as Amazon Music, Kith, and Altana AI at the building.
AI Leads the Way in Office Comeback
According to CoStar, RillaVoice, a startup specializing in AI-powered voice transcription and analytics for sales teams, has committed to a major office lease in Williamsburg. The company signed a 10-year agreement for the entire eighth-floor penthouse at 25 Kent Ave., totaling over 57,000 SF.
The lease, the largest in Williamsburg in the past year, reflects a broader trend of AI and tech firms driving leasing activity in New York City’s office sector.
Premium Space at a Premium Price
The penthouse deal comes with a notable price tag—$76 PSF—well above the North Brooklyn average. Despite broader concerns around office leasing, high-end spaces with strong amenities continue to draw premium tenants.
RillaVoice cited the building’s location and collaborative work environment as key draws. “There is a seamless connection to the cultural energy of waterfront Williamsburg that felt like home,” said CEO Sebastian Jimenez.
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25 Kent: A Magnet for Tech and Creative Firms
Since its completion in 2017, 25 Kent has emerged as a tech and creative hub. The eight-story, 500,000+ SF building includes standout features such as a 12,000 SF rooftop terrace, bouldering wall, and nearly 4,000 SF of private outdoor space. This level of leasing activity also reflects broader improvements in commercial real estate deal flow, as buyer and seller expectations begin to align more closely.
Tenants now include a mix of major names like Amazon Music, streetwear brand Kith, and other AI startups such as Altana AI. New signings in the past year include Five Iron Golf and Autonomous Technologies Group.
Why It Matters
This lease highlights how AI firms are increasingly seen as key drivers in the office recovery, particularly in creative and tech-friendly submarkets like Williamsburg. The deal also reinforces the appeal of amenity-rich, modern office buildings in a shifting workplace landscape.
What’s Next
As AI and machine learning startups continue scaling, expect more prominent leasing activity across New York City. With landlords focusing on next-generation amenities and design, developments like 25 Kent are becoming prototypes for post-pandemic office demand.
RillaVoice’s move signals that Brooklyn, long viewed as an alternative to Manhattan, is now firmly in the conversation for tech headquarters.
