The privately held Chinese venture capital firm ToJoy Holding Co. is leasing the entire 10th floor of the 12-story Hammacher Schlemmer Building at 145 E. 57th St., between Lexington and Third avenues.
ToJoy provides support for global companies seeking to invest in China as well as for Chinese companies focused on entering the US marketplace.
In China, the private holding company identifies and invests in regional firms and assists them through its franchise business accelerator platform.
Its founder and chairman, Junqing Lu, is a legendary Chinese business leader and has established many charitable organizations while promoting innovation and entrepreneurship. His book, “Happy Companies Are the Best Companies,” promotes the happy enterprise theory.
Connie Lu of Keller Williams represented the Beijing-based firm in the 4,399-square-foot lease.
The building, owned by ABS Partners and Benenson Investment Co., is represented by an ABS team of John Brod, Robert Finkelstein and Alex Kaskel. The asking rent was $75 per square foot.
In another recent deal, Speyside Equity leased the building’s new, glass-boxed penthouse, which includes a private terrace and river-to-river views.