2026 Ones to Watch - Rising Stars: Eric Wright, Safehold Inc.

“Eric exemplifies the qualities of a Rising Star. A disciplined originator with sharp analytical instincts and a creative approach to deal structuring, he has helped close more than $2 billion in transactions since 2014 across ground leases, mortgages, mezzanine debt, preferred equity, and joint venture capital. Now focused on ground lease originations, he pairs a collaborative approach with rigorous underwriting expertise, distinguishing himself as an emerging leader in commercial real estate.” 

What inspired you to pursue a career in your industry, and what path brought you to your current role?

I’ve always been fascinated by the built environment and the role real estate plays in shaping communities and creating economic opportunities. After studying real estate finance, I joined iStar because of its reputation for innovation and willingness to challenge conventional thinking. In 2017, we saw a better way for owners to unlock the value of the land beneath their buildings, and we launched Safehold as the creator of the modern ground lease. Today, we’ve deployed over $7 billion across 165 ground leases nationwide, and I originate new investments across the eastern half of the U.S.

What trends or opportunities do you see shaping the future of your industry?

Housing is the defining opportunity. We see tremendous unmet demand across market-rate, affordable, and senior housing, and multifamily has become the core of our business. At the same time, developers are struggling to make deals pencil due to elevated construction costs, stubbornly high interest rates, and competition for risk capital. Efficient capital is more important than ever, and our modern ground lease is the lowest cost of capital available. As the industry continues to embrace more efficient structures, we see significant opportunities for growth.