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Venture capital and emerging companies

INTRODUCTION

Navigating the world of venture capital requires not only strategic insight but also expert guidance from legal experts to secure and optimise investment opportunities.

We provide comprehensive legal support to entrepreneurs and startups seeking investment for their business as well as seed and venture capital funds, angel investors and family offices looking to invest in a growing company. We are particularly renowned for advising entrepreneurial businesses and guide our clients through every step of the investment lifecycle through to exit, ensuring they are protected throughout.

We get to know the business of our clients and offer advice which is tailored to their specific goals. We recognise and understand the risks, including those that need to be taken to be successful, allowing those we partner with to concentrate on what is important; building their business. We develop long-term relationships and work with our clients from the inception of an idea and initial investment rounds to launch, growth, successful exit and beyond.

Our deal volume ranges from early stage financings, including startup matters and initial SEIS/EIS or other angel investments, to multiple rounds of investments (including domestic and international mandates) and beyond. We have established links to providers of capital or company deal flow thanks to our deep-rooted ties and commitment to the early stage ecosystem.

Our advice covers:

  • Investment: structuring, drafting, negotiating and advising on all relevant investment documents
  • Commercial: the full spectrum of commercial, IP and technology agreements
  • Tax: advising how best to structure investments tax-efficiently, including the Enterprise and Seed Enterprise Investment Schemes (EIS and SEIS)
  • Share schemes and benefits: advising on tax-efficient share incentive arrangements for senior management and other staff, including advising on enterprise management incentive (EMI) options to incentivise key employees
  • IP: protecting, enforcing and exploiting IP rights (typically the key assets of early stage companies)
  • Advising on data protection or privacy issues
  • Employment: advising on employment arrangements to ensure that key staff are appropriately locked in

The Vault

Our startup portal designed specifically for founders and emerging companies.

The Vault offers a range of resources, carefully crafted to support startups. Understanding the financial constraints and resource limitations that many startups encounter, a core element of The Vault is the document hub. This offers a suite of template documents for founders, available for free download.

Our people

Get in touch

Co-Managing Partner

Tony Littner

Corporate
Partner

Tom Macleod

Corporate
Co-Managing Partner

Charlie Leveque

Corporate
Partner

Mark Phillips

Corporate and commercial
Partner

Rhys Llewellyn

Corporate
Consultant

Colin Howes

Corporate
Managing Associate

Rosie Marston

Corporate

Testimonials

What people say

Their ability to switch from the perspective of the entrepreneur to the investor is brilliant and helps close good transactions. They understand both sides of the equation and negotiate the most favourable deal.”

The Legal 500

I have been consistently impressed by the quality, integrity and clarity of their advice. They combine professionalism and structure with a personal and responsive service. They work well together across all levels, and are business aware and attuned to my company and sector.”

The Legal 500

They are very pragmatic, hard-working and efficient. The various specialist teams work closely together. It’s around the clock service.”

Chambers UK

They assembled a team with a strong mix of backgrounds and experiences which fostered a collaborative, dynamic working environment, which aligned with our values and contributed to the success.”

Chambers UK

The team has fantastic knowledge and are always there to help. They are a diverse team and they offer very competitive pricing for early stage startups.’

The Legal 500

They are very forward thinking, with an ability to think ahead in a commercial fashion and save the client money down the line.’

The Legal 500

The team has very strong experience in the venture capital space and is actively involved in the industry to ensure that they have up to date commercial knowledge.’

The Legal 500

The team at Harbottle & Lewis have continued to demonstrate exceptional capability and proficiency in handling complex and sophisticated legal matters.”

Chambers UK

Harbottle & Lewis has excellent commercial consideration and appreciation for fundraising of all sizes.”

Chambers UK

Harbottle understands startups so well. There is always someone in the team that can help.”

Chambers UK