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Venture Capital and Investment

Advice for every stage of your growth journey

We deliver market-leading advice to IP-rich, fast-growth companies and to those that invest in them.

Whether you are launching a new venture, scaling your business or steering your company through the challenges of a changing market, we work with founders and investors to navigate every problem and opportunity together. We make it our mission to share your vision and protect your interests at every stage of your growth journey.

Our Emerging Companies and Venture Capital team are embedded across the key innovation hubs of London, Cambridge and Oxford, as well as across the UK and US innovation ecosystems. We have an intimate knowledge of market trends and a proven track record in supporting entrepreneurs, TTOs, spin-outs, and social ventures throughout their growth journey and all the way through to exit. We have a team of experienced early-stage and venture capital lawyers with deep sector expertise across technology and AI, life sciences, healthcare, SaaS, eco-tech, e-commerce, retail and other fast-evolving sectors.

Delivering high-quality, consistent legal support that extends beyond growth.

Early-stage advice tailored to emerging companies

Unlock the growth potential of your business.

Whether it’s your first funding round or you are gearing up for a later stage investment, we provide practical solutions and specialist funding advice. We have deep sector experience and significant expertise in advising emerging companies at all stages of their business lifecycle. From seed to exit, we are there to support you throughout that journey and help you succeed.

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Delivering successful deals from pre-seed funding to series C and beyond

Throughout last year, we advised on over 170 fundraising rounds, closing +£1bn in funding.

See our latest deals View our Fundraising Report

We are more than just lawyers

We are trusted advisors who share your vision.

We are aligned to the needs of your business and investor expectations, offering hands-on-support and access to our ever-growing network across the innovation economy. Our emerging companies and venture capital lawyers provide expertise that extends beyond legal advice. We make it our mission to gain a deep understanding of your business, the sector in which you operate in and the unique challenges you face so we can identify practical solutions that drive your growth plans. Our team regularly advise some of the world’s most cutting-edge emerging companies and those that invest in them.

Meet the team

Supporting your growth journey at every stage

From early-stage investment through to exit, we know what that journey looks like. Our legal support covers:

Business lifecycle:

Setting up your company for success

We provide practical advice on company formation, founder agreements, share options, and other foundational elements to ensure your startup has a solid foundation, optimised for growth and can leverage funding under SEIS and/or EIS investment schemes.
Funding and investment options

We navigate the complexities of seeking investment, connecting you with suitable investors and advising on equity, debt and alternative financing structures.

Securing the right premises

Whether you plan on buying or leasing your business premises, we can support you in the negotiation of the lease or acquisition of the premise.

Establishing your IP strategy

Your business is likely to have many IP assets, some of them with a greater significance than perhaps you realised. We identify what your key IP assets are and ensure they are registered and protected, ensuring you gain a competitive advantage.
Attracting and retaining talent

We advise on employment contracts, equity schemes and incentives that attract top talent while aligning with your business objectives.

Expanding globally

Our team provides guidance on international expansion, helping you navigate cross-border legal considerations and establish a global presence.

Managing your workforce

We help you manage employment relations and mitigate risks, ensuring legal compliance and fostering a positive workplace culture.
Acquiring synergistic businesses

We support your growth through M&A, conducting due diligence and advising on transactions that complement and enhance your business.

Entering new markets

Our connections and expertise facilitate your entry into new markets, leveraging partnerships and collaborative opportunities.

Maximising your commercial contracts

We negotiate and draft contracts that protect your interests, support your commercial objectives, and drive revenue growth.
Ensuring regulatory compliance, data and cyber security

We keep you ahead of regulatory changes, ensuring compliance and robust data and cyber security to protect your operations.

Managing disputes strategically

We have one of the largest and most comprehensive disputes teams in London. We take ownership of your dispute, fight your corner, and fiercely guard your interests.
Aligning corporate and personal interests

We ensure your personal wealth strategy complements your business goals, providing integrated advice for holistic success.

Planning for inheritance

Our estate planning services secure your legacy, providing for future generations while considering tax implications and asset protection.

Protecting your family

We offer legal solutions that safeguard your family's future, from trusts to wealth management, ensuring long-term security.
Planning for exit and due diligence

We prepare your business for exit, conducting thorough due diligence to maximise value and streamline the sale process.

Making strategic introductions

Our network enables strategic introductions, connecting you with the right partners and opportunities for your business's next chapter.

Negotiating the best sale terms

We advocate for your interests in sale negotiations, striving to secure the best possible terms and a successful transaction.

We offer competitive pricing for early stage companies

Whether you are a startup, scale up or investor, we always provide a fixed fee or a clear fee arrangement to ensure you are in control and gain full transparency over costs.

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Mishcon GC

Tailored expert legal support that seamlessly integrates into your business through our agile outsourced General Counsel service.

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IP Audit and Strategy

We will provide you with a clear picture of your current IP status, including any assets which may not yet be registered, but should be protected.

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Mishcon DPO

Our outsourced Data Protection Officer subscription providing you with a single source of data protection and privacy guidance.

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Mishcon ENTITY

We provide a robust and efficient single point of contact to streamline your company secretarial and governance management.

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MDR Lab

For early-stage startups transforming the legal sector. MDR Lab can help get you on the path to product market fit.

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Mishcon Academy

Creating industry leading learning experiences that deliver long-lasting change through courses and bespoke learning.

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Fundraising Report

Throughout last year, we advised on over 181 fundraising rounds, closing +£1.2bn in funding.

Read the report

Founder's Handbook

Creating and setting up a new business should be not only an exciting journey, but also a successful one. To help you start and keep moving in the right direction, our Emerging Companies Team has drawn on their broad experience to produce our Founder’s Handbook.

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The Risk Readiness Report

To support our goal to shape a better world through innovation, we surveyed more than 500 founders of businesses with annual revenues ranging from under £100,000 to more than £500 million.

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Checklist for employers when engaging in global remote working

Recruiting globally gives you unbeatable access to the best talent, yet can be complex. Our global remote working checklist helps make the process simpler. It highlights all the key legal and practical points, so you can determine the actions required.

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Preparing for exit

The journey towards a successful merger or acquisition is paved with detailed preparation and strategic foresight. Whether you're on the sell-side or the buy-side, the complexities of such transactions demand not just legal expertise, but a deep understanding of your business and the unique challenges within your industry.

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