Geral

Mayer Brown’s Emerging Companies & Venture Capital practice partners with founders, startups, venture capital and growth equity investors, and corporate venture capital teams to build, finance, and scale the companies reshaping our economy. From formation to exit—by IPO, M&A, or SPAC—we deliver the transactional excellence, sector knowledge, and commercial judgment that distinguish great legal advisors. Our lawyers are immersed in the industries driving innovation: AI and machine learning, fintech and digital assets, cybersecurity, insurtech, life sciences, climate tech, autonomous vehicles, and enterprise software. This deep sector knowledge means advice that is not only legally rigorous but commercially informed.

Growth companies will not outgrow Mayer Brown. As a leading global capital markets, finance, and M&A firm, we offer emerging companies the rare advantage of a full-service platform with presence in Silicon Valley, New York, Los Angeles, London, Dubai, Tokyo, São Paulo, and beyond. Clients gain access to sophisticated tax structuring, cross-border regulatory guidance, and market-leading practices in securities, IP transactions, employment, and corporate governance at every stage of growth.

For Founders & Emerging Companies

We serve as outside general counsel from formation through exit advising on entity structuring, founder equity arrangements, equity incentive, commercial contracts, and IP protection. Our financing practice spans seed rounds through late-stage venture, growth equity, venture debt, and pre-IPO crossover rounds.

As you scale, we provide counsel on corporate governance, board composition and dynamics, stockholder arrangements, regulatory compliance, and the technology licensing and IP matters central to your business. When you are ready for a liquidity event, our premier capital markets and M&A teams comprising hundreds of lawyers stand ready to deliver.

For Venture Capital & Growth Equity Investors

On the portfolio investment side, we bring efficiency and market knowledge to every deal, whether a lead investment requiring bespoke documentation or a co-investment following a lead investor’s term sheet. We advise on preferred stock economics, protective provisions, board representation, information and registration rights, anti-dilution mechanics, and pay-to-play structures. Our experience representing investors across hundreds of financings annually gives clients insight into evolving market terms and helps them move decisively when opportunities arise.

For Corporate Venture Capital Teams

For corporate investors pursuing deeper relationships with portfolio companies, we advise on strategic commercial agreements, technology licensing and development collaborations, data-sharing arrangements, and pathways to full acquisition. Our cross-practice capabilities in antitrust, tax, IP, and international regulatory matters allow us to address the complexities that arise when a corporate investor’s strategic interests intersect with its portfolio company’s independence and growth trajectory.

Mayer Brown supports early-stage and emerging companies, as well as venture capital clients and strategic investors involved in financing, partnering with, and acquiring the entities.

The Legal 500 US

Reconhecimento

The Legal 500 US

Nationwide: M&A/Corporate and Commercial: Venture Capital and Emerging Companies
Nationwide: Investment Fund Formation and Management: Private Equity Funds (Including Venture Capital)

US News Best Lawyers/Law Firms

USA Nationwide: Venture Capital Law
Houston Regional: Venture Capital Law
Utah Regional: Venture Capital Law

Mayer Brown has a ‘creative and super smart’ emerging companies and venture capital team, led by Paul Chen in Silicon Valley, which has expanded significantly in recent years.

The Legal 500 US

Move with Confidence

Whether you are a first-time founder preparing for a seed round, a growth-stage company navigating complex governance and regulatory questions, or an investor deploying capital across a portfolio, we offer the perspectives, tools, and counsel to help you move with confidence. Let our market insight and multidisciplinary capabilities be the foundation for your next milestone.