Venture Capital & Emerging Companies

Mintz Levin's Venture Capital & Emerging Companies practice group represents numerous venture capital firms and other private equity investors as well as a large number of venture capital-backed businesses in a wide range of industries, such as biotechnology, high technology, the Internet, and nanotechnology. Our attorneys understand the venture capital process and have significant experience with the documentation involved in venture capital financings. We understand the standards by which venture capitalists assess ventures, the types and terms of securities involved, and the dynamics of multi-investor groups. Our assessments of legal risks are informed by keen, practical judgment based on our knowledge, experience, and resources.

Investor Representation

We represent investors through all phases of their investment cycle, beginning with the formation of their partnerships and continuing as counsel to their funds. Our practice involves representation in all types of financing, from early- or seed-stage investments through subsequent multi-investor and mezzanine financing. Our long history working in cutting-edge business sectors allows us to bring investment opportunities in growth industries to the attention of our clients and to provide them with the insight they need to evaluate those opportunities.

Company Representation

Advising entrepreneurs in the formation, growth, and maturation of new companies has always been a cornerstone of our practice. Over the years we have represented emerging growth companies in all types of financings, both private and public. Through our representation on the investor side, we gain continual insight into the changing criteria venture capitalists are utilizing in their analysis of opportunities. This allows us to provide industry-savvy business advice to our clients, as well as skilled legal service in closing deals. 

Please click here to view a pdf of our Venture Capital and Emerging Companies practice brochure.

Start-up Representation

Advising entrepreneurs on the formation and growth of new businesses is a cornerstone of Mintz Levin's practice. Our understanding of start-up businesses and the unique industry environments in which they operate allows us to offer an array of value-added services to emerging growth companies:

• Securing Financing

  We introduce our start-up clients to financing sources, both individual "angel" investors and venture capital firms, and have represented these clients in scores of venture capital financings and private placements.

• Developing a Business Plan

  Our attorneys provide advice on strategic financial planning, marketing, and management issues in the development of business plans that will attract potential investors. We also work objectively with companies that already have business plans in place, exploring transaction options that link to their existing plans.

• Building Networks

  We can provide introductions to potential strategic partners, individuals who may become outside directors, accountants who specialize in and therefore understand the needs of small and growing businesses, and other professionals such as insurance brokers and investment advisors. We are also active in—and can provide introductions to members of—both regional and national industry associations.

• HR Basics

  Our start-up kits focus on the legal nuts and bolts of becoming an employer during the start-up phase and are particularly beneficial for the firm's many start-up clients, as the gifted entrepreneurs who get them off the ground begin to face the administrative challenges inherent in growing an idea into a successful company.

Please click here to view a pdf of our Start-Up Kit and Legal Checklist for Start-Ups.