Noted for its ‘deep specialisation’ in venture capital, Bronstein, Zilberberg, Chueiri & Potenza Advogados has established itself as a powerhouse in the Brazilian market. Representing start-ups, venture capital funds, and investment funds, the group has amassed extensive experience handling high-value and high-profile seed investments, funding rounds, and capital injections involving foreign jurisdictions. The team has particular strengths advising on technology transactions, although it remains active across the financial services, food and beverage, and healthcare sectors. With the ability to support both investors and efast-growing businesses, alongside its involvement in emerging areas such as cryptocurrency and digital assets, the practice has expanded its client roster which is comprised of notable names from the financial services and technology industries. Spearheading the department are Eduardo Zilberberg, Guilherme Potenza, Sergio Bronstein, and Pedro Chueiri, all of whom are sought after for their ‘quality of service and remarkable capabilities'. Zilberberg regularly assists VC funds with investments in Brazil, while Potenza concentrates on investment rounds and VC-backed M&A deals. Bronstein is a key contact for private equity funds and CVCs seeking assistance with investment and funding rounds in the technology space, and Chueiri stands out for his aptitude for both domestic and cross-border VC transactions.

The venture capital practice at FM/Derraik is highly regarded for its robust offering which spans the full life-cycle of start-ups, from investment rounds to exits and IPOs. The department is also active across an array of sectors such as technology, healthcare, and agribusiness, among many others. Sought after by venture capital and private equity funds, start-ups, and technology companies, the group is capable of handling both domestic and cross-border transactions, including funding rounds and capital injections, as well as advising on structuring investment vehicles, due diligence, and corporate venture programmes. Fabiana Fagundes co-heads the team alongside Rodrigo Menezes, focusing on advising funds and companies on fundraising rounds for both early and late-stage startups, regulatory compliance, and the formation of investment funds. Menezes stands out for his expertise in handling both local and multijurisdictional VC and private equity transactions, structuring CVC initiatives, and designing fund structures. Other key practitioners in the practice include VC investment specialists Pedro Ferreira, Juliene Piniano, and Gustavo Dalcolmo. Cristiana Rebelo departed from the firm in October 2024.

Offering both transactional and regulatory support to VC funds, start-ups, and businesses, Pinheiro Neto Advogados is well equipped to handle the gamut of venture capital matters. The team regularly advises on fund formations and structuring, seed and late-stage investment rounds, and regulatory issues emerging from the financial, life sciences, and technology sectors. With extensive experience in complex transactions involving foreign jurisdictions, regulated markets, and emerging areas such as AI, the practice continues to grow its client roster which is comprised of notable names from the financial services, food and beverage, and technology industries. At the helm of the department is Álvaro Uliani M. dos Santos, who is well-versed in cross-border VC and PE transactions and the entire financing life-cycle, with a particular focus on the technology and healthcare sectors. The group also benefits from the aptitude of Thiago José da Silva, who acts for fintech companies on high-profile investment rounds and regulatory compliance matters. At the associate level, Victor Vinicius Pires, Lucas Gabriel Walker, and Andressa Ickowicz focus on VC investment rounds.

Distinguished by its ‘combination of strong technical expertise with a pragmatic, business-friendly approach’, the venture capital team at Mattos Filho is a popular choice for funds and businesses seeking assistance with fundraising rounds, investments, and VC-backed M&A transactions. The group is capable of handling high-value and high-profile matters on both a domestic and international scale. With deep expertise and cross-border capabilities, the practice’s client roster – comprised of notable names from the financial services, food and beverage, and technology sectors – continues to expand. Specialising in fund formations and investment structures, Marina Procknor is a key practitioner in the department and has extensive experience advising on VC transactions and regulatory issues, and the creation of investment vehicles. A key contact for cross-border matters, Tomás Neiva regularly assists investors and companies with VC financings. The group also benefits from the aptitude of Camilla Martes, who concentrates on investment rounds in the technology sector, while Rio-based Fabio Montenegro is adept in fund formation and VC transactions.

Nabarro & Pfeferman Advogados‘ venture capital team, noted for its ‘technical knowledge, service, and knowledge of the client’s business,’ is adept at advising start-ups, angel investors and funds on fundraisings, VC transactions, and operational agreements. Technology specialist Diego Nabarro co-leads the department alongside Thomas Pfeferman; both practitioners concentrate on advising domestic and foreign start-ups, accelerators, and angel investors, as well as PE and VC funds on financing rounds and VC transactions. The practice also benefits from the knowledge of Matheus de Morais Barroso, who focuses on start-up acquisitions and funding rounds. On the tax and foreign investment front, Diego Enrico Peñas is a key contact in the department. Luiza Martinez left the firm in December 2024.

Veirano Advogados‘ venture capital practice is recognised for its ‘advanced technical knowledge’. The team has a robust offering which spans equity financing rounds, investments, and CVC programme structuring on both a domestic and international level. In addition to its broad capabilities, the department has experience handling high-profile, high-value transactions for venture capital and private equity funds, banks, and companies. It has also established a strong presence in emerging sectors such as cryptocurrency and blockchain. Practice co-head Guilherme Ohanian Monteiro, regarded as ‘one of the best lawyers for start-ups,’ is skilled at handling investment rounds, commercial negotiations, and structuring venture capital funds and CVCs. Technology expert and fellow co-head Daniel Augusto Malatesta is also adept at handling investment rounds and VC-backed acquisitions. Another key practitioner in the team is João Pedro Zagni, who concentrates on financing rounds, with a particular focus on the technology sector.

The venture capital practice at B/Luz, which ‘stands out for its combination of technical excellence, personalised service, and a deep understanding of the client’s needs’, offers assistance with financing rounds, structuring CVC initiatives, and regulatory issues. The group, instructed by venture capital and investment funds, start-ups, and technology companies, is active across various sectors, including retail, financial services, and technology. Co-head  Felipe Baptista Luz acts for angel investors and investment funds on investment rounds. He oversees the department with Rafael Peixoto Abal, noted for his experience in investments involving the tech sector, and Lia Esposito Roston. Other key practitioners in the team include Marcela Vieira Marconi and Lucian Rocha. Adriana Gomes Dos Santos is no longer at the firm.

With experience in both domestic and cross-border venture capital transactions, the team at BRZ - Barbosa, Raimundo, Gontijo, Câmara e Zanotta Advogados is a trusted choice for VC funds and start-ups involved in early and late-stage investment rounds, fundraising, and structured finance transactions. The group also provides advisory services on regulatory matters, investment negotiations, agreement reviews, and, thanks to its broad expertise, continues to attract new clients to its roster. Spearheading the practice are Julio Barbosa, Rodrigo Câmara, and Alessandra Salgado, all of whom bring a wealth of knowledge to the team. Barbosa is particularly skilled in managing investment negotiations and due diligence, while Câmara excels in leading pre-seed rounds and joint ventures. Salgado is a key contact for her expertise in venture capital investments, start-up advisory, and fundraising.

The addition of venture capital and private equity specialists João Busin, Juliana Maluf and Beatriz Seixas from TozziniFreire in May 2024 has significantly strengthened Demarest Advogados‘ position in the VC space. The team advises venture capital funds, investors, and start-ups on a range of investments, restructuring, exits, and portfolio management mandates. Busin brings over 20 years of experience in M&A and alternative investments, assisting both local and international investors, while Maluf is known for her extensive expertise in VC matters. Seixas combines experience in both M&A and VC transactions.

The venture capital practice at Machado Meyer Sendacz e Opice Advogados is highly sought after by both investors and start-ups for its expertise in investments, capital raising, and share acquisitions, both at the domestic and multijurisdictional levels. At the helm of the department is Manuela Lisboa Gentil Monteiro who advises investment funds, start-ups, and corporate venture groups on fundraisings, investment rounds, and exits, as well as due diligence and agreements. Mariana Meditsch is recommended for her proficiency in start-up investments and VC deals.

Marcus Valverde Sociedade de Advogados, described by clients as an ‘agile firm’, has deep expertise in venture capital transactions ranging from investment rounds to VC-backed acquisitions. The group predominantly acts for investment and venture capital funds on transactional work and corporate governance matters. Heading up the venture capital practice is the ‘conciliatory and reasonable’ Marcus Valverde, who specialises in investments in technology start-ups, and regulatory compliance.

With the ability to advise on the various stages of venture capital investments, the team at Trench Rossi Watanabe is regularly instructed by start-ups, private equity houses, and financial institutions. The practice has deep experience assisting with early-stage funding rounds, late-stage investments, and divestments, as well as providing regulatory advice. Heading up the department is Monica Castro Pereira Cavalcanti, who specialises in regulatory, transactional, and contractual matters.