With a strong track record in handling Series A, B, and D financings, the Goodwin team is hailed as ‘hard working, responsive, and commercial’ by its domestic and international client-base. The practice’s expertise in all stages of funding rounds is extensive, with the main fields of focus being AI, life sciences, and consumer finance. Splitting his time between Cambridge and London, department head David Mardle is an expert in financings and M&A transactions, while Sophie McGrath is well-versed in cross-border venture capital matters. Andrew Davis acts for tech corporations, investors, and acquirers, Elizabeth Rhodes is highly knowledgeable in the tech and healthcare industries, and Adam Thatcher concentrates on venture capital financings. The ‘proactive’ Kenny Walker-Durant is a private equity specialist and Maria Dragun focuses on company formations and reorganisations. Andrew Harrow oversees fundraisings for listed and private companies internationally and Graham Defries is labelled as a ‘go-to’.

Counting domestic and international companies from across the AI, fintech, and automotive industries among its key clients, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe (UK) LLP showcases vast cross-border capabilities when advising on Series B and C fundraisings. The team has extensive experience acting for private equity funds and major investors in all stages of Series financings, with a specific focus on complex investment transactions. The practice is spearheaded by Chris Grew, an expert in advising high-growth tech companies and investment banks, while Ylan Steiner is highly regarded for his work in secondary disposals and exits. The ‘extraordinary’ Shawn Atkinson specialises in M&A transactions and venture financings, while Jamie Moore consistently represents start-ups and unicorns. Peter Sugden concentrates on corporate governance matters, while both Stephen Tallon and Jason Wu are each noted as key practitioners. The firm also displays in-depth knowledge in the energy, infrastructure, and finance markets, while fielding London-based US-qualified attorneys.

Routinely overseeing high profile funding work in the AI and capital investment fields, the ‘great all-round’ outfit at Taylor Wessing LLP is highly experienced in the whole spectrum of financing rounds and bridge financing proceedings. The firm showcases ‘depth and expertise’ in the life sciences, tech, and renewable energy industries, consistently drawing upon cross-border insight with Europe and the US. Based out of London, Howard Palmer heads the team, specialising in complex investment round work and M&A transactions, and Josef Fuss acts for tech investors and entrepreneurs. Alexandra Richardson is well-versed in the software, climate tech and digital media sectors, while Cambridge’s Ross McNaughton is an expert in public capital raisings. Ian Moore advises corporations on every stage of the life cycle and Elinor Picton supports individual investors with their investments in fast-growth businesses. Angus Miln left the firm in September 2024.

Predominantly advising companies from startup through to exit, CMS is regularly instructed to handle multi-jurisdictional financing and seed funding rounds. The firm boasts strong links with private equity funds and venture capital investors, with its lawyers being particular experts in the real estate, TMT, and financial services spheres. John Finnemore and Anthony Waller are at the helm, each specialising in all stages of complex funding rounds and equity investments. Tom Jameson is highly knowledgeable in venture capital transactions, Edinburgh-based Helen Gillies concentrates on management buy-outs, while Sam Pout primarily focuses on strategic investments. Elliot Cowan is a fundraising and M&A specialist, and both Theo Godfrey and Corinna Lee focus on the life sciences, energy, and tech industries.

Providing bespoke advice to emerging companies, start-ups, and investors, Cooley (UK) LLP routinely builds ‘deep relationships’ through assisting clients with complex fundraising and financing rounds. The firm’s lawyers are well versed in the financial services, life sciences, and tech industries, frequently overseeing seed rounds and cross-border investments. An expert in representing venture-backed companies, Aaron Archer heads the practice, while Ryan Naftulin concentrates on equity financings and M&A transactions. Having joined the team in February 2025, Angus Miln specialises in funding rounds and company formations, while Ali Ramadan is especially well-versed in the tech and life sciences sectors. Helen Pantelides primarily focuses on venture capital and growth financings, Tom Goodman has expertise in corporate governance matters, and Eric Davison is knowledgeable in the AI and fintech fields.

Showcasing extensive expertise in handling strategic investments and follow-on financing rounds, the ‘accessible, knowledgeable’ outfit at Dentons advises clients on all aspects of fund formation, IP, and contractual matters. Leveraging its strong cross-border capabilities- mainly with Europe and North America- the firm’s lawyers are highly knowledgeable in the energy, blockchain, and banking sectors. The head Joseph Altendorff is described as a ‘safe pair of hands’, acting for both investors and investees, while Joseph Collingwood is well-versed in all aspects of the fundraising life cycle. James Davison concentrates on investment structures and Edinburgh’s Adam Knowles is also cited as key. Danni Hofmeyr stands out for her funding round work, Katie Henson has vast insight in corporate finance issues, and Alex Macdonald is noted as an integral team member.

Heavily praised for its ‘good market knowledge’, Latham & Watkins has extensive experience in all stages of financing rounds, alongside overseeing complex fundraising proceedings. The firm’s wide expertise covers the healthcare, fintech, and travel industries predominantly, acting for financial institutions, tech giants, and life sciences corporations on public offerings and bolt-on acquisitions. The trio of Mike Turner, Shing Lo, and Robbie McLaren spearhead the practice, each specialising in M&A transactions, late-stage financing rounds, and strategic investments. Jon Fox concentrates on private equity buyouts and disposals, Samantha Peacock has expertise in venture capital investments, Katie Kaplucha focuses on corporate matters, and Venice Ma is described as ‘very reliable’ and ‘responsive’.

With the ‘excellent’ David Strong at the helm, Marriott Harrison LLP heavily specialises in follow-on and seed investment rounds, especially in the manufacturing, software, and travel fields. The firm is especially knowledgeable in handing all stages of funding rounds, displaying considerable cross-border capabilities. The team’s corporate expertise is broad, extending to multi-jurisdictional venture debt financings, secondaries transactions and acquisitions. Strong has close relations with fast-growth tech companies and major investors, routinely advising on equity financings and M&A transactions. Frances Spooner demonstrates experience acting for angel investors, David Bettis provides strategic investment counsel, whilst Graham Halliday is an investment round specialist. Bradley Heath exhibits ‘top-class professionalism’ in capital fundraises, and both Kimberley Lam’s Descamps and Sean Kelly are also cited as integral team members.

Leveraging solid cross-border capabilities when handling global investment work and fundraising rounds, the ‘outstanding’ Mishcon de Reya LLP team is well-versed in the technology and life sciences fields. The firm’s client-base is particularly diverse, including domestic and international tech corporations, venture capital funds, and financial institutions. Based out of Cambridge, the duo of Chris Keen and Charlie Fletcher co-head the outfit, alongside London’s Erika McIntyre, each representing tech companies, entrepreneurs, and investors primarily. The expertise is vast, with the team showcasing a strong focus in M&A and complex angel investments. Hayley Cross covers venture capital funding transactions, whilst Oxford’s Nicola McConville mainly covers spin-outs. From London, Andrew Wolfin is knowledgeable in the fintech and healthtech spheres. In Cambridge, Adam Bradley is a further key contact.

Consistently advising on the entire life cycle of a company’s business, spanning from incorporation through to exit, Shoosmiths LLP is highly regarded for its knowledge in investment rounds and seed fundraisings. The firm’s track record in overseeing IPOs and multi-jurisdictional series financings is especially strong, with the team showcasing a solid focus on the fintech, medtech, and cleantech industries. The practice is headed by Alistair Hammerton and Alastair Peet in Birmingham, alongside London’s Steve Barnett, each specialising in acting for growth capital investors and major corporations. From Birmingham, Helen Burnell is highly knowledgeable in sustainable infrastructure transactions, while Belfast’s Grant Edwards primarily assists private equity houses and management teams. In Birmingham, Charlotte Cannell concentrates on the AI and cyber fields, and London’s Kat Hornsby is also cited as a key port of call.

Led by Chris Dyson and Rory Suggett out of Bristol, the Ashfords LLP team is hailed as ‘very commercial and transaction focused’, handling all stages of investment rounds and funding matters. Concentrating primarily on the tech, sustainability, and software fields, the firm has vast knowledge in secondary equity financings, with Dyson routinely acting for tech investment funds and growth companies. Suggett is highly regarded for his knowledge in equity fundraising transactions, Sam Brown is an expert in strategic growth initiatives, while Exeter’s Andrew Betteridge is also cited as an integral member. Jocelyn Ormond is a life sciences specialist, and in Exeter, Andy Young has insight into private equity issues.

Acting on behalf of start-ups, entrepreneurs, and venture capital funds, Brown Rudnick LLP has extensive expertise in complex financing and fundraising rounds, often spanning across multiple jurisdictions. The firm shows strength in the life sciences, tech, and fintech industries, with the lawyers being well-versed in financing and M&A transactions. Neil Foster heads the practice, being an expert in venture capital and private equity matters, Mark Dorff regularly assists private and public companies in complex transactions, while Tim Davison concentrates on the media and telecoms spheres. Matthew Edwards handles joint ventures after joining the team in February 2025, and Thomas Braiden is also highlighted as key.

Primarily counselling investors and emerging companies on all aspects of IPOs, M&A, and spinouts, Covington & Burling LLP deploys a ‘straightforward’ approach when handling cross-border transactions. The industries of specialism are mainly pharma, tech, and clean energy, with the team demonstrating vast seed financing knowledge. Gregor Frizzell heads the practice, while James Gubbins mainly focuses on growth-stage investments. James Halstead specialises in complex transactions and acquisitions, Ben Land-Maycock ‘embodies that approachable, high-energy personality’, focusing on acting for corporate funds, and both Katy Knight and Trudy Dargeviciute are both highlighted as key ports of call.

Boasting a strong track record in fundraisings and primary investment matters, the ‘super strong’ Fladgate LLP team is well versed in acting for founders and angel investors. The expertise extends to institutional series rounds and eventual exits, with team lead Howard Watt being a specialist in venture capital transactions. Graham Spitz concentrates on all aspects of M&A, Jamie Hamilton is a private equity expert, and Janine Suttie is described as ‘very commercial and technical’. Lucie Burniston is also highlighted as key.

Combining ‘professionalism and structure’, Harbottle & Lewis LLP is highly renowned for its knowledge in fundraising and financing rounds, acting for both investors and venture capital funds. The firm draws upon multi-jurisdictional capabilities- primarily in North America and Europe- regularly overseeing cross-border buyouts and fund formations. The duo of Tony Littner and Tom Macleod spearhead the outfit, specialising in assisting high-growth tech companies and entrepreneurial businesses. Charlie Leveque concentrates his practice in the tech and media fields, whilst both Mark Phillips and Rhys Llewellyn are highlighted for their investment focus. Colin Howes and Ed Lane are also commended for their contributions.

Focusing on the cybersecurity, fintech, and insurtech industries, the Ashurst team is described as ‘always professional in skill and service’, routinely handling all stages of fundraising rounds. Chris Grey, who heads up the UK Tech M&A practice, is noted for his track record working with investors and companies on an array of cross-border VC and growth transactions. while Jacob Gold primarily focuses on multi-jurisdictional investments. Dillon Fuzi is knowledgeable in strategic structuring, and Shaz Ali is also recommended.

Consistently overseeing listed management buyouts and complex fundraising rounds- often spanning across European jurisdictions- Browne Jacobson LLP acts on behalf of major angel investors and tech corporations. The practice is spearheaded by the trio of Richard Cox, Jon Snade, and the Birmingham-based Mike Jackson, each being experts in private equity transactions and venture debt funding matters. Nottingham’s Matt Bolton covers cross-border M&A; from Cardiff, Tom Saunderson assists early-stage companies; in Manchester, Ryan Brown is an investment specialist. All lawyers mentioned are London-based, unless stated otherwise.

Fieldfisher predominantly handles complex venture capital financings, spin-out seed stage investments, and funding rounds, often within the financial services and tech industries. Based out of London, Thomas Colmer is a specialist in series fundraisings and growth equity raise issues, with Janita Good bringing expertise on joint ventures and divestments. Tom Ward co-leads the team from the Manchester office, which also features M&A transaction expert Andrew Oliver.

Showing solid expertise in general seed investments and pre-seed funding rounds, Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP regularly acts for investors, venture capital-backed companies, and international corporates, particularly within the life sciences and tech spaces. Based out of Oxford, James Went leads the venture capital side, covering funding rounds and exit transactions, Will Axtell represents entrepreneurs and growth businesses, and Kathy Potter is also highlighted as key. Matthew Martin, who acts as the global head of corporate, is a further notable contact.

Advising start-ups and global tech corporations through the full spectrum of investment issues from the earliest stages through to exits and IPOs, Reed Smith LLP is hailed as being ‘commercially minded’ and ‘very responsive’. The ‘diligent, hardworking’ Michael Young leads the outfit, specialising in handling complex investment rounds and equity fundraisings, whilst Stephen Mooney is especially active in the tech and media sectors. Matthew Bowen focuses on cross-border transactions, and James Hatchard is an expert in follow-on equity investments.

Leveraging solid multi-jurisdictional capabilities, Bristows LLP is highly regarded for its handling of cross-border funding rounds and equity investments. Operating out of London, practice head Iain Redford is well versed in the TMT and life sciences spheres, Marek Petecki regularly advises on venture capital transactions, and David Horner concentrates on equity financing issues. Nick Cross is knowledgeable in general corporate affairs, and both Samuel Munday and Molly Whitehall are also noted.

Drawing upon strong cross-border capabilities when advising on all stages of funding rounds and equity investments, Burges Salmon LLP primarily concentrates on the fintech, cleantech, and healthtech industries. Based out of Edinburgh, Danny Lee co-leads the venture capital offering, overseeing multi-jurisdictional investment transactions, while fellow co-head Alex Lloyd specialises in technology and emerging companies from the Bristol and London offices. Mark Shepherd concentrates on refinancings and exits, and Charles Claisse is knowledgeable on joint ventures.

Displaying vast insight into series equity financings and pre-seed investment matters, Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP leverages its ‘broad international reach’ when handling complex venture capital transactions. The ‘exceptional’ Jon Gill heads the practice, mainly acting for private equity investors, and Manchester’s Lizzy Tindall is an M&A specialist. In Cardiff, Shelley Evans concentrates on joint ventures and Birmingham-based Mike Dyer is highlighted for his equity financing knowledge.

Led by Michael Jacobs and Dylan Doran Kennett, Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP regularly advises high-growth companies, investors, and corporate venturing houses in fundraising rounds and investment matters. Jacobs is an expert in joint ventures and pre-IPO investment issues, Doran Kennett is described as ‘approachable’ and ‘proactive’, and Joseph Dennis is a specialist in the energy, tech, and financial services spheres. David D’Souza concentrates on private equity affairs, while Nikesh Arya is also highlighted as key.

Mainly specialising in the tech, healthcare, and energy industries, Keystone Law is well-versed in equity fundraisings and growth capital investment rounds. From London, the ‘excellent’ Nadim Zaman concentrates on refinancings and divestments of portfolio companies, while Dee Sian is a highly experienced corporate lawyer. Catherine Williams focuses on PE-backed transactions, Jeremy Davis is a corporate finance expert, and Winston Penhall is also cited as integral.

Fielding a team of specialists in pre-seed funding rounds and strategic investments, Wiggin LLP regularly counsels entrepreneurs and major investors on complex mandates. Showcasing a primary focus on the tech, media, and video games industries, the practice head Ciaran Hickey is well-versed in cross-border investments, while Tom Gastrell is an investment funding expert.

Labelled as ‘collaborative’ and ‘pragmatic’, Charles Russell Speechlys LLP has vast experience in managing all stages of financing rounds, in tandem with spin outs and investments. Based in London, David Coates spearheads the outfit, specialising in acting for entrepreneurs and IT companies, while Hamish Perry primarily focuses on joint ventures and corporate reorganisations. Mark Howard is a corporate transactional expert and Ashwin Pillay is hailed as being ‘very attentive’.

Excelling in structuring transactions that encompass fundraising and asset management, Crowell & Moring U.K. LLP demonstrates vast cross-sector knowledge, spanning from art and fintech to gaming and tech. The team is led by Simon Evers in London, an expert in venture capital investments and M&A transactions, while Stephen Bowman is a fundraising specialist.

Routinely advising venture and growth capital funds, Fox Williams LLP is hailed as having a ‘strong team’, primarily overseeing fundraisings and investment round matters. Richie Clark sits at the helm, while Andrew Woolf is knowledgeable in the finance and tech sectors. Guy Morgan concentrates on venture capital investment rounds, Bryan Shaw acts for investors and fast-growth corporations, and Hannah Elliott is highlighted for her corporate restructuring knowledge.

Demonstrating expertise in complex financings, growth investments, and joint acquisitions, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher draws extensively upon its cross-border capabilities, especially with the US and Europe. The team is spearheaded by Wim De Vlieger and Federico Fruhbeck, with the former being an expert in buyout transactions and exits, while the latter is highly knowledgeable in multi-jurisdictional M&A transactions. Isabel Berger and Till Lefranc are both also highlighted as key.

Advising a vast range of growth companies, venture capital houses, and entrepreneurs, Haynes and Boone CDG, LLP is highly skilled in handling funding rounds and complex financings. The practice is mainly focused upon the tech and fintech fields, with London-based team leader Karma Samdup being highly knowledgeable in secondary transactions and co-investments. Andrew Pannell is a notable M&A specialist.

Characterised as ‘responsive and creative’, the Humphreys Law team has extensive expertise in equity fundraisings, angel investments, and funding rounds. The practice is extremely active in the retail, insurtech, and media industries, with Henry Humphreys being hailed as ‘very approachable and knowledgeable’. Humphreys routinely provides bespoke advice to investors and fund managers.

With an extensive track record in seed financing and funding rounds, Lewis Silkin is deemed as ‘professional’ and ‘knowledgeable’ by its client-base of tech corporations and major investors. Based out of London, co-leads David Willbe and Timothy Leeson each specialise in corporate finance matters, alongside complex exit sales. Cardiff’s Geraint Tilsley mainly focuses on the tech and IT sectors, and Peter Bates is also highlighted as key.

Acting for a range of institutional and individual investors- alongside financial institutions and management teams- Shakespeare Martineau LLP has expertise in follow-on investments and funding rounds. Kavita Patel heads the team from London, while Sean Scott is highly knowledgeable in divestment matters and corporate transactions. From Nottingham, Duncan James is active in the life sciences and logistics industries, and Roger Harcourt is also highlighted.

Demonstrating specific strength in the life sciences and tech spheres, Stephenson Harwood is highly regarded for its expertise in pre-seed and series round investments. Kristian Shearsby heads the team, advising investors and companies on financing round, while Malcolm MacDougall routinely handles bolt-on acquisitions and exits. Michelle Gomes is hailed as ‘extremely commercially minded’.