A ‘very responsive firm’ with considerable experience representing corporate investors, angel investors, and venture debt funds, the team at Bird & Bird LLP routinely assists clients in follow-on fundraisings and convertible loan note financings. Regularly handling early stage and growth financing rounds, the team stands out for its broad cross-sector focus, deploying specialists which cover financial services, healthtech, and sustainability spheres. Practice head Struan Penwarden chiefly focuses on complex venture debt transactions and equity investments, while Mark Rundall is a ‘quick communicator’ who concentrates on the financing and disposal of high-growth organisations. Other key figures include James Baillieu, an expert in the life sciences and tech sectors, and Adam Meisels, who assists both start-ups and scale-ups.

Representing a host of start-ups, emerging growth companies, and late-stage mature corporates, the Goodwin team leverages its ‘strong market knowledge’ to advise on high-value fundraisings and seed rounds. The practice boasts in-depth expertise across healthcare, AI, and environmental matters, often working closely with the firm’s private equity division to support clients in growth equity transactions and complex exits. The team is chaired by David Mardle, an expert in capital markets transactions. Sophie McGrath utilises her ‘vast dealmaking experience’ in private and public financings. Both Andrew Davis and Andrew Harrow primarily focus on joint ventures and growth capital financings. Based in Cambridge, Elizabeth Rhodes and Adam Thatcher are noted for their M&A expertise. Other key figures include Kenny Walker-Durrant, who regularly acts for venture capital investors, as well as Richard Bloomfield and Ella Donegan. Ali Ramadan left to join Cooley (UK) LLP in September 2024.

Boasting considerable experience in the tech, energy, and finance sectors, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP is well versed in early and later stage financing rounds, working with international conglomerates and start-ups alike. The team is engaged across US, European, and Asian markets, regularly calling upon its group of London-based, US-qualified lawyers to guide clients through complex fundraisings, investment transactions, and follow-on funding rounds. Chris Grew heads up the practice, regularly working with venture capital firms and investment banks. The ‘very bright’ Ylan Steiner specialises in growth capital investing and secondary disposals, while the ‘great’ Shawn Atkinson is highly regarded for his tech expertise. Jamie Moore is knowledgeable in fintech and AI investments, while Peter Sugden primarily focuses on structuring matters. Stephen Tallon and Christopher Perry are also recommended.

‘Extremely experienced’ in the tech and life sciences sectors, the Taylor Wessing LLP practice regularly advises both domestic and international clients on the gamut of fundraising, capital raising, and investment round matters. Displaying a strong track record in seed investment and funding rounds, the department leverages its tech expertise to cover a range of issues relating to data privacy, GDPR compliance, and IP tracking. The ‘high-calibre’ practice head Howard Palmer stands out for his track record in investment advice, primarily in the cleantech and fintech spheres. The ‘extremely experienced‘ Josef Fuss regularly assists investors, entrepreneurs, and management teams. Other names to note include Alexandra Richardson, who supports companies from the start-up stage through to exit; Cambridge-office head Ross McNaughton, an expert in the biotech and medical device spaces, and Ian Moore, who concentrates on e-commerce and retail tech businesses. Angus Miln left the firm to join Cooley (UK) LLP in September 2024.

Acting for investors and target companies on all manner of funding rounds – covering friends and family, seed, Series A, B, and late-stage – the team at CMS is particularly praised for its expertise in the IT, energy, and real estate industries. The team is jointly led by Tony Waller and John Finnemore in London; the former advises investors in and acquirers of high-growth tech corporations, while the latter is an expert in complex follow-on investments. Other key figures include Louis Glass, who is noted for his knowledge of the TMT space; Tom Jameson, who assists with private equity investments; and Theo Godfrey, whose expertise encompasses life sciences and healthcare.

Praised for its ‘excellent knowledge, responsiveness, and practical support’, Cooley (UK) LLP has extensive experience in complex, cross-border transactions involving a global roster investors, chiefly in the tech and life science sectors. The team regularly advises clients on both financing and funding rounds, while offering a tailored service on all elements of IP, tax, and litigation. The group is co-chaired by Ryan Naftulin and Aaron Archer, the pair are hailed for their expertise in the disruptive tech arena, frequently supporting investors with equity financings and corporate advisory work. Tom Goodman is knowledgeable in Series A financing rounds. Eric Davison, Kerry Corrigan, and Ellen Dewhurst are all further core members of the venture capital practice. The group was recently bolstered by the arrival of Angus Miln, Ali Ramadan, and Helen Pantelides, who arrived from Taylor Wessing, Goodwin, and White & Case, respectively.

Lauded as a ‘first-class team’, Dentons works with domestic and global clients across the tech and energy transition arenas, advising on multijurisdictional investment rounds, fund formations, and financing transactions. Practice head Joseph Altendorff is an expert in cross-border investments and raising finance, James Davison routinely assists start-ups, founders, and high-growth corporates, while Joseph Collingwood guides companies throughout the fundraising life cycle. Danni Hofmeyr primarily focuses on debt and equity investments. The Edinburgh-based Adam Knowles is also recommended.

Focusing on emerging companies, particularly in the fintech and life sciences sectors, Latham & Watkins frequently advises start-up clients through their entire lifecycle, from initial company formation through to growth stages and exits. Chaired by the London-based trio of Mike Turner, Shing Lo, and Robbie McLaren , the firm’s capabilities extend to public offerings, sell-side transactions, and public company reporting. Turner is an expert in the software, media, and digital health industries, while Lo’s expertise lies in series financing rounds and venture debt matters, and McLaren is noted for his capabilities in seed financings. Samantha Si is well versed in general corporate matters, and Ryan Martin concentrates on growth equity investments.

Specialising in early series investment rounds, complex fundraisings, and venture capital-backed company exits, Marriott Harrison LLP frequently represents both local and international investors. 'Brilliant, authoritative, no-nonsense', practice head David Strong regularly works with tech clients operating UK and pan-European funds, while Frances Spooner maintains a strong focus on social impact and purpose-driven corporations and female founders. David Bettis boasts vast expertise in venture capital and private equity transactions, Graham Halliday regularly supports businesses on acquisitions and exits, and Bradley Heath is experienced in capital fundraisings and restructurings. Inbar Cohen, James Fleming, and Kimberley Lam’s Descamps are also recommended.

'Responsive, insightful and very experienced', Mishcon de Reya LLP's venture capital offering covers the emerging tech, life sciences, and digital health industries, acting for hundreds of companies raising money from angels and institutional investors. Fielding lawyers across London, Cambridge, and Oxford, the nationally-resourced practice is chaired by three partners: Cambridge-based tech specialist Chris Keen, the 'very hands-on' Erika McIntyre, and corporate specialist Charlie Fletcher, also based in Cambridge. Keen represents young tech businesses and entrepreneurs; McIntyre primarily focuses on later stage investments and exit work; and Fletcher is noted for his debt fundraising expertise. In Oxford, Nicola McConville routinely assists spin outs and start-ups, and the 'outstanding' Hayley Cross is well versed in company and investor-side venture capital transactions.

Headed by the Birmingham-based Alastair Peet, Shoosmiths LLP’s venture and development capital team advises on the entire life cycle of company’s business, overseeing incorporation, through to seed and later series, alongside exit strategies. The firm is especially active in the tech space, assisting clients ranging from angels and family offices to VC houses, with Peet predominantly focusing on venture and growth capital matters. From Thames Valley, Tom Wilde and Sanjeev Sharma specialise in implementing tax efficient investments and routinely support management teams and listed companies, whilst London-based Steve Barnett is an M&A expert. Back in Birmingham, Helen Burnell is knowledgeable on high-value investment transactions, while Alistair Hammerton concentrates on the seed fundraising side.

Co-headed by the ‘available and supportive’ Chris Dyson and Rory Suggett, the Bristol-based Ashfords LLP team has considerable experience representing both domestic and international funds and companies in transactions ranging from venture debt to complex financing rounds. Particularly active in the e-commerce and finance spheres, Dyson specialises in assisting corporations in European and US cross-border investments and exits, whilst Suggett is particularly knowledgeable on high-value syndicated growth transactions. From Exeter, Andrew Betteridge primarily supports growth businesses, and the Bristol-based Jocelyn Ormond is an expert in the digital health and life science sectors.

Spearheaded by the ‘vastly experienced’ Neil Foster, the London-based Brown Rudnick LLP team consistently handles work across the investment lifecycle, from venture and growth capital to fundraising and complex exit strategies. Specialising in the life sciences, tech, and energy transition spheres, Foster is knowledgeable on all elements of venture capital and corporate finance. Mark Dorff represents entrepreneurs and private equity investors, and the ‘very calm’ Tim Davison is an expert in joint ventures and strategic partnerships. Sage Revell is knowledgeable in the impact investment sectors, while Tom Braiden is also a key contact.

Leveraging strong cross-border expertise and in-depth experience in portfolio investments, the Covington & Burling LLP team is hailed as ‘top-notch’ across highly regulated sectors, including life sciences, tech, and clean energy. Headed up by Gregor Frizzell from London, the team is regularly called upon to handle early to late-stage financing rounds and fundraisings. James Gubbins routinely assists early and growth-stage companies in complex financing rounds and corporate matters; James Halstead acts on behalf of leading venture and growth capital investment funds; and Ben Land-Maycock is also recommended for his experience across tech, life sciences and energy.

Counting start-ups, entrepreneurial businesses, and investment companies among its key clients, the Harbottle & Lewis LLP practice specialises in later-stage fundraising rounds and early-stage financings. Displaying extensive expertise in the entertainment, tech, and software sectors, Anthony Littner and Tom Macleod both have in-depth experience advising investee companies, investment funds, and high-growth tech corporations, whilst Charles Lévêque is an expert in the media and retail industries. Rhys Llewellyn supports start-ups seeking investment. Mark Phillips is also recommended.

Covering early-stage investment rounds, high-value equity investments, and complex corporate restructuring, the Withers LLP team has a ‘good handle of various sectors’, demonstrating significant strength in the AI and biotech spheres. Splitting his time between London and Cambridge, the practice is headed up by James Shaw, who specialises in assisting start-ups, primarily in the environmental biology arena. Also based in Cambridge, Susanna Stanfield is an expert on spin-outs and venture capital issues, while Sarah Melaney concentrates on scaleups and exits. Phil Robinson acts on both the company and investor sides. Neil Jones is also recommended. All lawyers are London-based unless otherwise stated.

Praised for its ‘great collaboration’, Ashurst has in-depth experience acting on behalf of major venture capital funds, private equity houses, and tech companies in fundraisings and cross-border investment transactions. Practice head Jonathan Cohen specialises in tech M&A and complex follow-on rounds. Praised by clients for her US expertise, Tara Waters regularly represents growth capital investors, while Jacob Gold assists with growth investments. Chris Grey is knowledgeable on joint ventures and corporate governance. Dillon Fuzi is also recommended, especially for corporate transactions.

Demonstrating key expertise in the insurtech, fintech, and climatech industries, the team at Browne Jacobson LLP offers a ‘top-notch service’ on venture debt funding arrangements and growth capital investments. Jon Snade and Mike Jackson co-head the venture capital team; the former chiefly focuses on investment rounds and general corporate matters, while the latter regularly supports management teams with their growth plans. Other key figures include Harry Pearson, an M&A expert, and Shania Sood, who handles venture capital transactions.

Acting for both investors and companies undertaking venture capital investments, the ‘responsive’ DLA Piper team regularly works with large corporations to establish corporate venture arms. Global co-head of the emerging growth companies subgroup, Luca Gori, is an expert in advising private equity houses and clients in the fintech sphere. Jon Kenworthy regularly assists corporate venture funds and investee businesses, while Alexander Kolmakov primarily focuses on private investors.

Advising across venture capital investments, including institutional funding rounds, follow-on growth capital, and exits by sale or IPO, Fladgate LLP is hailed for its ‘deep knowledge and experience’, specifically in the AI and software spaces. Howard Watt heads the outfit, standing out for his expertise in early-stage investments, primarily within the gaming and healthtech sectors, while Graham Spitz is an M&A-focused partner with a particular emphasis on venture capital funds. Jamie Hamilton and Yulia Leyko are also recommended.

Demonstrating considerable strength in the life sciences and tech industries, the Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP team is praised for its 'collaborative approach' handling early-stage fundraisings, growth capital funding initiatives, and seed financing. Global corporate head Matthew Martin operates out of London, while Oxford-based venture capital lead James Went has expertise in initial spin-outs and exit transactions. Also in Oxford, Will Axtell routinely supports entrepreneurs and growth companies in the life sciences arena. Oxford-based Kathy Potter draws superlative praise from clients for her work at the intersection of tax and VC matters.

Leveraging the expertise of its global network of offices, the London-based Reed Smith LLP practice has extensive experience of advising on the full spectrum of multijurisdictional investment issues, spanning from the earliest stages through to exits and IPOs. Michael Young spearheads the team, regularly representing clients from the tech, media, and entertainment fields, while Stephen Mooney is an expert on complex seed investment rounds. Milan Thakker primarily focuses on early-stage fundraisings, and Sam Webster concentrates on convertible loan notes.

Primarily known for its investment work for expanding tech rich corporations - on both the company and investor sides - Sheridans demonstrates ‘excellence across the board’, particularly in venture-backed M&A transactions. Nick Crabtree heads the outfit, regularly representing clients at all stages from inception through to growth and exit, while Catherine Ramsay is noted for her experience in both sales and investment rounds. The ‘impressive’ Will Parker stands out for his involvement in early-stage venture capital transactions, and Karen O’Grady is noted for her joint venture offering.

Demonstrating a strong track record of working with start-ups, scale-ups, and other high-growth companies, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati leverages the expertise of its sizeable London team -  including a number of US/UK dual qualified lawyers - on complex fundraisings and cross-border investment deals. The practice is led by Daniel Glazer, an expert in supporting tech and life sciences companies in raising capital. Stacy Kim is noted for her experience in corporate reorganisations, while Michael Labriola primarily focuses on IPOs and exit sales.

Representing a range of significant funds, individual investors, and investee companies, the Burges Salmon LLP practice boasts expertise across the tech, financial services, and healthcare industries. The team is spearheaded by the Bristol-based Mark Shepherd, who stands out for his work in complex funding rounds. Danny Lee operates out of Edinburgh, boasting a wide range of venture capital institutions among his key clients. From Bristol, Alex Lloyd notably focuses on equity investments. Edinburgh-based Niall Mackle is also noted, with broad sector coverage spanning tech, renewables, and consumer goods.

Headed up by the ‘outstanding’ tech expert John Gill, the Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP team stands out for its bespoke advice on initial investments, follow-on funding rounds, and exits via trade sales, routinely assisting corporate investors and start-ups. Lizzy Tindall‘s expertise covers M&A and private equity transactions, while Waltter Kulvik has a significant client base made up of sovereign wealth funds and commercial banks. Other key figures include Mike Dyer, who frequently works with high-growth businesses and VC funds.

Praised for its commitment to securing the 'utmost best outcome for the client in a timely fashion', the team at Fieldfisher has extensive expertise in the tech, media, and life sciences spheres, regularly assisting with all stages of venture capital financing work. Co-headed by the ‘incredible’ Tom Ward in Manchester, and the 'exceptional leader' Thomas Colmer in London, the duo specialise in private equity transactions, strategic investments, and complex funding rounds. Janita Good is knowledgeable in joint ventures and cross-border M&A, while the ‘exceptional’ Manchester-based Andrew Oliver is also recommended.

Primarily operating across the TMT, fintech, and energy industries, the ‘impressive’ Herbert Smith Freehills LLP practice is heavily praised for its work in complex venture capital and growth equity transactions on behalf of both companies and investors. Michael Jacobs and Dylan Doran Kennett co-lead the outfit; the former is an expert on IPOs and M&A transactions, while the latter is particularly knowledgeable in the life sciences and sport sectors. Other key figures include Joseph Dennis, who represents financial investors and portfolio companies in fundraisings, and David D’Souza, a private equity M&A specialist.

Praised by one client as a ’fantastic practice’, Keystone Law focuses on all aspects of venture capital, work routinely handling growth and replacement capital issues, alongside complex fundraisings, and investments. Nadim Zaman specialises in equity investment work; Dee Sian advises on general M&A and divestments of portfolio companies; while Catherine Williams is especially knowledgeable concerning bridge financing matters. Jeremy Davis, an expert on corporate finance and joint ventures, and Simon Holden, who advises on IPOs, are also recommended.

Characterised as ‘very responsive and detailed’, Norton Rose Fulbright has expertise in all aspects of venture capital and growth equity work, from early-stage seed investments through to late-stage growth equity investments. The team is co-headed by Victoria Birch and Sophie O’Connor; the former specialises in complex venture capital financings, while the latter primarily focuses on advising portfolio companies and management teams. Oliver Stacey is knowledgeable in the telecoms and tech spheres, while Sean Murphy routinely assists growth equity investors.

Headed up by the London-based Jeremy Willcocks, Arnold & Porter is noted for its expertise acting for start-ups, early-stage companies, and venture capital funds at all stages of investment rounds and multijurisdictional fundraisings. Willcocks is a corporate finance expert, primarily focusing on the life sciences and finance spheres. Ewan Townsend and Sean Scanlon are also cited as integral members of the outfit.

Highly praised for its ‘top-notch expertise’, the Bristows LLP team regularly advises corporate venturing arms of global multinationals and entrepreneurial businesses in high-profile venture capital transactions. Iain Redford heads the corporate offering, specialising in the life sciences sector, where he chiefly handles investment transactions. The ‘technically able’ Marek Petecki is an expert in debt and equity financings. Matt Dennis is knowledgeable in the tech sphere. David Horner is also recommended.

Covering the full lifecycle of investment work, from seed fundraisings to exits and IPOs, the Charles Russell Speechlys LLP practice is particularly experienced in the TMT, life sciences, and fintech industries. Heading up the London-based outfit, David Coates regularly acts for entrepreneurs, IT companies, and major leisure businesses. Other key figures include David Collins, who primarily focuses on cross-border M&A; Ashwin Pillay, who handles complex sales; and Nathan Lightman, who is noted for his experience in all manner of venture capital transactions.

Routinely advising on complex venture capital investments, fundraisings, and convertible debt financings, the Crowell & Moring U.K. LLP practice draws upon ‘deep experience’  when representing its domestic and international client base. The department is co-chaired by David Ramm and Simon Evers, both of whom advise public companies and investment firms through the various stages of growth. Stephen Bowman and Amanda Kwagala are also recommended.

Regularly advising venture and growth capital funds, institutional investors, and high-net-worth individuals, Fox Williams LLP has considerable expertise in the fintech and tech sectors. Richie Clark heads the department, primarily focusing on public and private M&A. Paul Osborne is experienced in joint ventures and private equity matters, while Paul Taylor assists with asset disposals. Mary Elliott concentrates on publishing and edtech mergers, while Andrew Woolf is noted for his corporate finance expertise.

Counting major investors and global companies among its key clients, the Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher team regularly handles multijurisdictional investments in the tech, healthcare, and media sectors. Wim De Vlieger and Federico Fruhbeck co-head the outfit, both specialising in complex buy-out transactions, IPOs, and cross-border M&A. Regarded as 'an exceptional partner’ Till Lefranc is an expert in growth capital investments. Robert Dixon focuses on joint ventures, while Jeremy Kenley is knowledgeable on disposals and leveraged buyouts.

Spearheaded by the ‘super bright, commercial, and responsive’ Henry Humphreys, the team at Humphreys Law is well versed in early-stage financings and convertible bridge fundings, boasting a considerable presence in the cybersecurity, tech, and fintech spheres. Humphreys has considerable experience in late-stage venture capital fundraisings, cross-border M&A, and management buy-outs.

Guiding companies, investors, and venture capital funds throughout the entire financing lifecycle, the Lewis Silkin practice is noted for its expertise covering equity financings and cross-border investment rounds. David Willbe and Timothy Leeson jointly chair the department; the ‘highly commercial’ Willbe chiefly focuses on complex fundraisings, while Leeson regularly acts for investment funds and financial institutions.

Displaying extensive activity across the healthcare, tech, and renewables sectors, the Shakespeare Martineau LLP team routinely handles transactions ranging from seed investments to institutional funder-backed MBOs. The practice is headed up by Kavita Patel, who specialises in corporate finance transactions. Sean Scott acts on behalf of investment banks and investors, while the Nottingham-based Duncan James is also recommended.

Representing entrepreneurs, high-growth businesses, and corporate venture capital arms, Wiggin LLP is noted for its expertise in convertible loan notes, cross-border investments, and bridge financings. Ciaran Hickey has extensive experience in the tech, computer games, and digital media industries, routinely assisting with M&A and reorganisations. Following his promotion to partner in April 2024, Tom Gastrell continues to regularly support founders and investors. Michael Maccabe is also recommended.