Practices

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.

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Publications

Recent SEC Guidance on Crowdfunding

5/16/2012



In-License Agreements with Nonprofits: 5 Considerations

5/15/2012
Tania Rodrigues Cleary and John J. Cheney
Law360

FTC Consent Order Requires Myspace Privacy Assessments for 20 Years: How Can You Keep the FTC Out of Your Space?

5/15/2012



Venture Capital & Emerging Companies Alert: A Major Change for Traditional Private Placements

4/9/2012



President Obama signs the JOBS Act: Easing Capital Formation for Private Companies

4/5/2012



President Obama Signs the JOBS Act: Focus on the “IPO On-Ramp”

4/5/2012



Venture Capital & Emerging Companies Alert: Crowdfunding: One Step Closer to Reality

3/27/2012



Emerging Companies & Privacy Alert: Privacy-on-the-Go: California Attorney General and Major Mobile Application Platforms Agree to Privacy Principles for Mobile Applications

3/12/2012



Venture Capital & Emerging Companies Alert: Should You Consider Becoming a Benefit Corporation?

2/13/2012



Venture Capital & Emerging Companies Alert: New Small Offering Exemption Receiving Support

2/2/2012



Venture Capital & Emerging Companies Alert: Removing the Ban on General Solicitations Gaining Momentum

1/19/2012



Venture Capital & Emerging Companies Alert: Crowdfunding: A 2012 Event?

1/9/2012



Venture Capital & Emerging Companies Alert: Tax Incentive to Invest in Small Businesses Prior to Year End

11/1/2011



A Track Record Offers a Better Chance of Attracting VC

7/29/2011

Boston Business Journal

Advisory: Stock Options in Merger & Acquisition Transactions

6/6/2011



Periscope Up: This Lawyer/VC is Always Looking Around the Corner

6/2011

Venture Capital Journal

Q&A: A Fresh Take on Life Sciences

5/27/2011

M&A Alerts

Securities Alert: Using Finders to Assist in Financings Can Impose Significant Risks on Your Company

4/29/2011



Venture Capital and Emerging Companies Alert: Dodd-Frank Act Affects Private Placements by Raising the Bar for Individual Accredited Investors

7/26/2010



Emerging Companies Update (May 2009)

5/22/2009



Venture Capital Alert: Revisions to Form D and Mandatory Electronic Filing Requirements for Form D for all Issuers

2/3/2009



Venture Capital Advisory: When Low Prices Happen to Good Companies

12/9/2008



Venture Capital Alert: Venture Capital and Private Equity Funds Need to Reconsider the Indemnification Rights of its Director Designees

11/17/2008



Resources

Current DevelopMintz

Center for Health Law & Policy
Bringing industry leaders, policy makers, and the best legal minds together to improve the health care system. >> Read more

Health Care Reform:
Analysis & Perspectives

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