Introduction
Innovation. It’s at the core of economic development. We are at the heart of the innovation economy in Hong Kong and have long had a focus on advising on investments into emerging companies in technology and life sciences.
We regularly represent Venture Capital (VC) firms and institutional and strategic investors on venture capital transactions at all stages of the funding cycle from angel and seed investment, through the alphabet rounds, and to exit by trade sale. The experience of the lawyers in our TMT practice lends itself to the industry knowledge and awareness demanded for this work. We have significant experience advising on US-led investments, and we are regularly instructed by US law firms seeking Hong Kong legal representation for venture investments.
We are deeply committed to the development of an innovative culture and community in Hong Kong. This commitment has led to a vibrant practice representing founders of emerging companies. We regularly represent founders on the protection of their interests in the course of financing rounds and the course of exits by trade sale. We advise on cap table management, rights between founders, maintenance of business management control, corporate structure and planning for exit. We also advise on founder and other shareholder disputes.
Key Contacts
Services
We advise on:
- Equity financing and debt financing transaction documents from seed to alphabet
- Investment transaction management to closing
- Investment due diligence
- Pre-investment restructuring
- Investment term sheet
- Future equity deeds (SAFEs), convertible loan notes and bridge financing
- Founder shareholder arrangements (including reverse vesting)
- Founder shareholder dispute resolution
- Cap table management
- Exit by share sale, asset purchase, merger, exclusive licensing or acqui-hire
- ESOPs and equity incentive plans
- Joint ventures
- Establishment of new companies and businesses
- Corporate governance
Experience
- Advising and assisting Coherent Group, a Hong Kong-headquartered, international insurtech company, in respect of its Series A investment round
- Advising a Hong Kong-based, venture capital backed accelerator programme on the special and unique funding arrangement used to secure the funding for operating its accelerator programme and providing legal training sessions to its participating startups
- Advising a Hong Kong biotech company for an intended Series A investment round, including drafting and reviewing investment term sheets and non-disclosure agreements
- Advising the founders of a Hong Kong-based biotech business on investment term sheet negotiations and preparation for a Series A investment round in respect of a business focused on developing and commercialising cancer drug therapies
- Advising a Hong Kong-based seed venture fund on its indicative term sheet for fundraising and on strategic negotiations.
- Advising a Hong Kong healthtech business on the corporate structure, minority shareholder matters and an investment round, in respect of an innovative life sciences company focusing on eye treatment and care.
- Advising and assisting a US-headquartered SaaS platform as purchaser of a Hong Kong private company that operates an online influencers platform operating primarily in mainland China