Service

Startups

Summary

At the heart of every successful startup is a vision to innovate, disrupt, and carve out a new space in the market. We understand that turning this vision into reality requires more than just a great idea; it requires a solid legal foundation from the start and quick, on the ball solutions to legal issues as they arise. That's why we've built a full-service legal offering for startups – a collection of experienced lawyers, each with their own specialist legal expertise and together covering all of the key legal areas that impact startups. It's a recipe for getting the right advice, the first time and on time. We're committed to supporting our startup clients every step of the way, from initial launch to final exit, and everything in between.

Startups, especially in the fast-paced tech sector, need agile and dynamic legal support that's available when and how they need it. Whether you're scaling for growth, preparing for sale, or pursuing another path, having the right lawyer on your team is crucial. Our startup team is your trusted advisor, helping you navigate the complexities of the commercial world, avoid potential complications, and set up your venture for long-term success and growth.

Key services

Startup structuring and governance

Advising on the legal structure for your business, taking into account your vision, goals and funding sources. Drafting and negotiating key governance documents such as founder agreements, shareholders' agreement and constitutions.

Contracts and commercialisation

Advising on, drafting and reviewing the contracts needed to support and implement a startup's commercial model, from terms of trade and terms of services through to licensing, franchising, distribution, reseller and partnering agreements.

Capital raising

Preparing and negotiating term sheets, subscription agreements, convertible notes and other documents related to equity and debt financing.

Intellectual property and brand protection

Helping clients identify, protect and exploit their intellectual property rights, including trade mark registrations, enforcement and advice on infringement issues.

Privacy, data protection and security

Advising on privacy compliance, cyber security, cyberattacks, requests for personal information, privacy and data breaches, privacy policies and data processing agreements, and cross-border transfers.

Employment

Providing guidance on all aspects of employment law, including employment agreements, employee share ownership plans (ESOPs), restructures and personal grievances.

Property and real estate

Negotiating and drafting commercial leases and subleases, as well as advising on landlord-tenant issues, rent reviews, renewals and terminations.

Exits

Helping you plan, prepare for and execute an exit, whether through sale, merger, or other means. We're with you every step of the way, from term sheet negotiations through to due diligence to sale and purchase agreements, to ensure you maximise the value of your hard work and innovation.

Key people

Matt Smith

Partner

Sam Wilson

Partner

Work Highlights

Insurtech company JAVLN on various SaaS arrangements with enterprise customers, an AUD6.7m capital raise and 'flip' to an Australian holding company, and its acquisition of JRNY’s AI-driven customer experience software.
Energy Solution Providers t/a BraveGen on its acquisition of the BraveGen carbon accounting SaaS business, multiple funding rounds and enterprise customer agreements.
Moxion on its sale to Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADSK). Moxion is the developer of a cloud-based platform for digital dailies used by leading filmmakers on some of the world’s most complex and challenging productions.
NovoLabs on its seed and VC funding rounds and arrangements for the supply of its supercritical UV disinfection systems.
Tradify on its Series B investment from Movac, Icehouse and K1W1. Tradify is an all-in-one job management software for electricians, plumbers, HVAC, landscapers, carpenters, and other trade businesses.
Medical record software provider Intrahealth Systems on the New Zealand aspects of its CAD19.25m sale to WELL Health.
Digital Confectioners Limited on its series A investment from Tencent and subsequent corporate restructure and ESOP establishment.
Wellbeing solutions provider Groov on its Series A extension round and strategic partnership with New Zealand Rugby.
Multitudes on its seed and pre-series A funding from investors such as Blackbird Ventures, Eleanor Ventures and Ellen Pao.
UneeQ on multiple funding rounds and a strategic partnership with Veritone relating to UneeQ’s digital human technology.