Startups & Emerging Companies
Canada Guide 2025 : Nationwide - Canada
Band 2
David Little
Partner and National Lead, Venture Technology and Emerging Growth and Managing Partner (Ottawa)
613-783 9639About
Provided by Dentons Canada LLP
With demonstrated talent in areas such as company formation, equity structures, corporate and cross-border financings, and technology transactions, Dentons' Venture Technology and Emerging Growth Companies Group has acquired a reputation as one of Canada's top legal advisors to growth-oriented technology companies, from start-up to exit, whether by IPO or mergers and acquisitions, as well as to venture capital investors.
Our team understands your challenges of taking an idea and evolving it into a mature and successful business. With a number of our lawyers having worked as in-house counsel to both private and public technology companies, you benefit not only from our legal knowledge, but also from our unique understanding of evolving industry trends and emerging market opportunities.
In addition, tap into Dentons' unparalleled resources for startups and emerging growth companies, including our newly expanded website.
Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor or technology company, you gain access to a strategic partner with the relationships developed as an active participant in the Canadian and global venture capital community and technology industry.
Chambers Review
Dentons is a global law firm recognised for its strong track record acting for emerging technology players in various stages of growth. Its Canada-based venture tech and emerging growth companies team boasts a broad client base and utilises its tech expertise to act for venture and angel investors as well as target companies. The group advises on shareholder agreements, IPOs, capital raising and M&A matters, with experience across various sectors including fintech, virtual reality and artificial intelligence. It is additionally experienced in handling cross-border mandates.
Work Highlights
- Dentons team advised the Vistara Fund on its investments in Kore as part of its USD150 million Series D financing.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The Dentons team is responsive and provides sound advice based on the complexities of our institution."
"The Dentons team demonstrates a high level of expertise and is capable of addressing any challenges we present to them. It demonstrates a good understanding of our business and its related trends."
"I believe Dentons has a very strong team and can pull in the right people across the country to get the job done correctly. They communicate well and set clear expectations."
"The Dentons team is responsive and provides sound advice based on the complexities of our institution."
"The Dentons team demonstrates a high level of expertise and is capable of addressing any challenges we present to them. It demonstrates a good understanding of our business and its related trends."
"I believe Dentons has a very strong team and can pull in the right people across the country to get the job done correctly. They communicate well and set clear expectations."
Notable Practitioners
Ottawa-based Chase Irwin has extensive experience acting for investors in technology companies, including on venture capital transactions, financings and sales and acquisitions.
"I have worked with Chase Irwin for several years and he is great in all aspects."
Ottawa-based Andrea Johnson is a respected lawyer who frequently acts for an array of technology and emerging growth companies. She assists clients with investment from private equity and venture capital firms, as well as assisting with regulatory matters.
Michael Hollinger is a Toronto-based lawyer who draws upon his experience in a range of M&A matters to advise startup companies as well as angel, seed and venture capital investors.
Julien Bourgeois' practice is based in Ottawa. He is noted for his considerable experience advising emerging companies, investors and funds on a range of matters, including M&A transactions and financings.
"Julien is great to work with. He has deep understanding of the current market dynamics, a sophisticated and creative approach to solving problems, and he works collaboratively with our team."
"Julien has unparalleled expertise, dedication, and remarkable ability to navigate complex legal landscapes with finesse and precision. He is a rising star in the field."
Ranked Lawyers at
Dentons Canada LLP
Nationwide - Canada
Members
Provided by Dentons Canada LLP