Department profile
Dentons Canada LLP

Startups & Emerging Companies

Canada Guide 2026 : Nationwide - Canada

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Dentons Canada LLP

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About

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

Provided by Chambers

Startups & Emerging Companies - Nationwide - Canada

Band 2

What the Team is Known For
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.
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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Dentons acted as company counsel to Volante Software Inc., in connection with its sale to a wholly owned subsidiary of Gary Jonas Computing Ltd., a division of Constellation Software Inc.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Dentons provided valuable counsel grounded in its deep knowledge of the landscape, evolving industry dynamics, and in balancing commercial objectives with sensible risk mitigation.

    Startups & Emerging Companies respondentCanada

  • They have a wealth of expertise that's helped us navigate a variety of complex situations.

    Startups & Emerging Companies respondentCanada

  • The team consistently demonstrates a strong understanding of the nuances involved in cross-border matters.

    Startups & Emerging Companies respondentCanada

  • Dentons are so timely and understanding of quick timelines.

    Startups & Emerging Companies respondentCanada

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Chase Irwin
    Chase Irwin

    Chase Irwin

    Chase Irwin has extensive experience acting for investors in technology companies, including on venture capital transactions, financings and sales and acquisitions. He manages Denton's Ottawa office.

    • He has an excellent combination of technical and business skills.

      Startups & Emerging Companies respondentCanada

    • Beyond his legal acumen, Chase brings a genuine commitment to supporting the startup and emerging company ecosystem.

      Startups & Emerging Companies respondentCanada

    • Chase's advice is top notch and he's a very reasonable business partner.

      Startups & Emerging Companies respondentCanada

    • He's super responsive, has a wealth of experience, and acts like an invested advisor.

      Startups & Emerging Companies respondentCanada
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  • Michael Hollinger
    Michael Hollinger

    Michael Hollinger

    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.

    • Mike is very responsive and efficient, which helps us get transactions across the line smoothly.

      Startups & Emerging Companies respondentCanada

    • Mike's commercial sense, strategic approach, and incredible experience provided us with a significant source of strength in addressing our legal needs.

      Startups & Emerging Companies respondentCanada

    • Michael takes the time to learn about client's businesses and develop relationships with the executives.

      Startups & Emerging Companies respondentCanada
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  • Andrea Johnson
    Andrea Johnson

    Andrea Johnson

    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.

    • Andrea is a very responsive and skilled lawyer on corporate financing matters.

      Startups & Emerging Companies respondentCanada
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  • Julien Bourgeois
    Julien Bourgeois

    Julien Bourgeois

    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 very professional and dedicated.

      Startups & Emerging Companies respondentCanada

    • Clients are extremely satisfied with all aspects of Julien's work.

      Startups & Emerging Companies respondentCanada
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  • Kenda Shaheen
    Kenda Shaheen

    Kenda Shaheen

    Toronto-based Kenda Shaheen assists Dentons Canada by leveraging her experience in investments into early-stage companies, investments into new ventures, and private mergers and acquisitions, private equity and venture capital transactions.

    • She consistently makes herself available to address any questions, no matter how basic, and explains complex legal concepts in an accessible manner.

      Startups & Emerging Companies respondentCanada

    • I've never worked with a lawyer that quickly understands our needs as a client and continuously provides solid advice.

      Startups & Emerging Companies respondentCanada

    • She does a good job on how to apply information in a business context.

      Startups & Emerging Companies respondentCanada
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Ranked Individuals at Dentons Canada LLP (5)

Nationwide - Canada

Members

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