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Dentons

Startups & Emerging Companies

Canada Guide 2027 : Nationwide - Canada

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Dentons

Rankings

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

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  • Dentons advised Rail on its USD200 million acquisition by Ripple.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Dentons has the ability to combine deep technical legal expertise with a genuine understanding of our business objectives.

    Startups & Emerging Companies respondentCanada

  • Dentons stands out in the industry through a combination of global reach, local expertise and a deeply integrated, client-focused approach.

    Startups & Emerging Companies respondentCanada

  • Dentons is always responsive and thoughtful. The team is among the top in Canada in terms of knowledge of venture and growth companies.

    Startups & Emerging Companies respondentCanada

  • The firm has strong industry exposure and transactional experience, a commercial mindset and is strategic.

    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.

    • Chase Irwin is a thought leader in the space. He is knowledgeable and connected.

      Startups & Emerging Companies respondentCanada

    • Chase has excellent judgement, understands and balances our needs as a business and gives strategic advice.

      Startups & Emerging Companies respondentCanada

    • Chase is an awesome lawyer.

      Startups & Emerging Companies respondentCanada

    • Chase handles his team amazingly and has fostered a culture where the team gets in the weeds for us.

      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.

    • Michael Hollinger is phenomenal and provides us with very actionable advice.

      Startups & Emerging Companies respondentCanada

    • Michael understands not just the legal dimensions of a matter but what actually matters to the business. His thoroughness gives you confidence that nothing is being missed, but it never comes at the expense of speed or pragmatism.

      Startups & Emerging Companies respondentCanada

    • Michael consistently delivers practical, business-oriented advice, has a clear understanding of our priorities and brings a thoughtful, solution-focused approach.

      Startups & Emerging Companies respondentCanada

    • Michael is super thoughtful and smart.

      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 outstanding. She provides clear, practical legal counsel and gives advice that consistently reflects both legal rigour and commercial judgement.

      Startups & Emerging Companies respondentCanada

    • Andrea Johnson has a lot of experience to draw upon, which allows her to effectively navigate complex situations to a positive conclusion.

      Startups & Emerging Companies respondentCanada

    • Andrea is strategic and creative, very pragmatic and understands our risk profile.

      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 a very pragmatic lawyer.

      Startups & Emerging Companies respondentCanada

    • Julien Bourgeois is an excellent partner.

      Startups & Emerging Companies respondentCanada

    • Julien is extremely supportive, practical and effective.

      Startups & Emerging Companies respondentCanada

    • Julien provides strong technical expertise and is effective at distilling complex issues into clear, actionable advice.

      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.

    • Kenda has exceptional technical expertise and strong commercial judgement. She quickly understands the nuances of our business and provides advice that is legally sound, highly practical and aligned with our objectives.

      Startups & Emerging Companies respondentCanada

    • Kenda is great to work with.

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

Nationwide - Canada

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