Department profile
Fenwick

Startups & Emerging Companies

USA Guide 2026 : USA - Nationwide

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Fenwick

Rankings

About

Provided by Fenwick

Fenwick provides a broad range of services to emerging companies in technology and life sciences and the investors who partner with them. Our clients include 1,500+ VC-backed companies, including 80+ VC-backed unicorn companies with valuations over $1B.

Our practice is distinguished for its:

  • Deep understanding of how technology companies are formed, financed, grown and taken public or merged
  • Guidance at all stages, from initial funding through IPOs and mergers
  • Guidance on business model issues, fundraising strategy and development of quality investor materials suitable for meaningful evaluation
  • Role as trusted advisor during meetings with management and the board
  • Practical legal advice, delivered with sound business judgment
  • Resources for entrepreneurs through all stages

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Startups & Emerging Companies - USA - Nationwide

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Fenwick demonstrates the sought-after ability to counsel startup businesses, particularly in the tech sector, on the full extent of company growth processes, as well as advising venture capital investors. The firm operates at the forefront of cutting-edge technology markets, including fintech, virtual reality and the sharing economy. It is noted for its connections to Silicon Valley technology companies, and venture capital firms, due to its long-established presence in the San Francisco Bay Area.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Fenwick advised Databricks on the completion of its recently announced $10 billion Series J financing.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Fenwick truly takes the time to understand our business and what our business objectives are. The firm makes an effort to understand what is driving issues and what we are trying to achieve.

    Startups & Emerging Companies respondentUSA

  • Fenwick combines exceptional legal and industry expertise with a rare ability to deliver business-oriented advice. Its guidance is practical, commercially savvy and focused on driving outcomes.

    Startups & Emerging Companies respondentUSA

  • The firm pulls together the right team members and develops creative solutions to complex problems.

    Startups & Emerging Companies respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Michael T Esquivel
    Michael T Esquivel

    Michael T Esquivel

    Michael Esquivel maintains a strong practice representing digital health startups and their investors in the Silicon Valley area.

    • Michael has a very solid pulse on what is going on and what is the latest trend.

      Startups & Emerging Companies respondentUSA

    • He is consistently available, provides thoughtful and practical advice, and goes out of his way to offer tremendous support. His commitment makes him an exceptional partner.

      Startups & Emerging Companies respondentUSA
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  • Cynthia Clarfield Hess
    Cynthia Clarfield Hess

    Cynthia Clarfield Hess

    Cynthia Clarfield Hess acts for startups in transactions undertaken at all stages in their life-cycle.

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  • Mark C Stevens
    Mark C Stevens

    Mark C Stevens

    Mark Stevens represents high-growth companies in the science, gaming and media industries. He is notable for acting on deals for technology companies.

    • Mark is very collegial to work with. He is a knowledgeable, seasoned practitioner.

      Startups & Emerging Companies respondentUSA
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  • Michael A Brown
    Michael A Brown

    Michael A Brown

    Michael Brown has a strong practice representing technology startups throughout their life-cycle.

    • Michael is terrific. He is super plugged in to this space, and is very helpful and pragmatic.

      Startups & Emerging Companies respondentUSA

    • He always has a couple of minutes to discuss. His response rate is through the roof.

      Startups & Emerging Companies respondentUSA
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Ranked Individuals at Fenwick (4)

USA - Nationwide

Members

Provided by Fenwick

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