Department profile
Fenwick

Venture Capital

USA Guide 2026 : California

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Fenwick

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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

Venture Capital - California

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Fenwick has an esteemed venture capital practice that houses an impressive bench of experienced practitioners. The firm acts for emerging companies in corporate and financing transactions and also offers significant expertise in late-stage funding. The practice group is particularly noted for its activity in the technology sector, with specific knowledge of gaming, cryptocurrency, digital health, fintech, and artificial intelligence.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Fenwick represented Databricks in a USD5.25 billion credit facility and a USD10 billion Series J financing.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • They have a very thoughtful understanding of board dynamics, company business models, and broader macro-economic considerations.

    Venture Capital respondentUSA

  • Fenwick's work quality is out of this world.

    Venture Capital respondentUSA

  • Fenwick is a power player in the market.

    Venture Capital respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Mark C Stevens
    Mark C Stevens

    Mark C Stevens

    Mark Stevens services an impressive roster of company-side clients in the technology, gaming and other digital media industries. He has notable experience in advising companies on their fundraisings.

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  • Cynthia Clarfield Hess
    Cynthia Clarfield Hess

    Cynthia Clarfield Hess

    Cynthia Clarfield Hess cochairs the firm's startups and venture capital group, regularly representing emerging technology and healthcare companies in funding rounds. She possesses additional experience in IPOs and other matters.

    • She is one of the preeminent lawyers in venture capital.

      Venture Capital respondentUSA

    • Cindy is an exceptional lawyer.

      Venture Capital respondentUSA
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  • Michael T Esquivel
    Michael T Esquivel

    Michael T Esquivel

    Michael Esquivel has notable experience in advising technology startups throughout their life cycle, from formation to sale. A particular area of strength is advising clients on financing.

    • We appreciate Michael because he is a business-oriented lawyer. He will help you analyze complex situations and boil them down to what actually matters.

      Venture Capital respondentUSA
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  • Samuel B Angus
    Samuel B Angus

    Samuel B Angus

    Samuel Angus's venture practice involves handling financings for both investor-side and company-side clients. His recent work includes funding rounds for early-stage players in the fintech sector.

    • Sam benefits from good client relationships and a very calm demeanor. His quality of work is very good.

      Venture Capital respondentUSA
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  • Dawn Belt
    Dawn Belt

    Dawn Belt

    Dawn Belt supports companies throughout their lifecycle, including during financings and formations.

    • She is an excellent partner.

      Venture Capital respondentUSA

    • Dawn is excellent at giving quick, actionable advice.

      Venture Capital respondentUSA
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Ranked Individuals at Fenwick (5)

California

Members

Provided by Fenwick

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