Sheng Li

Practice Areas

Domestic and International Capital Markets, Mergers and Acquisitions, Private Equity and Venture Capital, Foreign Direct Investment

Career

Mr. Li joined Han Kun Law Offices in April 2015. He specializes in venture capital and private equity investment, mergers and acquisitions, foreign direct investment, and general corporate matters. He has represented a large number of venture capital funds, private equity funds, strategic investors, and entrepreneurs in various industry sectors in their investment and financing projects, assisting in forming deal structures, drafting legal documents, and participating in negotiations. He has also advised foreign companies on their foreign direct investments, mergers and acquisitions, and local compliance issues in China. Mr. Li's clients operate in a wide variety of industry sectors including telecommunications, Internet, media, technology, consumer goods, education, manufacturing, insurance, new energy, and logistics.

From August 2008 to March 2015, Mr. Li was an associate at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP in Beijing. Prior to that, he spent over one year working for TransAsia Lawyers.

Professional Memberships

Member of the PRC Bar

Languages Spoken

Chinese, English

Publications

Chambers Global Practice Guides Technology M&A 2024;

Chambers Global Practice Guides Technology M&A 2023;

Chambers Global Practice Guides Technology M&A 2022

Experience

Mr. Li is a highly accomplished corporate and M&A lawyer with a proven track record in representing leading investment institutions, industry investors, and high-growth startups in complex cross-border and domestic financing, M&A, and corporate transactions. With an in-depth understanding of cutting-edge technologies and a keen commercial sense, Mr. Li has been at the forefront of numerous landmark deals in the AI, blockchain, Web3.0, TMT, logistics, biotech sectors. Over the past two years, Mr. Li has played a pivotal role in a series of high-profile AI investments and M&A transactions. Notably, he represented Lightyear in its $300 million financing round, advised Lightyear on its acquisition of a leading technology company, and acted for various investors in their investments in prominent AI large language model startups such as Moonshot, Stepfun, Baichuan Intelligence, and AI infrastructure startup Wuwenxinqiong. Mr. Li has also represented high-growth AI startups like Sand.AI and Silicon Mobility in multiple rounds of equity financing. Mr. Li's expertise extends to the burgeoning blockchain and Web3.0 sectors, where he has developed innovative deal structures and provided comprehensive compliance advice. He has represented MyShell.ai and CyberConnect in multiple financing rounds and advised investors on significant investments in projects like Scroll. In addition, Mr. Li’s deep understanding of regulatory landscapes, including Reverse CFIUS, CFIUS, and export controls, has enabled him to navigate complex cross-border transactions with confidence. In addition to his work in the venture capital and private equity investment sector, Mr. Li has extensive experience in cross-border M&A. In 2024, he represented Futu Holdings in its acquisition of a controlling stake in Airstar Bank and advised the majority shareholder of Standers on its sale to L Catterton Capital. Mr. Li has also demonstrated a strong track record in capital markets, including advising Futu Holdings on its $1.4 billion follow-on offering on Nasdaq in 2021.

Key qualities that set Mr. Li apart include:

1. Unparalleled legal expertise: Mr. Li possesses a deep understanding of corporate law, securities law, M&A law, and related regulatory frameworks, enabling him to provide comprehensive and tailored legal advice.

2. Exceptional problem-solving skills: Mr. Li is adept at identifying complex legal issues and developing innovative, commercially viable solutions.

3. Strategic thinking: Mr. Li's ability to think strategically and anticipate potential challenges allows him to structure deals that maximize value for his clients.

4. Strong business acumen: Mr. Li's keen business sense enables him to understand the commercial implications of legal matters and provide practical, business-oriented advice.

5. Effective communication: Mr. Li is an excellent communicator, able to articulate complex legal concepts clearly and concisely to clients, colleagues, and counterparties.

6. Extensive industry network: Mr. Li's broad network of contacts in the technology and investment communities allows him to connect his clients with the right opportunities and resources.

Industry Sector Expertise

Private equity, venture capital, M&A, capital market, Compliance (Reverse Cfius, Cfius and export control), general corporate

Education

Awards