Private Equity: Venture Capital | Europe

CMS houses a highly reputed venture capital group with further strength in the German private equity world. Startups, growth capital investors and funds alike seek the firm's excellent assistance with large financing rounds, investments and leverage of debt capital. Similarly, CMS assists prominent private equity funds with mainly mid-market acquisitions and divestments across the technology and life sciences sectors, especially those with cross-border elements. Further expertise lies in the banking, e-commerce and mobility sectors, which renders CMS a strong choice for comprehensive advice.

Noerr enjoys a strong standing in the venture capital world, often assisting startups and corporates with financing rounds and venture set-ups. In line with its increased presence in the private equity world, prominent mid-cap investors also regularly seek the team's assistance with domestic deals. Utilising the connection to its New York office location, the practice additionally handles large transactions for US clients and their portfolio companies active in the German market. Finance, insurance, energy and technology form key sector strengths of the law firm, further highlighting Noerr's strong market presence.

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe enjoys a robust market position on the venture capital scene in Germany. The team regularly advises international and German investors on financing rounds, in addition to representing German startups and the venture capital arms of prominent German corporates. With its broad coverage of industry sectors such as technology, fintech and energy, Orrick is well placed to advise on a range of deals. The team also draws on the firm's international network, most notably its US colleagues, when handling cross-border transactions including SPAC mergers.

Osborne Clarke rises in the rankings due to ongoing market praise as well as its showcasing of impressive clients and mandates in the venture sphere. This international firm offers strength in a broad spectrum of matters in the German market. It is highly active on large financing rounds, advising startups from various sectors, including transport, banking and pharmaceuticals, several of which have attained unicorn status. The firm also assists the venture arms of prominent German corporates and other venture capital players with investments into and acquisitions of startups. With its international network, Osborne Clarke is well placed to assist international investors.

The German law firm POELLATH houses a renowned venture capital practice with excellent strength in investments, sales and large financing rounds. The team acts for prominent growth funds and international banks, as well as domestic family offices, and startups from the technology and finance sectors. The firm also enjoys a strong standing in the private equity world, often assisting international investors with small to medium-cap transactions. Strategic partnership agreements are also handled by the team. While often active for funds, POELLATH enjoys a particularly strong standing among management boards and is known for handling the participation programmes in larger private equity deals. Its expertise in ancillary areas of transactions, such as tax, further strengthens the firm's holistic offering.

The German law firm Raue holds a prominent position in the German venture capital world. Startups from the mobility, aviation and fintech sectors especially seek the firm's expertise when getting acquired and for large financing rounds. Prominent and often international investors and shareholders also belong to the firm's client roster. Other sectors covered by the law firm include media, technology and logistics.

Taylor Wessing is sought after for its excellent strength in the German venture capital world. The team regularly advises prominent investors and startups on large financing rounds, seed financings and capital increases in areas including insurtech, mobility and fintech. The firm is also appreciated by private equity funds for its experience in small to mid-cap transactions and advice to portfolio companies. Cross-border mandates are also regularly advised on, aided by Taylor Wessing's broad network.

YPOG rises in the rankings based on exemplary market feedback and an impressive list of notable mandates. This boutique law firm has a strong reputation in the venture capital and fund world. The team is highly skilled in a wide range of matters, spanning large financing rounds, capital increases and growth investments as well as exit and M&A transactions. The firm regularly advises startups and unicorns from the e-commerce, technology and IT sectors on financing rounds as well as on investments into other venture capital players. Management buyouts and fund structuring also belong to YPOG's offering. The firm complements its services with additional expertise in regulatory and tax aspects of financing rounds.

Hogan Lovells houses a respected venture capital team with experience ranging from seed financing to later-stage rounds, often acting for well-known investors as well as startups. Furthermore, the law firm is appreciated for its strength in the private equity world, assisting asset managers and private equity houses with investments and buyouts. The practice has demonstrated expertise across commercial and regulated sectors and is particularly active in the German mid-market segment. Due to its global network, it is also a popular choice for international transactions.

German law firm Lutz Abel enters the venture capital rankings based on excellent market feedback connected to a substantial increase in profile and a high level of client satisfaction. The practice primarily advises domestic startups and investors on financing rounds as well as exits. The team is additionally experienced in handling transactions that involve global investors.