Venture Capital & Emerging Companies | Global

King & Spalding's team in the UAE is well known for its focus on cross-border work relating to Saudi Arabia. Alongside fund formation and M&A, the firm regularly counsels clients on venture capital investments, exits and fundraising rounds, as well as the related corporate structuring requirements. The team also has proven expertise in assisting clients that are acting in the capacity of limited partner investor. Lawyers within the firm offer extensive experience in advising on transactions relating to startup companies in the tech and retail spaces.

Latham & Watkins is widely agreed to have one of the leading practices for Middle East venture capital work. Its respected group of lawyers is active on the full gamut of acquisitions, financings and investments, and the team has an impressive track record when it comes to advising emerging companies. The formation and structuring of venture capital funds is another area of strength.

Taylor Wessing has a compact corporate practice in Dubai that is especially noteworthy for its in-depth experience in assisting with venture capital matters. The team handles a wide range of acquisitions, investments and divestments, in addition to providing guidance on capitalisation and governance structures. Its lawyers are regularly sought after to represent target companies as well as funds and investors.

A&O Shearman is a notable presence in the venture capital space. The firm advises investors and early-growth companies on a range of deals, including seed investments and M&A. The team is also able to advise emerging companies and startups on funding rounds and transactional mandates.

Baker McKenzie has a substantial UAE corporate department comprising lawyers located in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi. In the venture capital realm, the team offers particularly significant experience concerning transactions in the technology sector. It has notable capabilities in acting for emerging companies, and has acted on several very high-value acquisitions and financing rounds.

Trowers & Hamlins is a well-established presence in the Middle East. It is noted for its venture capital practice, with lawyers based in its Abu Dhabi and Dubai offices representing a pan-regional client base in respect of such work. The team advises on the structuring of venture capital funds in addition to transactional matters. Its lawyers in the UAE are also able to leverage additional expertise located in the firm's Oman, Bahrain and newly opened Saudi office as required.