Venture Capital & Emerging Companies | Global

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.

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 fund-raising rounds, as well as the related corporate structuring requirements. The team also has proven expertise assisting clients which are acting in the capacity of limited partner investor. Lawyers within the firm offer extensive experience advising on transactions relating to start-up 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 handling deals in key sectors such as technology and telecoms. The formation and structuring of venture capital funds is another area of strength.

Hourani & Partners is a respected law firm with deep roots in the Middle East. Its Dubai office fields a team with a wealth of experience in the venture capital space. It acts for a number of well-known venture capital firms on investments and acquisitions, with further proven capabilities assisting venture-backed companies. The team's work spans a variety of sectors, including retail and technology.

The Morgan Lewis team in the UAE has significant experience acting for sovereign wealth funds on venture capital investments within sectors such as healthcare and fintech. The group has additional capabilities acting for venture capital firms on a wide range of matters. The firm also offers complementary strengths in investment fund formation, and is further well versed in advising on mergers and strategic alliances between asset managers.

Taylor Wessing has a compact corporate practice in Dubai which is especially noteworthy for its in-depth experience 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. With experience representing target companies as well as funds and investors, its recent deal list features transactions in the fintech and logistics sectors.