Legal advice for investors and growth companies
In a market characterised by rapid development, high risk and significant capital requirements, it is important to work with advisers who understand both the investment strategy and the mechanics of the venture capital market.
We advise Norwegian and international venture capital funds, growth equity investors, seed funds, angel investors and accelerators on structuring and executing investments in start-ups and growth companies. For venture capital and seed funds, we provide advice throughout the entire fund lifecycle – from establishment and fundraising to management and realisation of the portfolio. At the same time, we assist founders and companies with fundraising, ownership structures, incentive schemes and the legal frameworks needed to support further scaling.
Our advice is tailored to the company’s stage of development and the investors’ objectives – whether the matter involves a pre-seed or seed investment, a Series A, B or C round, a growth equity investment or preparations for an exit.
Leading experience in the Norwegian venture capital market
We have worked closely with Norwegian private equity and venture capital players since the first Norwegian venture capital and private equity funds were established in the 1990s. Through this work, we have contributed to the development of documentation, transaction structures and market practices used in Norwegian venture capital transactions today.
Today, we are one of Norway’s leading legal advisers to venture capital funds, providing advice across all stages and requirements – from fund establishment and structuring to investment processes, portfolio management and exits. Our expertise and broad experience make us a preferred adviser to both established players and new funds seeking to position themselves in the Norwegian and Nordic markets.
The team has extensive experience with both Norwegian and international investment instruments, including SAFE and SLIP instruments, and with negotiating term sheets, investment agreements and shareholders’ agreements between investors, founders and other shareholders. We also advise international venture capital funds investing in Norwegian companies, as well as Norwegian funds and companies on cross-border investments.
Advice throughout the company lifecycle
A solid legal foundation makes it easier to raise capital, attract key talent and accommodate new investors as the company grows. We therefore advise not only on individual transactions, but also on establishing corporate, ownership and contractual structures that support long-term growth.
Our transactional lawyers work closely with specialists in areas including tax, corporate law, employment law, intellectual property, technology and capital markets. This enables us to provide integrated advice tailored to the company’s business model, stage of development and future plans.
Our advice includes
- structuring and executing funding rounds, including pre-seed, seed and Series A, B and C rounds
- venture capital and growth equity investments in Norwegian and international companies
- establishing and structuring Norwegian venture capital funds
- negotiating term sheets, investment agreements and investment instruments such as SAFE and SLIP
- drafting and negotiating shareholders’ agreements between investors, founders and other shareholders
- corporate and ownership structures designed to support growth, fundraising and new investors
- incentive schemes for founders, management and key employees, including MIP and ESOP programmes
- tax and VAT matters relating to investments, ownership structures and incentive schemes
- IP, licensing and technology agreements that protect the company’s technology and business model
- acquisitions, disposals, exit processes and preparations for an IPO
- strategic advice and negotiations in complex venture capital transactions
With experience advising both investors and companies, we can identify the issues that are likely to become decisive in negotiations and help develop solutions that protect the interests of the current investment without restricting the company’s future development.