Harper James hails longstanding partnership with VC company

Harper James Solicitors is marking a successful long-term partnership with London based venture capital company Ascension Ventures Limited.

Ascension Ventures is an expert in the media and tech industries, providing entrepreneurs with capital, access to its network, and mentors to help them grow scalable businesses.

With extensive experience in working with business owners, investors and VC firms on all aspects of venture capital, Harper James has been the main legal advisor to Ascension Ventures for several years.

Ascension Ventures COO Kieran Hill said: “When we first met Harper James CEO Toby Harper around three years ago, we were drawn to the subscription-based business model. It gave Ascension the flexibility to use Harper James’s services as and when needed, but also gave them the security of immediate cash flow – which we found to be a really clever way of working. We were also impressed with the high-quality lawyers and number of services on offer.”

Harper James represents Ascension during investment rounds, around 10 to 15 times a year, and regularly reviews the company’s fund documentation.

Kieran added: “Our longstanding relationship has enabled us to get deals over the line quickly and efficiently, with minimum fuss or kickback from opposing lawyers representing the companies we’re investing in.”

Since 2013, Ascension Ventures has invested in over 50 early-stage companies across six different funds. They have also recently partnered with a number of organisations to introduce the Fair By Design Fund, which is aimed at tackling the “Poverty Premium” – the extra cost of being poor. The fund will invest in companies looking for funding in this space in the energy, finance, insurance and geo-based industries.

Kieran continued: “I find the legal team at Harper James efficient, smart and personable. Speed is of the essence for early stage investing and Harper James recognises this and acts accordingly. We’ll continue to use them for all of our investments along with our future funds, including our new Fair By Design Fund.”

Harper James CEO Toby Harper said: “We enjoy working with like-minded companies and Ascension Ventures really matches our ethos, with its strong focus on the technology sector. We’re delighted to maintain our longstanding partnership with Ascension and will continue to provide them with a high-quality service that meets their current and future needs as a fast-growing business.”