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Business Legal Services
Series A, B and C Funding Legal Services
We help ambitious businesses to grow by securing Series A-C funding
You’ve already proven that both you and your idea have what it takes to succeed. So, if growth or expansion are on your mind, you’ll need expert Series A-C funding solicitors by your side.
The right lawyers can not only save you time and money but will help you structure your company so its optimised for future growth. Our lawyers are highly experienced in advising companies looking for Series A-C funding. We are familiar with all the major players in the investment market like venture capital firms and private equity houses, plus we also advise early-stage businesses on the potential for crowdfunding.
What's the benefit of working with our series A-C solicitors?
We’ll keep things simple so you won’t waste your time or money.
Because we’ve considerable experience working with Series A, B and C funders, we know what they expect. This helps streamline the due diligence and investment processes, saving you time and money. We are experts in making legal advice accessible for early-stage entrepreneurs.
We never waste time with fruitless negotiations and we won’t expose your business to unnecessary risk. We’ll get the deal over as quickly and smoothly as possible.
We do your due diligence homework for you
Because we’ve done this many times before, we know what investors will need to see. We’ll help you get organised, from sense-checking your employment contracts to auditing your IPR.
We’ll balance the needs of investors with your need to run your business.
Meeting the needs of Series A-C funders may affect your business. We will help you achieve a deal that protects your company while addressing the reasonable requirements of investors.
We’ll help you attract and retain the best talent
Investors place a great deal of emphasis on the management team of potential targets. We will help structure your employment terms so that you’re an attractive proposition for top talent, including setting up an employment incentive scheme and drafting terms and conditions of employment.
We’ll structure your capital so you’re ready for future funding.
With each round of funding, the needs of investors change. We will walk you through the pre-and post-investment scenarios, and make sure that the structure of your company is optimised for the requirements of investors. We’ll also help you avoid giving away too much in your rush to scale.
We’ll make sure you’re attractive to investors looking for tax-advantaged placements
The SEIS and EIS schemes are highly beneficial for both entrepreneurs and investors. We can show you how to unlock the benefits of these schemes so that you have more cash available to fund your operations.
Our aim is to help you succeed and grow, while protecting your share of the business and valuable investment.
Our team of corporate solicitors have a raft of Series A-C deal experience, and know what investors expect to achieve. As part of our legal services for scaling businesses, we will:
Create Enterprise Investment Schemes and Seed Enterprise Investment Schemes
so that you qualify as a target for investors in tax-advantaged schemes. We’ll also advise on the impact this will have on your business and existing shareholdings.
Draft and amend your shareholder agreements, articles of association, employment and service contracts
making sure your legal i’s are dotted and t’s crossed.
Help prepare or amend your cap table
including unique scenario modelling and shareholder resolution tracking to make sure you know where you stand pre/post-investment.
Guide you through the due diligence process and help you with ongoing compliance
making sure your books show a clear picture of your business for investors. We’ll also resolve any issues which come to light during this process.
Liaise with your existing shareholders
and prepare revised terms for their ongoing participation.
Show you how legal requirements, such as restrictive covenants could affect your business.
Prepare and advise on the necessary formalities and documents required in a Series A-C funding transaction
whether equity, quasi equity, debt finance or convertible loan agreements.
Advise on any warranties the founders may need to give.
Negotiate documents with investors to protect your interests.
Our Series A-C funding solicitors understand what entrepreneurs and investors are looking for and we aim to make sure both sides walk away happy
Working as a team with you, we’ll guide you through all the legal implications of your funding deal and help you answer these kinds of questions:
- How will I determine the share value?
- What alternatives might an investor ask for instead of equity investment, for example a convertible loan note?
- Can you help me update a cap table for the new investment round?
- What will investors expect from my business in return for the funding? What provisions can we include to avoid losing too much control and freedom of the company to develop?
- I’ve been given a term sheet by a potential funder. Are these terms typical and reasonable and what’s the best way to approach the negotiations?
- How will funding affect my existing shareholders? Will I need to involve them when I seek Series A-C investment?
- What’s the difference between venture capital and private equity? How might their expectations differ?
- Can I take advantage of government-backed, tax-efficient schemes like the Enterprise Investment or Seed Enterprise Investment Schemes? What do I need to do to ensure my business qualifies for tax-advantaged funding?
Why choose Harper James?
Wherever you are in your venture, we’ve got a member of our specialist team of Series A-C funding solicitors that can help. We offer expert advice, hands-on support, and access to our network of contacts in the industry. Our team of corporate solicitors has extensive experience of Series A-C funding and we’ve advised on numerous, high-profile transactions. Several of our lawyers have worked as in-house lawyers for the venture capital firm MidVen so we know the investment landscape well.
Testimonials
What our clients say
Harper James provides my small growing business with a scalable, reliable, team-oriented approach to legal advice. Whenever we face a problem, I know that Harper James are there to provide helpful and cost-effective advice, to scope out the options, make clear the costs and risks, and give me the information I need to make decisions.
Bryn Richards
CEO,
Aeristech
We were very impressed by the efficiency of the service we received. Having strong legal service support in place is vital for any business entering into a funding round.
Alexis Rog
Co-founder,
Sikoia
As a young and growing fintech company, there have been a number of legal matters that we have needed to manage; such as client contracts, employment contracts and fund raising from investors. We’ve used Harper James for around a year and they have provided us with very valuable support through several lenses, not least in our funding round in late 2017, where we raised £1million and Harper James managed the legal side of the transaction. We recommend them without hesitation.
Gareth Morgan
Chief Risk and Compliance Officer,
Delio
When we were in the process of raising funds for our business venture, we were fortunate enough to have the support of Harper James. Their advice and guidance were extremely beneficial to us, and we’ve been impressed by their responsive service.
TJ Herbert
CEO and Founder,
Itchy Fish
I can’t sing our solicitor’s praises enough: fast, efficient, sensible and supportive. A quick and fair resolution to all queries that we have worked on together and would thoroughly recommend her to any of my contacts.
Samuel B Higgs
Account Director,
Signal Media
It was delightful working with Stephen and Callum on the fundraise. As an ex-investment banker, I’ve worked with many law firms and the legal process can be quite painful. We wanted to make sure our investors were protected and there were no delays with the raise. The fundraise was executed smoothly and Stephen and Callum were both very helpful. Callum was extremely bright. They both pointed out lots of things that we had missed.
Hana Salussolia
Chief Operating Officer,
Medisonal
I have worked with Callum Giliker on quite a number of corporate fundraising transactions over the last few years and have always found Callum to take a calm, knowledgeable and productive lead, keeping things as simple as possible.
Matthew Dreaper
CFO,
Oxford Space Systems
Jenni Ferguson advised us in relation to our investment and on various agreements. She was brilliant, gave very practical advice, and was excellent at helping us achieve our objectives with the relevant investment. Jenni was very responsive, turned work around quickly, was approachable, and she was able to summarise and articulate complex legal issues very well and clearly, providing practical and commercial advice.
Eamon McCarthy-Keen
Angel Investor,
Investible Limited
Harper James provides my small growing business with a scalable, reliable, team-oriented approach to legal advice. Whenever we face a problem, I know that Harper James are there to provide helpful and cost-effective advice, to scope out the options, make clear the costs and risks, and give me the information I need to make decisions.
Bryn Richards
CEO,
Aeristech
We were very impressed by the efficiency of the service we received. Having strong legal service support in place is vital for any business entering into a funding round.
Alexis Rog
Co-founder,
Sikoia
As a young and growing fintech company, there have been a number of legal matters that we have needed to manage; such as client contracts, employment contracts and fund raising from investors. We’ve used Harper James for around a year and they have provided us with very valuable support through several lenses, not least in our funding round in late 2017, where we raised £1million and Harper James managed the legal side of the transaction. We recommend them without hesitation.
Gareth Morgan
Chief Risk and Compliance Officer,
Delio
When we were in the process of raising funds for our business venture, we were fortunate enough to have the support of Harper James. Their advice and guidance were extremely beneficial to us, and we’ve been impressed by their responsive service.
TJ Herbert
CEO and Founder,
Itchy Fish
I can’t sing our solicitor’s praises enough: fast, efficient, sensible and supportive. A quick and fair resolution to all queries that we have worked on together and would thoroughly recommend her to any of my contacts.
Samuel B Higgs
Account Director,
Signal Media
It was delightful working with Stephen and Callum on the fundraise. As an ex-investment banker, I’ve worked with many law firms and the legal process can be quite painful. We wanted to make sure our investors were protected and there were no delays with the raise. The fundraise was executed smoothly and Stephen and Callum were both very helpful. Callum was extremely bright. They both pointed out lots of things that we had missed.
Hana Salussolia
Chief Operating Officer,
Medisonal
I have worked with Callum Giliker on quite a number of corporate fundraising transactions over the last few years and have always found Callum to take a calm, knowledgeable and productive lead, keeping things as simple as possible.
Matthew Dreaper
CFO,
Oxford Space Systems
Jenni Ferguson advised us in relation to our investment and on various agreements. She was brilliant, gave very practical advice, and was excellent at helping us achieve our objectives with the relevant investment. Jenni was very responsive, turned work around quickly, was approachable, and she was able to summarise and articulate complex legal issues very well and clearly, providing practical and commercial advice.
Eamon McCarthy-Keen
Angel Investor,
Investible Limited
Who we help: Founders, entrepreneurs and investors
We aim to help early-stage businesses scale and grow. With our transparent pricing model, you can access expert City-grade legal advice from partner-level solicitors at a fraction of the cost of traditional law firms. And because we understand that during the early life of a business you need to economise, we will help you protect your interests without breaking the bank.
Pricing and service plans
Legal support designed
to fit your business needs
Our three transparent service plans are designed to give you the widest possible access to high-quality legal advice, whatever the size and nature of your business:
Engage
Flexible access to senior solicitors at highly competitive rates
An alternative to our subscription plans, offering access to full service legal expertise on a project-by-project basis.
Enable
Purpose built legal support for start-ups and smaller businesses
Monthly subscription plan for £219 per month, with £149 monthly credit and access to all legal services at 50% discount on our Standard Rates.
Extend
Comprehensive legal partnership for established businesses
Fully account managed and scalable annual subscription plan with support from a curated team of partners and senior solicitors, with up to 36% discount on our Standard Rates.