How can we help?
To access legal support from just £145 per hour arrange your no-obligation initial consultation to discuss your business requirements.
Business Legal Services
Venture Capital Legal Services
Rely on our venture capital lawyers to help you unpick the legal implications of the funding process so your business is an attractive proposition for VC funders, and you can access the capital you need to scale and grow.
We’ve been in the venture capital business for many years, advising both start-ups and VC investors looking to fund ambitious companies. Benefit from our experience to expedite your investment transaction and tap into our specialist understanding of the venture capital ecosystem with the help of a venture capital lawyer. We’ll guide you through each step of the investment process to make sure your business interests are protected.
Experts in venture capital
Our team can assist you across all areas of corporate law, including:
Helping entrepreneurs scale up with confidence
Our team of corporate solicitors can provide you with the necessary expertise and support to move your business forward. As part of our venture capital legal services, our team of lawyers will:
Help you learn and understand what VCs expect from a deal and what the legal implications are for your company.
Advise you on how venture capital funding will impact your business in the future
This includes helping you prepare a cap table in advance of funding, so you’ll know where your company stands post-investment.
Put together a letter of intent during the initial stages of the investment cycle so that key terms are agreed early on between the investee and investor.
Guide you through the due diligence process and make sure your books show a clear picture of your company for VC investors.
Help you leverage your offering so that you qualify as a target for investors in tax-advantaged schemes
Including the Enterprise Investment Schemes and Seed Enterprise Investment Schemes.
Advise you on how a VC’s legal requirements could affect your company and impact your decision-making
Such as an LLP or restrictive covenants that might give an investor rights to make more operational decisions at the company giving you limited control.
Unpick employment and service contract issues
So you can achieve a good balance between keeping your VC investors happy and your key players free to practice what they’re best at.
Prepare and advise on the necessary formalities and documents required in a VC funding transaction
From the investment agreement itself to shareholders’ agreements, new or amended Articles of Association, and service contracts.
Helping you with ongoing compliance with your obligations under your VC deal documents and tax-advantaged schemes.
Venture capital legal advice that comes from first-hand experience
Supporting start-ups with raising venture capital is a major focus for us here at Harper James Solicitors. If you’re an entrepreneur who wants to unlock the growth potential that VC funding can bring, we can help. Benefit from the combined experience and market knowledge of our venture capital lawyers, including our thorough due diligence practices to protect your business interests.
Why work with a specialist venture capital lawyer?
Swift negotiations that protect your interests
If you’ve got a VC investor on board, you’ll want to get the legal formalities over as quickly and efficiently as possible. Don’t waste time with tricky legal negotiations and avoid exposing your company to unnecessary transaction risks by using our experienced team to protect your interests. Our venture capital lawyers will work with you to get the deal over as quickly and smoothly as possible.
We’ll help you avoid giving away too much in your rush to finance your operations
Finance is crucial to growth – we get that. But you need to make sure that your hands aren’t tied in the future, either in terms of expanding your company or seeking future funding. Our venture capital lawyers will help you achieve the perfect balance by making sure the legal agreements, covenants, and warranties you negotiate with your investors still enable you to work the way you want to.
We’re experts in corporate tax and the SEIS and EIS schemes
These investment schemes are highly beneficial for both entrepreneurs and investors. We can show you how these schemes can be used to unlock key benefits so that you have more cash available to fund your operations and ventures.
Lean on our expertise as your business develops
Our aim is to assist you efficiently through the investment process with your long-term goals in mind to drive negotiations and help move your company forward. As specialists in supporting start-ups in the early phases of their growth, and through a series of funding rounds, joint ventures, and bolt-on acquisitions right through to exit, we will always have the bigger picture in mind for your business.
Who we help: Founders, entrepreneurs, and VC investors
We aim to help start-ups across the country level up at a critical time in their business’ growth, and investors to carefully manage their venture capital portfolio. Whether it’s your first seed funding round or a large series B raise, we’ve supported companies across many sectors along their journey to becoming established scale-ups.
With our transparent pricing model, you can access expert City-grade legal advice and knowledge from partner-level solicitors at a fraction of the cost of traditional law firms. Because we understand that during the early stages of growing your business you need to protect your interests as best you can, without breaking the bank. And you need a legal team you can rely on to be as passionate as you are about your company.
Testimonials
What our clients say
Harper James provide a cost effective, responsive and versatile service and provide us with access to legal teams that are experienced, commercially focused and well-resourced. Most importantly they are extremely familiar with the SME market and know the venture capital sector well.
Roger Woods
Owner and Director,
MidVen
We use Harper James because they understand the venture capital sector we operate in, know our business inside out and are always on hand to assist us in any way we need.
Doug Scott
CEO,
Potential
What attracted me to Harper James was the pricing model they have in place. It means we get access to top legal professionals at prices we can afford. In our most recent funding round, the support we received was vital.
Mikhil Raja
CEO,
SonicJobs
Harper James have been incredibly professional and responsive. They immediately understood the challenges we have. Not only those of any small business, but those relating to building a piece of complex tech, and they have been able to help us navigate that from a legal perspective.
Alastair MacGregor
Founder,
Do IT
Stephen was very helpful, pragmatic and where appropriate, entertaining. We were grateful for the way Stephen advised us in layman’s terms, showing patience to ensure we understood the transaction and were able to move to completion. I value the relationship we have developed with Harper James over the last few years and would recommend them to others.
Jon Arcos
Founder & CEO,
Axis Spine Technologies
Jas did an excellent job in pulling together what was a complex deal, not least because it involved co-ordinating parties in America, the UK and at the British Business Bank. But her perseverance and willingness to get the job done for us shone through and we were very impressed by the standard of service we received.
Peter Gerwe
Investor,
Storyfirst
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
The team at Harper James have demonstrated time and again that they have a deep understanding of the issues facing entrepreneurial businesses and their funding.
Charles Smith
Director,
Interpac Limited
Harper James swiftly solves problems with a minimum of fuss. I strongly recommend them and they are a pleasure to work with.
Jean de Fougerolles
CEO,
Ascension Ventures
The team provide great support throughout the funding process, providing straightforward and clear guidance on the issues to be addressed at each stage. The team was always at hand to make sure that that we understood what needed to be done to reach a successful outcome.
Chris Evans
CEO,
Kobus Services
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
When I first spoke to Harper James, I was coming at things as an aspiring start-up with very little money in my pocket. But Jas and the team were able to help me to decide what the priorities were in the legal services I needed and made sure they were put in place. Their support in the funding rounds we’ve gone through has been invaluable. I’d definitely recommend Harper James.
Abhishek Nakhate
Founder,
Zoom Abroad
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
We rely on Harper James to provide us with support across a full range of service areas, from commercial contracts and employment issues to fundraisings and investments. The team at Harper James are always available to provide us with cost effective, pragmatic and commercially focused advice.
Nick Holzherr
CEO,
Whisk.com
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
Knowing you have that level of legal support enables any new business to be able to move forward with more confidence. With Harper James we have that - and more.
Julian Cook
CEO and Co-Founder,
Howamigoing
We’d like to thank Harper James for all of their support throughout the investment deal process. As well as providing vital legal advice, Adam and the team at Harper James gave us guidance on the next steps of our growth, and we look forward to working with the team on a variety of projects in the future.
Scott Clifford
Founder,
Oneskee
It’s been excellent working with Stephen, he’s made every investment round extremely straight-forward and he understands our needs completely, while explaining the legals without the legal jargon. He’s only a phone call away which keeps us reassured. Previously, we’ve had to go through many hurdles when working with traditional law firms. You don’t get that at Harper James.
Reece Chowdhry
Founder & Partner,
Concept Ventures
Ease of use, a familiar legal team supporting my business who understand my business, and provide value for money.
Daniel Lawrence
CEO,
Bots For That Ltd
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
We worked with Baljit Chohan on review of documents for closing a seed funding round for my company. Baljit was fantastic throughout the process, easy to reach when we needed him and provided clear, concise, and confident advice at every step. Would thoroughly recommend him and Harper James.
Luke Burke
Founder,
Corryn Biotechnologies Ltd
Harper James provide a cost effective, responsive and versatile service and provide us with access to legal teams that are experienced, commercially focused and well-resourced. Most importantly they are extremely familiar with the SME market and know the venture capital sector well.
Roger Woods
Owner and Director,
MidVen
We use Harper James because they understand the venture capital sector we operate in, know our business inside out and are always on hand to assist us in any way we need.
Doug Scott
CEO,
Potential
What attracted me to Harper James was the pricing model they have in place. It means we get access to top legal professionals at prices we can afford. In our most recent funding round, the support we received was vital.
Mikhil Raja
CEO,
SonicJobs
Harper James have been incredibly professional and responsive. They immediately understood the challenges we have. Not only those of any small business, but those relating to building a piece of complex tech, and they have been able to help us navigate that from a legal perspective.
Alastair MacGregor
Founder,
Do IT
Stephen was very helpful, pragmatic and where appropriate, entertaining. We were grateful for the way Stephen advised us in layman’s terms, showing patience to ensure we understood the transaction and were able to move to completion. I value the relationship we have developed with Harper James over the last few years and would recommend them to others.
Jon Arcos
Founder & CEO,
Axis Spine Technologies
Jas did an excellent job in pulling together what was a complex deal, not least because it involved co-ordinating parties in America, the UK and at the British Business Bank. But her perseverance and willingness to get the job done for us shone through and we were very impressed by the standard of service we received.
Peter Gerwe
Investor,
Storyfirst
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
The team at Harper James have demonstrated time and again that they have a deep understanding of the issues facing entrepreneurial businesses and their funding.
Charles Smith
Director,
Interpac Limited
Harper James swiftly solves problems with a minimum of fuss. I strongly recommend them and they are a pleasure to work with.
Jean de Fougerolles
CEO,
Ascension Ventures
The team provide great support throughout the funding process, providing straightforward and clear guidance on the issues to be addressed at each stage. The team was always at hand to make sure that that we understood what needed to be done to reach a successful outcome.
Chris Evans
CEO,
Kobus Services
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
When I first spoke to Harper James, I was coming at things as an aspiring start-up with very little money in my pocket. But Jas and the team were able to help me to decide what the priorities were in the legal services I needed and made sure they were put in place. Their support in the funding rounds we’ve gone through has been invaluable. I’d definitely recommend Harper James.
Abhishek Nakhate
Founder,
Zoom Abroad
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
We rely on Harper James to provide us with support across a full range of service areas, from commercial contracts and employment issues to fundraisings and investments. The team at Harper James are always available to provide us with cost effective, pragmatic and commercially focused advice.
Nick Holzherr
CEO,
Whisk.com
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
Knowing you have that level of legal support enables any new business to be able to move forward with more confidence. With Harper James we have that - and more.
Julian Cook
CEO and Co-Founder,
Howamigoing
We’d like to thank Harper James for all of their support throughout the investment deal process. As well as providing vital legal advice, Adam and the team at Harper James gave us guidance on the next steps of our growth, and we look forward to working with the team on a variety of projects in the future.
Scott Clifford
Founder,
Oneskee
It’s been excellent working with Stephen, he’s made every investment round extremely straight-forward and he understands our needs completely, while explaining the legals without the legal jargon. He’s only a phone call away which keeps us reassured. Previously, we’ve had to go through many hurdles when working with traditional law firms. You don’t get that at Harper James.
Reece Chowdhry
Founder & Partner,
Concept Ventures
Ease of use, a familiar legal team supporting my business who understand my business, and provide value for money.
Daniel Lawrence
CEO,
Bots For That Ltd
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
We worked with Baljit Chohan on review of documents for closing a seed funding round for my company. Baljit was fantastic throughout the process, easy to reach when we needed him and provided clear, concise, and confident advice at every step. Would thoroughly recommend him and Harper James.
Luke Burke
Founder,
Corryn Biotechnologies Ltd
Why choose Harper James Solicitors?
Wherever you are in your venture, we’ve got a member of our specialist team of venture capital solicitors who’s been there before. We can offer expert advice, hands-on support, and access to our network of contacts. Our team of corporate solicitors has extensive experience with VC funding, and we’ve provided legal advice in numerous, high-profile transactions. Several of our lawyers have worked as in-house counsel for venture capital firms, so they know the landscape well. Find out more about the team here:
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 £215 per month, with £145 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 34% discount on our Standard Rates.