Venture Capital

Benesch represents sponsors of venture capital funds in their capital raising and investing activities as well as emerging growth companies seeking venture capital financing. We represent sophisticated institutional investors in funds and our lawyers are knowledgeable about market terms and trends. Additionally, we provide advice in connection with transfers of limited partner interests, distributions in kind, general partner management changes, dissolution and liquidation mechanics.

Between the number of private equity and venture capital financings we close each year and our familiarity with emerging trends in the industry, Benesch is able to assist our clients in offering and obtaining current, competitive financing terms. From the structuring of bridge loans through the sophisticated negotiation of later-stage financings, our lawyers provide advice that positions clients to close transactions swiftly and efficiently. Our private equity and venture capital lawyers assist clients in their due diligence review of corporate, patent and other intellectual property and other issues in connection with potential investments.

We represent a number of venture capital-backed portfolio companies in the health care, biotechnology and life sciences area. A sampling of our experience in these areas includes:

• Representation of a medical diagnostics company as corporate counsel in multiple rounds of venture investing and the sale to a strategic independent service provider for medical equipment.
• Representation of a nanotechnology licensing company in four rounds of financing which amounted to approximately $43 million.
• Representation of a venture backed company developing technologies that include life science applications, raising through bridge and multiple venture rounds in excess of $20 million.
• Representation of an early stage cloud-based health IT company in connection with a $25 million private placement with a major national venture capital fund.
• Representation of a portfolio company of Cleveland Clinic Innovations in the cancer testing/screening industry in connection with a significant venture capital investment by a major Israeli venture capital fund.
• Representation of related businesses in new energy and energy conversion technologies in connection with in excess of $25 million of capital raises, licensing, IP portfolio development and spin out transactions.
• Representation of a nutraceutical business in connection with in connection with capital raises amounting to in excess of $20 million through multiple rounds of venture equity and structured long term debt, as well as its operating concerns and licensing business .

Nationwide Practice, International Reach

Benesch is an AmLaw 200 business law firm and limited liability partnership with offices in Chicago, Cleveland, Columbus, San Francisco, and Wilmington. The firm is known for providing highly sophisticated legal services to national and international clients that include public and private, middle market and emerging companies, as well as private equity funds, entrepreneurs, not-for-profit organizations, trusts and estates.