Founded in April 2021, Bronstein, Zilberberg, Chueiri & Potenza Advogados has quickly built a market-leading presence in the venture capital (VC) space. Complemented by its expertise in areas such as tax, fintech, finance and fund formation, the group is one of the first ports of call for advice on the entire spectrum of VC matters, ranging from fundraising to investment rounds and M&A involving emerging growth companies. The highly regarded Eduardo Zilberberg, who has a strong background in corporate and M&A, possesses over a decade of experience in venture capital, having advised on hundreds of VC investment rounds. Start-ups and technology clients regularly turn to Sergio Bronstein, who is also sought out by VC funds, private equity (PE) firms and corporate venture capital (CVC) structures. Guilherme Potenza has a wealth of experience in venture-backed M&A and investment rounds involving Brazilian and international companies, which are also core areas of expertise for Pedro Chueiri. André Neves, a key contact for investors, investment funds and start-ups, is noted for his in-depth knowledge of the fintech sector. Also part of the core team, Alfredo Neri and Priscila Menezes specialise in corporate governance and M&A. Paula Bobrow offers support at the associate level.

‘Highly specialised‘ firm FM/Derraik – noted for providing ‘clear‘ and ‘prompt‘ advice to foreign and domestic venture capital funds, private equity firms, development banks, accelerators, incubators and start-ups of all sizes – is at the forefront of the venture capital market in Brazil. Testament to its standing in the market is its recurrent involvement in sophisticated transactions, including fundraising, investment rounds and VC-backed M&A, in an array of sectors, ranging from healthtech to fintech. The group is under the joint leadership of two partners noted for their ‘vast technical knowledge of venture capital‘: Fabiana Fagundes, a reference for companies and funds engaged in complex early and late stage VC transactions; and Rodrigo Menezes, who in addition to his wealth of experience in advising funds on domestic and cross-border deals, is also proficient in CVC structures. Corporate law specialist Pedro Ferreira is active in M&A and VC mandates, having advised several large corporates on the structuring of their CVCs. Gustavo Dalcolmo, who acts for start-ups, angel investors, investment funds and corporate venturers, regularly handles investments and acquisitions. Marcela Rosolen stands out at the associate level for her involvement in Series A, B and C fund capitalisations and strategic exits.

A popular choice for investment firms, BRZ - Barbosa, Raimundo, Gontijo, Câmara e Zanotta Advogados‘ venture capital department is often instructed in investment rounds, corporate matters and M&A transactions. Tech-related deals are a core area of focus for the team, which further showcases knowledge of the telecoms, insurance, health and fintech sectors. Julio Barbosa is proficient in M&A and capital markets transactions, which are also key areas of activity for Rodrigo Câmara. Alessandra Salgado is the main point of contact for venture capital funds and VC-backed emerging companies seeking advice on fundraising, governance and investments.

Venture capital funds, corporate ventures and start-ups turn to Cescon Barrieu for assistance throughout all stages of the investment cycle. The firm brings together multidisciplinary teams – specialised in M&A, funds, capital markets, tax and regulatory matters – to advise on the setting up of investment vehicles, early and late-stage funding rounds and divestments. The group is under the joint leadership of a capable trio: Cristina de Freitas Bueno, who advises Brazilian and international players on M&A and VC deals; Alexandre Gossn Barreto, who specialises in financing transactions; and Tania Liberman, a partner focused on technology and IP.

Demonstrating ‘a strong capacity to support start-ups in corporate organisation and investment rounds‘, Nabarro & Pfeferman Advogados is best known for its expertise in venture capital and M&A involving technology companies. Founded in 2020, the firm acts in the full array of mandates, from fundraising to investment rounds, CVCs and exits. Commended for his ‘in-depth knowledge of the investment market and clients’ business needs‘, Diego Nabarro is recurrently sought by domestic and foreign start-ups, angel investors, accelerators, VC firms and PE funds. He jointly heads up the practice with Thomas Pfeferman, another contact for mandates involving emerging growth companies, private equity and capital markets.

Trench Rossi Watanabe houses a ‘well-coordinated team‘ devoted to assisting start-ups, private equity and venture capital funds in a variety of transactional matters, including early-stage fundraising and advanced investment rounds. Combining strong credentials in corporate, contractual and regulatory issues, the group is skilled in domestic and cross-border deals, drawing on its cooperation with the Baker McKenzie network. Leading the practice, Monica Cavalcanti ‘is recommended for her ability to mediate and negotiate M&A contracts in the venture capital market’; she has steered several rounds of investments, from early-stage matters to scale-ups and successful exits. Paula Alonso, who specialises in corporate and M&A, offers key support at the associate level.