Corporate and commercial
Combining ‘excellent technical ability’ with a ’commercial partner-led approach’, Osborne Clarke LLP is highly regarded for its vast knowledge in Series A and B investments, alongside complex growth capital financings. Displaying extensive expertise in acting on behalf of companies in the tech, renewable energy, and life sciences sectors, the team routinely leverages multi-jurisdictional capabilities in the North American and European markets. Based out of both London and the Thames Valley, Robert Wood heads the practice, assisting investors and management teams. The ‘extremely dedicated’ Mathias Loertscher mainly concentrates on venture and growth capital rounds. From Reading, Justin Starling is a key member of the life sciences and healthcare sector group; Rob Hayes focuses on AI, quantum tech, and hardware fields; and Elizabeth Yell is considered ’a rising superstar’. In Bristol, James Taylor is knowledgeable in the high-growth tech and fintech spheres, and both Reading’s Robert Pook and London’s Uday Mehra are also cited as key contacts.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Mentions
Profile
Work Department
M&A, Corporate Finance and PE
Position
Rob is a Partner in Osborne Clarke's corporate practice and advises investors, management teams and companies on all aspects of the private equity market, focusing on venture and growth capital transactions, private equity buyouts, buy-and-build projects and exits.
He has particular expertise in advising on complex transactions involving investor syndicates.
Much of Rob’s work focuses on the Tech, Media and Comms sector, particularly on high-growth companies trying to bring the latest technology to market.
Please see full biography at osborneclarke.com/lawyers/robert-wood/
Career
Rob joined Osborne Clarke in 2000 and has been a Partner since 2010. He was named "Lawyer of the Year" at the 2018 Thames Valley Deal Awards.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘We have worked with the Osborne Clarke venture team for many years and they continue to be a great advisor to us which is trusted, reliable and commercial.’
‘Rob Wood has continued to be a great partner to us and help guide us on transactions, simple and complex. He is always available and we rely on him a lot.'
'Mathias Loertscher continues to be one of the best venture capital lawyers in London who really cares about his clients and puts great pride in his work.’‘The Osborne Clarke team are the pre-eminent venture capital lawyers in the UK - excellent technical ability combined with a pragmatic and commercial partner-led approach.’
‘Rob Hayes is an incredible lawyer whose experience and negotiation skills means you definitely want him on your side.'
'Elizabeth Yell is a rising superstar. One of the most talented venture capital lawyers in the sector.’‘Mathias Loertscher is extremely dedicated, knowledgeable, and pragmatic.’
‘Uday Mehra and Mathias Loertscher are incredibly smart, approachable, and always one step ahead. They simplify complex stuff, keep us informed, and always have our back. It’s rare to find that mix of legal expertise and real-world understanding, but they’ve nailed it. Couldn't recommend them more.’
'Comprehensive advice and analysis of investment transactions.'
'Available, dedicated, good balance between legal and business priorities.'
Key clients
- Fidelity International Strategic Ventures Eight Roads firstminute Capital Earlybird Venture Capital Northzone Highland Europe Farview Equity Partners Delin Ventures BGF Albion VC
Work highlights
Advised Highland Europe as lead investor on a Series B investment into 9fin, an AI-powered analytics platform for debt capital markets.
Advising 13books Capital as lead investor on a Series A investment into The Electric Car Scheme, a leading innovative EV salary sacrifice scheme.
Advised Ffern and its two founders on a growth capital financing from Highland Europe.