TMT (technology, media and telecoms)
Counting domestic and international companies from across the AI, fintech, and automotive industries among its key clients, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe (UK) LLP showcases vast cross-border capabilities when advising on Series B and C fundraisings. The team has extensive experience acting for private equity funds and major investors in all stages of Series financings, with a specific focus on complex investment transactions. The practice is spearheaded by Chris Grew, an expert in advising high-growth tech companies and investment banks, while Ylan Steiner is highly regarded for his work in secondary disposals and exits. The ‘extraordinary’ Shawn Atkinson specialises in M&A transactions and venture financings, while Jamie Moore consistently represents start-ups and unicorns. Peter Sugden concentrates on corporate governance matters, while both Stephen Tallon and Jason Wu are each noted as key practitioners. The firm also displays in-depth knowledge in the energy, infrastructure, and finance markets, while fielding London-based US-qualified attorneys.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Profile
Work Department
M&A and Private Equity
Technology Companies Group
Technology Companies Group
Position
Partner
Career
As Europe's premier tech business advisors, Shawn and his team have overseen several hundred venture financings, private equity buyouts and M&A transactions over the course of the last decade. Leading venture capital and growth funds, private equity, and high-growth tech companies rely upon his unsurpassed industry knowledge as much as his relentless commitment to their business.
In addition to sheer volume of deals, Shawn's incomparable market insight stems from his leadership roles at Orrick, the only global firm focused on technology, and his experience working throughout the UK & Europe, North America and Asia. Shawn leads Orrick's London Corporate practice, its Global Emerging Markets practice and co-leads the Global Fintech team and the Global Technology Companies Practice Group. These complement his practice serving public and private companies in UK multi-jurisdictional and complex corporate transactions, including countless acquisitions and disposals, cross-border mergers, bankruptcy infused asset sales, recapitalisations and reorganisations. He is also a recognised leader in late stage venture transactions and in early stage private equity transactions in Europe and the emerging markets.
Shawn also advises early stage businesses across a number of sectors – including insurtech, Fintech, Crypto, SaaS, EdTech, HRTech, Marketplace and EnergyTech. He assists them from incorporation through to M&A exit, initial public offerings and other growth opportunities. His participation in the private equity and venture capital sector spans his entire career - with time spent in private practice, in-house and advising investors as well as investor-backed businesses-and affords him a deep knowledge and understanding of the industry and client needs and expectations.
Among the leading investment funds he has represented are ABN Amro Ventures, Acton Capital Partners, ABRY Partners, Accel Partners, Apax Partners, Bain Capital, Balderton Capital, Battery Ventures, Beringea, Bessemer Venture Partners, Black Pearls VC, Black Sheep Ventures, BMWi Ventures, Coatue Management, Columbia Capital, CommerzVentures, Evolvence, FTV Capital, Golden Gate Capital, Stepstone Group, Headway Capital Partners, Innova Capital, Kinnevik, KPS Capital Partners, Marlin Equity Partners, Mangrove Capital Partners, M/C Partners, One Peak, Oxx, Pearson Ventures, Piper Private Equity, Piton Capital, Salesforce Ventures, Sprints Capital, Summit Partners, Updata Partners, VNV Global and VEF.
Languages
English
Education
Nottingham Law School, Legal Practice Course
Nottingham Law School, PGDL
University of Oxford, Diploma, Archaeology
McMaster University, B.A., Anthropology and Archaeology
Content supplied by Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe (UK) LLP
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
'Great knowledge of the venture capital industry and market terms. Pragmatic approach.'
'Exceptional in terms of knowledge, expertise, support and attentiveness. We are an early stage startup but have been receiving top level support as if we are giant.'
'Excellent depth of experience.'
‘Shawn Atkinson is an extraordinary lawyer. He delivers a great work product and is always available. He is extremely reliable.’
'Ylan Steiner is hands on and has a pragmatic approach in deal negotiations.' 'Jamie Moore is extraordinary in all respects and became an indispensable partner to our business.'