CMS is closely associated with venture capital investments and start-up transactions. The firm’s strong focus on individual sectors, such as TMT, energy transition and climate change, and healthcare and life sciences has made it a significant player in the start-up and venture capital field. It has continued to advise a range of start-ups and growth companies on their fundraising activities, along with a number of M&A transactions. Toby Grainger heads the corporate practice and has an extensive background with early-stage and start-up companies. Babita Ambekar provides additional knowledge of the Southeast Asia and India markets, particularly in technology, consumer and renewable energy. Gerald Licnachan, who joined from Reed Smith LLP in November 2023, also has a strong focus on representing founders and investors in early stage and growth equity deals.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Toby Grainger has exceptional qualities in handling transactions and providing comprehensive advice. His expertise extends beyond the legal perspective, offering clients well-rounded insights that consider both legal and strategic business implications. Toby is not only a skilled professional but also highly accessible and responsive, ensuring clients feel supported and informed at every stage.’
‘I worked directly with Babita Ambekar, and she is the most responsive legal adviser I have worked with. She is very quick to organise industry and country experts within CMS to provide legal advice at a very short notice.’
‘CMS is very start-up friendly. They understand key issues relevant to early stage fundraising and deliver good work with a high level of responsiveness and efficiency.’
‘Babita Ambekar is highly talented, experienced, and always exhibits a positive attitude. We highly value her professionalism and knowledge of the sector.'
‘Understand both investor and company issues, value for money, quality legal advice and are highly responsive.’
‘Toby Grainger is experienced in both venture capital investments, as well as the complexities of Indonesian law, which is a very useful combination for advising investors looking at the largest country in Southeast Asia.’
‘Strong experience in transactions with start-ups from very early-stage to growth stage. Good knowledge of transactions and able to advise on what is normal in the market and how to manage sticky aspects of negotiations.’
‘Great advice on speeding up negotiations and very fast to reply.’
Key clients
- ShopBack
- Roojai
- Ocean 14 Capital Fund
- Gupshup Inc.
- AC Ventures
- AgFunder
- Alesca Life
- Ampotech
- Cleartrip
- Coinswitch Kuber
Work highlights
Advised Umami Bioworks on its merger with Shiok Meats.
Advised Roojai in relation to its $10m convertible note investment round with participation from existing investors HDI International and International Finance Corporation.
Advised SBI Holdings in relation to its subscription for a $45m convertible bond in Investree and a debt restructuring in which Investree is redeeming existing bonds and issuing fresh bonds subscribed by SBI.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Toby Grainger
Other key lawyers
Gerald Licnachan; Babita Ambekar