Cooley LLP is chiefly recognized for advising venture capital and growth managers on fund formation, with a national practice that focuses on both early-stage and late-stage financings. The team, led by John Clendenin in Palo Alto, guides clients through the full lifecycle of a fund, from initial structuring and investor documentation through to ongoing governance, regulatory coordination, and operational questions that arise across successive raises. John Dado is a core figure in the practice, trusted by leading venture sponsors for high value fundraising mandates and the steady execution of complex sponsor side formations, from flagship growth vehicles to multi fund platforms. Eric Doherty combines a broad venture-focused formation practice with hands on structuring and lifecycle advice, offering sponsors support that carries through from first close mechanics to ongoing governance and operations. Washington DC-based Aaron Velli has recently been active on software and high-growth technology investment matters, while New York’s Jaclyn Rabin takes a leading role on complex fund formations.  
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Key clients

  • 20VC
  • Andreessen Horowitz (a16z)
  • Amplify Partners
  • Acrew
  • Forerunner
  • Founders Fund
  • Headline
  • Industry Ventures
  • IVP
  • Venrock

Work highlights

Represented Founders Fund, a San Francisco-based venture capital firm, on the closing of its US$4.6 billion third growth fund, continuing its investments in AI and defense tech.
Represented Amplify Partners, an early-stage venture capital firm dedicated to technical founders, on the formation of three new funds totalling US$900 million: Fund 6 (US$400 million), Fund 6 Select (US$300 million) to support portfolio growth, and Amplify Bio (US$200 million), its first dedicated digital bio fund.
Represented Arthur Ventures, a venture capital firm, on the closing of US$800 million across three funds: Core Fund VI (US$395 million) for B2B software in North America, Growth Fund V (US$205 million) for portfolio support, and Buyout Fund I (US$200 million) for early-stage B2B software recapitalizations.

Lawyers

Leading partners

The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

John Dado
John Dado
Practice head

John Clendenin

Other key lawyers

John Dado; Eric Doherty; Aaron Velli; Jaclyn Rabin; Jimmy Matteucci; Matthew Smith