Cooley LLP is a first port of call for start-ups and emerging companies looking for transactional support. The practice handles a considerable number of venture capital financings annually, where it is equally active on behalf of both investors and companies, while it also advises on IPOs, M&A, and corporate governance matters. A trio of high-profile dealmakers head up the emerging companies and venture capital group: Peter Werner , who recently advised Founders Fund as a co-lead investor in Anduril Industries’ $1.5bn Series F funding round, co-steers the practice from San Francisco together with Matthew Bartus, while Sacha Ross co-directs the group from New York. The bench also includes Palo Alto-based Mark Tanoury, whose four decades of experience ensures he is sought after by emerging companies and venture capital investors for support on strategic matters. Recently promoted to firm CEO, San Francisco-based Rachel Proffitt is a go-to specialist for corporate and securities-related issues, where she enjoys close relationships with public and private companies and investors. Adam Dinow, who heads the New York corporate practice, and Derek Colla, who is a founder of the Miami office, are also highly regarded. Palo Alto-based Sale Kwon is a talented next-generation partner.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The firm has broad resources to support the practice, including individual practice support but also specialists who can be tapped for specific needs without having to go to another firm for such specialist support.’
- ‘The team is composed of dedicated team members who are very responsive and creative, including Craig Jacoby, Tara Capsuto, Kate Ambrose, and Jacob Hanna.’
- 'Top strength is their ability to flex up or down depending on the magnitude of the deal or issue at hand. They handle tiny start-ups to massive M&A and I think they do a good job all the way across the spectrum. Their Cooley GO database is helpful too.'
Key clients
- Align Ventures
- Andreessen Horowitz
- Arsenal Biosciences
- Augment Computing
- Cribl
- Harvey
- DailyPay, Inc.
- Founders Fund
- MSD Growth Fund
- NGM Biopharmaceuticals
Work highlights
- Advised Founders Fund as a co-lead investor in Anduril Industries’ $1.5bn Series F funding round.
- Advised India-based Zepto on its $665m Series F financing round and $340m Series G financing round.
- Advised BigID on its $60m Series E funding round.
Lawyers
Hall of fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Matt Bartus
Derek Colla
Adam Dinow
Rachel Proffitt
Peter Werner
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Sale Kwon
Practice head
Peter Werner; Matthew Bartus; Sacha Ross
Other key lawyers
Mark Tanoury; Rachel Proffitt; Adam Dinow; Derek Colla; Sale Kwon; Craig Jacoby; David Young; Eric Jensen; Michael Lincoln; Laurie Bauer; Stephane Levy; Tara Capsuto; Kate Ambrose; Jacob Hanna