Startup Investments Solicitors
Commercial
Legal Advice Built for the Pace of Startup Investment
Raising investment is one of the most consequential legal processes a founder will go through. Gurve Legal is a London-based commercial law firm advising both founders raising capital and investors deploying it, from a first seed round to a Series A term sheet.
Getting the structure wrong, agreeing unfavourable terms, or missing a due diligence gap can cost you equity, control, or future funding options. We help you protect what you have built while keeping the deal moving.
We act for both sides of the table, so we understand what investors look for and what founders need to protect, giving our clients a genuine advantage in negotiations.
Our Startup Investment Services
Seed and Early-Stage Funding Rounds
We advise founders through pre-seed, seed and friends-and-family rounds, structuring the deal and getting documentation signed off without stalling on legal formalities.
- Negotiating term sheets and heads of terms
- Drafting subscription and investment agreements
- Advising on equity splits and dilution
- Acting for angel investors and syndicates
SEIS and EIS Structuring
SEIS and EIS offer significant tax advantages that can make your startup considerably more attractive to investors. We advise on eligibility, structuring and documentation to ensure your raise qualifies, including advance assurance applications.
Convertible Loan Notes and Advance Subscription Agreements
Not every early-stage investment takes the form of a straight equity round. We advise on convertible loan notes and advance subscription agreements, including discount rates, valuation caps and conversion mechanics.
Shareholders Agreements and Founder Protections
Once investment closes, your constitutional documents need to reflect the new ownership structure. We draft and negotiate shareholders agreements covering board composition, reserved matters, anti-dilution provisions and founder vesting schedules.
Investor Due Diligence Support
Investors will scrutinise your business before committing capital. We help founders prepare for due diligence on IP ownership, existing contracts and corporate structure, and conduct due diligence for investors before funds transfer.
Employee Share Incentives
Attracting and retaining talent is critical at the startup stage. We advise on EMI option schemes, growth shares and other equity incentives that help you compete for key hires without increasing immediate payroll costs.
Why Choose Gurve Legal
We Act for Founders and Investors
Most firms pick a side. We advise founders raising capital and investors deploying it, giving us a full picture that makes a real difference when you are negotiating deal terms.
Plain Commercial Advice, No Jargon
Startup investment moves fast. We give clear recommendations rather than lengthy disclaimers, so you always understand what you are agreeing to before you sign.
No Unnecessary Complexity
We do not pad out simple deals with overengineered documentation or generic startup packs. Every piece of work is proportionate to your stage and your actual legal risk.
Wider Commercial Support as You Grow
Beyond investment rounds, we provide ongoing support across commercial contracts, employment and intellectual property as your business scales, so you are not juggling multiple firms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need SEIS or EIS advice before my first raise?
Ideally yes. Structuring for SEIS or EIS eligibility from the outset avoids problems later, since certain actions after investment can jeopardise the relief.
What is a valuation cap on a convertible loan note?
A valuation cap sets the maximum company valuation at which the loan converts to shares, protecting early investors from being diluted at a much higher future valuation.
How much equity should I give away in a seed round?
This depends on your valuation, funding needs and stage, though founders typically aim to retain majority control through early rounds where possible.
What is an EMI option scheme?
An EMI scheme lets you grant tax-advantaged share options to employees, taxed at Capital Gains Tax rates rather than Income Tax, provided the company and employees meet HMRC eligibility rules.
How long does a seed funding round typically take?
Straightforward rounds can close within a few weeks once terms are agreed, though the process from first investor conversation to completion often takes several months.
Speak to Our Startup Investment Solicitors
Whether you are preparing for a seed round, closing an angel investment, or reviewing a term sheet, our team is ready to help. Contact Gurve Legal for a free initial consultation.