Start-ups and early stage capital

Every business has to start somewhere and getting the legal steps right in the early stages could be the difference between success and failure. The array of technical and regulatory legal obstacles can be a source of great frustration for entrepreneurs, who ultimately want to get on with what is most important- running their business.

At Trowers & Hamlins, our lawyers are experts in identifying the challenges and risks for new businesses. Our approach is simple- to deliver prompt, precise and practical solutions, leaving you to run your business with the assurance and peace of mind that, from a legal perspective, we've got you covered.

We appreciate that no two companies are the same, but it is clear that the stages in the lifecycle of most businesses broadly follow the same three stage pattern, which acts as the framework for our advisory model:

Seed/start-up: at the earliest stage of your business, we will help you with the initial steps and guide you in making the right decisions. Whether it is choosing the right legal structure for your business, formulating a business plan or protecting intellectual property rights, we have the necessary tools to give you the best possible start.

Growth: you're up and running, what next? Perhaps you want to grow your brand, develop your product, or increase your employee headcount. To do this you may need to raise additional capital by obtaining bank loans or seeking investment from third parties. With a full spectrum corporate service ranging from commercial contract advice, to tax advisory, our team of experts will be there to support and assist you.

Expansion: having established yourself in your chosen market, your business is thriving and you are looking to take things to the next level. At Trowers & Hamlins, we are able to call upon lawyers from a broad range of sector specialisms to ensure you are given the right advice for your type of business.

It may be that you are seeking to achieve a further fund raise, or sell your shares in the business and exit to pursue your next venture. Our lawyers specialise in a range of transaction types from private equity buy-outs, to initial public offerings on the London Stock Exchange.

Whatever the challenges faced by your business, you can be assured that the Trowers & Hamlins corporate team will be there for you every step of the way.

Trowers online start-up resources

In brief

• Supporting all stages of a business from seed to start-up to growth and expansion
• Understanding your business plan, strategic objectives and helping you grow
• Giving back to the business community