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Venture Capital Guide 2025

10 January 2025

The DWF Venture Capital Group is pleased to present our Venture Capital Guide for 2025 containing a series of thought leadership materials by over 40 of DWF's lawyers with guidance on legal aspects of UK Venture Capital transactions together with trends in the market.

The Venture Capital industry has for a long time been a catalyst for of innovation and economic growth, providing crucial funding and other means of support for startups and emerging companies to grow and excel. As the landscape of Venture Capital continues to evolve, so too do the legal frameworks that govern it. This Guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the latest legal and market developments in the UK Venture Capital industry, offering valuable insights for investors, entrepreneurs, and legal professionals alike.

Our 2025 Guide covers the following topics:

These articles cover a range of legal issues relevant to the Venture Capital industry, including contract negotiations, due diligence processes, and legal matters that commonly arise in the day-to-day operations of investee companies. Each article will provide in-depth analysis and practical insights, helping readers navigate the complexities of Venture Capital law with confidence.

One of the key areas of focus in this Guide is how to structure Venture Capital transactions. The structure of a transaction can have an impact on the rights and obligations of the parties involved, as well as the overall success of the investment. Our thought leadership materials will look at different transaction structures, including equity investments and convertible loan notes. We will also discuss the legal implications of each structure and provide practical advice on selecting the most appropriate structure for a given transaction.

Another key topic covered in this Guide is the due diligence procedure. Due diligence is a key step in many Venture Capital transactions, as it helps investors investigate the risks and opportunities connected with a potential investment. Our thought leadership materials will analyse the key legal aspects of due diligence, including the review of corporate documents, intellectual property, data protection, and regulatory compliance. We will also provide tips on conducting thorough due diligence and identifying potential red flags.

The Guide will also cover the drafting and negotiation of venture capital contracts. Negotiating and drafting contracts requires a thorough comprehension of the legal issues involved and the ability to balance the interests of all parties. Our articles will look at the essential terms and provisions of venture capital contracts, such as drag-along and tag-along, anti-dilution, leaver provisions and limitations of liability. We will also discuss common negotiation strategies and provide practical tips for drafting clear and enforceable contracts.

download the guide

Further Reading