Startup & Venture Capital Law

Innovative Legal Solutions for Next Generation of Startups

As startups navigate emerging markets and innovation reshapes commerce across Southeast Asia, the legal landscape evolves rapidly to keep pace with change. At Yuen Law, we understand that fast-growing companies and their investors need more than just legal expertise—they need a partner who grasps the entrepreneurial journey and can provide forward-thinking advice tailored to each stage of growth.

Whether you are a startup seeking capital, a private equity firm looking to invest, or a tech company navigating complex regulations, the right legal partner can be a powerful catalyst for innovation and business growth.

Our Clients in the Venture Capital Ecosystem

At Yuen Law, we cater to a diverse clientele within the venture capital space. We represent venture capital funds, family offices, private equity firms, and corporate venture arms, including those from private sector and government agencies. We take a forward-thinking and strategic approach, meticulously safeguarding our clients’ interests while adeptly managing the complexities of transactions in Singapore.

On the founder and startup side, we work with companies at various stages—from bootstrapped startups and fintech firms to social enterprises and venture-backed companies. We provide customized legal support to help startups become investment-ready, with a focus on structuring for future growth. We guide founders through key agreements such as founders’ and shareholder agreements, vesting arrangements, and plan for future scenarios like follow-on investments, mergers, acquisitions, and exit strategies including IPOs or buyouts.

We also provide crucial advice on corporate governance, regulatory compliance, intellectual property protection, employment, and technology law. We are committed to helping you navigate the venture capital ecosystem with clarity and confidence.

Our Legal Expertise Includes:

Our Venture Capital team assists with the full range of startup matters, from investments and financing matters to capital markets and regulatory advice. We have in-depth expertise and regularly work with clients in high-growth industries such as deep technology, food and agritech, life science, fintech and payments.

    • Business Structuring: We advise on structuring your business to attract future investment, with a focus on optimizing your legal framework to support long-term success.

      • Founders and Shareholders Agreements: We draft and review founders’ and shareholders’ agreements to ensure clear legal safeguards for all parties. These agreements define the rights and responsibilities of investors and founders, while also addressing corporate governance to promote compliance, transparency, and accountability.

        • Term sheets: Term sheets are crucial for outlining investment terms. We draft and review these documents, ensuring clarity and addressing potential risks.

          • Due Diligence and Risk Management: We conduct thorough due diligence to identify potential red flags and advise on mitigating risks through transaction documents.

            • Investment Agreements and Funding Rounds: For startups advancing beyond initial “friends and family” or “angel investment” rounds, various funding options are available as you prepare for the next growth stage. These include bank loans, securities-based funding, equity offerings, bonds, or convertible notes.

              We tailor investment agreements to your specific needs and the nuances of each deal. Our expertise covers all stages of venture capital funding—early-stage rounds, growth and later-stage rounds, venture debt, and mergers and acquisitions. We also manage bridge financing through convertible notes, SAFEs, and other mechanisms.

              Our team ensures these deals are negotiated and structured effectively, protecting your interests and maintaining clear rights across different funding stages. We focus on critical aspects such as valuation, equity stakes, voting rights, and investor protections to secure favorable terms for you.

            • Employee Share Awards and Options: Our team helps design and implement employee share award programs, option plans and vesting agreements to attract and retain top talent.

              • Employment Law: Ensure fair hiring practices, and compliance with employment laws drafting contracts that reflect fair hiring practices and protect your business and intellectual property.

                • Intellectual Property Protection: We assist in registering proprietary intellectual property rights and drafting non-disclosure agreements to safeguard your innovative ideas and trade secrets. We also draft technology transfer and collaboration agreements with research institutions to facilitate fruitful partnerships.

                  • Fintech and Financial Services Regulations: Our deep expertise in fintech and financial services enables us to provide regulatory advice, ensuring compliance with licensing requirements, AML/CFT regulations, and risk management protocols.

                    • Technology and e-businesses: We review and negotiate contracts such as software licensing agreements, SaaS agreements, terms of service, and service level agreements. We also draft privacy policies to ensure compliance with data protection regulations and safeguard user information.

                    Regional Experience and Support

                    With a robust network of trusted partners across Southeast Asia and extensive experience advising clients in the region, we are uniquely positioned to handle cross-border matters. Our deep understanding of local norms and regulations helps clients navigate region-specific challenges and execute transactions swiftly and effectively.

                    Transparent Legal Fee Packages for Start-Ups

                    We understand the importance of financial planning for start-ups. That’s why we offer fixed-fee project arrangements, providing you with clear, transparent pricing that helps you budget effectively. Our goal is to offer cost-effective legal solutions that align with your budget and growth trajectory.

                    Partners in Your Growth

                    Our founder and Managing Director, Samuel Yuen, is a strong advocate of disruptive technologies. and is actively involved in the startup community. He participates in speaking engagements, mentorship programs, and legal clinics, where he shares his expertise on fundraising and business development, helping entrepreneurs navigate their growth journeys.

                    With a rich entrepreneurial background, Samuel is deeply attuned to the challenges of running a business and securing funding. His legal and business acumen make him a trusted advisor for start-ups and investors alike.

                    Samuel is also the author of “Funding for Start-Ups: A Guide to Fundraising” (Marshall Cavendish, 2020). His book offers founders a valuable perspective on fundraising in Singapore. This guide reflects Samuel’s extensive experience and provides insights into key considerations for founders and venture capitalists alike.

                    Venture Capital Work Highlights

                    Real Tech Holdings
                    Represented Real Tech Fund, on its Series A investment in Shiok Meats Pte. Ltd., a cell cultured meat company. The investment formed part of a US$12.6 million funding round to finance the construction of the company’s pilot production facility and support its ambition to become the first in the world to commercially launch cultivated shrimp.
                    Pine Venture Partners
                    Represented Pine Venture Partners as the lead investor in Spatial Systems Inc.'s US$25 million Series B funding round, supporting the company's expansion in the immersive technology sector.
                    Pine Venture Partners
                    Represented Pine Ventures as co-lead investor in the US$3.7 million Series A investment in ZumVet Pte. Ltd., a Singapore-based pet care startup transforming veterinary services across Southeast Asia through its telehealth platform

                    Recognized Excellence for Startups and Emerging Companies

                    What Our Clients Say

                    Feedback from clients as told to Chambers & Partners:

                     

                     

                    Why Choose Yuen Law?

                    As a leading startups and venture capital law firm in Singapore, we combine legal expertise with an entrepreneurial mindset. Our collaborative team culture ensures we are always accessible and invested in your business’s success.

                    Navigating venture capital transactions can be complex, involving everything from initial investment negotiations to ongoing governance and compliance. With our extensive experience in handling numerous deals, we provide valuable behind-the-scenes insights to help you negotiate favorable terms with investors. We guide you through key aspects such as investment amounts, pre-money valuations, voting rights and offer advice on managing stakeholder relations to ensure smooth negotiations and successful outcomes.

                    Let Yuen Law be your trusted partner in building a strong foundation for your venture’s growth.

                    Contact us today to schedule an appointment and discover how we can help you achieve your funding goals and safeguard your interests.

                    Connect with us on LinkedIn and Facebook to see our latest events for entrepreneurs and the startup community:

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                    Our Startups & Venture Capital Team

                    Samuel Yuen is a Leading M&A Lawyer in Singapore

                    Samuel Yuen

                    Managing Director
                    Co-Head, Corporate Practice
                    (Team Lead, Startups and Corporate Actions)
                    Email

                    Kevin Chua is a Leading M&A Lawyer in Singapore

                    Kevin Chua

                    Director
                    Co-Head, Corporate Practice
                    (Team Lead, Fintech & Financial Services Regulatory)
                    Email

                    Valerie Ho

                    Associate Director
                    Corporate Practice
                    Email

                    Key Contacts

                    Samuel Yuen

                    Managing Director
                    Head of Corporate Practice
                    Email

                    Kevin Chua

                    Senior Director
                    Fintech & Financial Services
                    (Team Lead)
                    Email

                    Market Recognition

                    • Financial Services Regulatory (Tier 2), M&A (Tier 5), Investment Funds (Notable) IFLR1000 (2025)

                    • Firms to Watch – Investment Funds Legal500 (2025)

                    • Band 4 – Startups & Emerging Companies Chambers & Partners Asia Pacific (2025)

                    • Band 4 – Fintech Legal Chambers & Partners FinTech Legal (2025)

                    • Firms to Watch – Fintech & Financial Services Regulatory Legal500 (2024)

                    • Band 4 – Startups & Emerging Companies Chambers & Partners Asia Pacific (2024)

                    • Recognised & Notable – Corporate and M&A, Investment Funds, Regulatory, Private Equity Asialaw (2024)

                    • Notable & Active – Mergers & Acquisitions, Investment Funds, Financial Services Regulatory IFLR1000 (2024)

                    • Band 4 – Startups & Emerging Companies Chambers & Partners Asia Pacific (2023)

                    • Shortlisted as Finalist – Regulatory Law Firm of the Year Asian Legal Business Pan Asian Regulatory Summit Awards (2023)

                    • Recognised & Notable – Corporate and M&A, Private Equity Asialaw (2023)

                    • Notable – Mergers & Acquisitions IFLR1000 (2023)

                    • Band 4 – Startups & Emerging Companies Chambers & Partners Asia Pacific (2022)

                    • Notable – Corporate and M&A Asialaw (2022)

                    • Notable – Mergers & Acquisitions IFLR1000 (2022)

                    • Band 3 – Startups & Emerging Companies Chambers & Partners Asia Pacific (2021)

                    • Recognised & Notable – Corporate and M&A Asialaw (2021)

                    • Highest-Rated Law Firm – Private Equity Asialaw Client Service Excellence (2021)

                    Contact Us

                    Main Line

                    +65 6536 6037

                    Email us

                    inquiry@yuenlaw.com.sg

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