Startups & 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.

Experience