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Withers tech in Asia
The technology and startup scene in Asia is growing rapidly, with an increasing amount of investments and a rising number of unicorns emerging. Having established deep roots in the technology and venture capital ecosystem in Asia, Withers Tech in Asia is well-placed to service the complex and ever-growing needs of the sector.
We are one of the few international law firms in Asia that provide a full range of advice to the technology and investment funds sector. Whether you are an entrepreneur, investor, venture capitalist, investment fund, or a high growth technology company, our specialist team has the experience working with all stakeholders in the tech ecosystem in Asia, and bring with them deep insights to help you achieve your commercial objectives.From investors, fund managers, family offices, tech companies to successful tech company founders, we have the depth and breadth of experience to journey with you in Asia's thriving and vibrant technology startup ecosystem.
The startup scene in Asia is growing rapidly, with an increasing number of unicorns emerging in the region. The startup ecosystem in the region is vibrant and vigorous, comprising amongst others, angel investors, entrepreneurs-turned-mentors, venture capitalists, investment funds, accelerators and incubators, backed by numerous government programmes eager to create a conducive environment for tech startups to flourish.
We have a long history of working with private investors, family offices, venture capitalists and successful tech founders. With our experience in funds and tax, we have particular strength in helping investors structure their investments to meet their investment objectives and have been engaged in deals involving some of the region’s most promising tech ventures, some of whom having achieved unicorn status. We work with clients not only during the investment phase, but are dedicated to the continued success of their ventures, working with the tech companies to protect and commercialize their cutting edge technologies (ranging from AI to blockchain), and advising them on their corporate and commercial matters, as well as in dispute resolution.
We have a full understanding of the tech startup ecosystem in Asia and have worked with all stakeholders in the ecosystem, across all stages of the life cycle of a tech company. We are committed to the technology sector and have a dedicated group of over 20 lawyers across the region with deep experience in the full range of legal areas, such as funds, tax, corporate and intellectual property, focused on serving the tech sector.
Growing and scaling the business of the tech venture is key in maximizing the potential of and protecting your investment. We can advise on: the appropriate corporate structure for institutional investors yet protecting founders’ interest; how to protect the intellectual property of your proprietary technology and brand; how to successfully negotiate corporate and commercial contracts entered into with third parties to best protect your interests implementing best-in-class data protection practices and policies; designing employment contracts and policies; exploring relevant issues and potential structures to use for scaling and expanding your business into other jurisdictions and how best to manage dispute resolution.
We have the depth and diversity of knowledge to advise on all areas of capital deployment, including private equity, venture capital and corporate and M&A transactions. We regularly assist tech company founders in structuring financing rounds to maximize the value of their venture, protect their commercial interest and importantly, to facilitate ease in executing future financing rounds. Regardless of your preferred exit strategies, we're able to help you seamlessly structure and execute successful exits for your investments. We also advise successful tech entrepreneurs on their personal matters including international tax planning, international trust structuring and tax planning/family office, structuring their next venture, or investments into other ventures, immigration, matrimonial advice, philanthropy, as well as trusts and succession planning.
We provide market-leading capabilities on the entire life cycle of a venture capital fund. In Asia, we host an integrated team of funds lawyers specialising in the legal, regulatory and international tax advisory aspects of fundraising, marketing, formation, management and investment.
With an unrivalled team of more than 150 corporate and personal tax lawyers, we are always ready to assist in domestic and international tax planning. Our advice is both reliable and solution-focused. We excel in solving cross-border and multi-jurisdictional issues, providing domestic and international businesses, both publicly or privately owned, tax efficient strategies.
Asia is a highly diverse region and the regulatory landscape can be complex to navigate. Whether you are a fund, investor or tech company specialising in fintech, medtech, insurtech, food tech, mediatech, etc, we have the necessary experience to help you traverse the regulatory, compliance and licencing landscape across the region and globally.
How we can help
Our highly skilled commercial litigators assist with complex, multi-jurisdictional cases of all kinds, whether acting for an investor, business or brand.
CorporateWe are the go-to law firm for private capital, working hard to help individuals, families, startups, household names and charities to grow their assets and protect their interests around the world.
Corporate structuring and planningWe help a range of organizations, from multinational companies to hedge funds to family offices, to find – or if necessary create – the corporate structures that work most effectively for them.
Data protection and cyber lawOrganizations of all sizes are facing greater public scrutiny around data, changing regulations and increasing threats. We can help you store, process and manage data in line with global rules.
Fees for bringing and defending claims for unfair and wrongful dismissal in the employment tribunal
Intellectual propertyOur lawyers have wide industry knowledge and experience, allowing them to advise on how to best protect mission-critical intellectual property and data.
International corporate taxWith sector knowledge in finance, technology, retail, real estate, hospitality, fashion and luxury brands, our lawyers can guide you to the most suitable global tax arrangements for your business.
Investment fundsWith a dedicated team working from global finance hubs, we offer a ‘one-stop shop’ to help fund managers, sponsors and investors to navigate any issues and ensure their continued success.
Our team has acted in the full range of transactions, getting the deal done quickly, within regulations and with minimal fuss.
TechnologyOur Withers tech venture capital and technology arm is passionate about technology and thrives on supporting firms of all sizes by taking a ‘more startup’ attitude to solving problems.
Venture CapitalOur global team of Withers tech venture capital advisors has the skills and in-depth knowledge of the market to help investors and emerging companies navigate every stage of fundraising.
Track record
Our team
Joel Shen
Partner | Singapore
Kazumitsu Goto
Partner | Tokyo
Jonathan Kok
Partner | Singapore
Michael Chik
Partner | Hong Kong
Shaun Leong
Partner | Singapore
Leong Chuo Ming
Partner | Singapore
Daniel Yong
Partner | Singapore
Mabel Lui
Head of Greater China Commercial | Hong Kong
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