Osler is the preeminent firm of choice for venture capital fund formation in Canada. We have advised on the formation of the most innovative Canadian venture funds and have acted for fund managers at all stages and sizes, from first time managers forming their first fund or SPV to well-established Canadian and international fund managers expanding their platform.
Our work has been groundbreaking in both early-stage and growth-stage funds. We also have in-depth expertise and experience when it comes to structuring and advising managers operating startup studios, foundries, venture studios, accelerators and other similar models alongside a fund.
The expertise and experience of our team provides us with a deep understanding and ability to take a comprehensive approach on all aspects of how to create structures that comply with tax, regulatory and securities law requirements. We stay current on venture capital fund structures and terms, and the most recent trends and developments that affect the formation of venture capital funds and negotiations with investors. We also understand the importance and expectations of members of the general partner and management team as they relate to compensation, governance arrangements and structuring of carried interest.
Our strong deal flow and regular access to leading fund managers and investors keeps us at the forefront of industry and market practice, and truly demonstrates our market leadership in the space. By virtue of our experience acting as fund counsel to many of the leading Canadian funds in connection with the formation of their funds, we are uniquely positioned to anticipate, understand, and address the issues and challenges faced by fund managers.
Our Venture Fund Group is closely integrated with the firm’s national leading Emerging and High Growth Companies practice, allowing us to serve our fund clients at all stages of their lifecycles, from formation, to investments, to exits.
The Venture Fund Group operates nationally and is chaired by Chima Ubani. Chima acts for various venture capital fund managers in connection with the structuring and formation of their funds, as well as ongoing fundraising and day to day operations. In addition, he acts for investors in connection with their investments in venture capital and other private equity funds. He also regularly advises emerging companies at all stages of growth as well as the venture capital funds and other investors that finance them.
Whether you are looking to form a new fund, make structural changes to an existing one, or organize the affairs of the general partner and members of the management team, you need an experienced advisor who has seen and solved the problems and issues you will face. Osler has the knowledge, expertise, and experience to be that advisor and help you navigate these challenges in a pragmatic, practical and business focused manner.