Practice areas
Venture Capital Funds, Private Equity Funds and Funds of Funds
The firm advises a full range of fund types on all aspects such as formation, operations, management, governance, regulatory and compliance. Clients therefore look to us for support across the entire fund lifecycle. Our expertise is mostly sought in the context of the funds’ investment transactions, from the due diligence and term sheet stage to the closing of acquisitions, ensuring that transactions are seamless, legally sound, and beneficial for all parties involved.
We specialize in advising venture capital funds in their venture capital endeavors, facilitating financing for innovative startups. We also advise private equity funds through the full spectrum of transactions from initial investment to exit. iThinklegal’s advisory services extend to clients keen on mounting funds of funds in various jurisdictions. We meticulously review target funds’ constitutive and operational documents, pore over subscription agreements and limited partnership agreements, and provide expertise in drafting side letters.
Startups, Incubators and Accelerators
Our startup practice is one of the cornerstones of the firm’s reputation. The firm represents several flourishing startups that stand as exemplary success stories. We have advised many startups that were enrolled in prestigious accelerators and incubators programs, and many others that made it to their Series C. We have also worked closely with many accelerators and incubators in their efforts to support the startup ecosystem in Lebanon. iThinklegal’s guidance to startups, incubators, and accelerators, covers everything from incorporation to fundraising. Our expertise ensures these entities navigate the legal intricacies of the startup environment efficiently.
Business Set-up
We believe that starting a business is a monumental step, marking the beginning of a new entrepreneurial journey. However, the process involves more than just an idea; it requires careful planning, adherence to local regulations, and strategic decision-making. iThinklegal can assist you in deciding on the right business structure and jurisdiction. Whether it is a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), corporation, or any other form, we help you identify the most suitable and beneficial setup for your venture. We will also guide you through the necessary paperwork, ensuring that your business complies with all applicable laws and regulations. For businesses with multiple stakeholders, clear agreements prevent disputes such as founders’ agreements and shareholders’ agreements. We help draft, review, and finalize these crucial documents, ensuring all parties are aligned in their vision and expectations.
Mergers and Acquisitions, Corporate Relocation and Restructuring
iThinklegal has a robust Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) practice history. Not only do we support in company acquisitions, but also in the relocation and restructuring of international groups of companies in various jurisdictions. By assisting our clients in all aspects of the relocation and restructuring transactions (from set up of holdings and SPVs, drafting and negotiation of investment documentation and shareholders’ agreements, to assisting with the transactions closings), our team ensures that groups looking to relocate or restructure, do so by using adequate and tax efficient legal structures, while adhering to legal best practices.
Family Offices
We offer bespoke legal solutions to family offices in wealth management, estate and succession planning, and intergenerational asset transfers, ensuring longevity and preservation of wealth. Additional crucial points of our practice include crafting agreements among family members, such as family constitutions, codes of conducts and protocols emphasizing on the family’s vision and philosophy, the governance rules, the family members representation in the various entities belonging to the family holding, the personnel policy, the rules on exit from family business, etc. We have also assisted our clients setting up governing documents for dispute resolution committees and other family committees.
Contracts
Our expertise extends to the drafting, reviewing, and negotiation of very complex contracts across various sectors and in several jurisdictions, including term sheets, memorandum of association, letters of intent, partnership and joint venture agreements, licensing and franchising agreements, consultancy and advisory agreements, warrants, sale purchase agreements, shares purchase agreements, NDAs, property and equipment lease, etc.
We ensure that our clients’ interests are protected and that they enter into agreements that are both legally solid and commercially advantageous.
Employment and Incentive Schemes (ESOP)
Navigating the complexities of labor laws is crucial for any organization. We offer comprehensive strategic counsel in all areas and at every stage of the employment life cycle, from legal issues relating to recruitment and hiring, outsourcing and employee relations, to reductions in force, terminations and post-termination, noncompetition, etc. We have also assisted many companies in setting up and implementing complex vesting schemes as well as stock options plans (known as ESOP) and phantom shares plans.
Intellectual Property, Technology and Data Privacy
In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, we provide comprehensive services in intellectual property (IP) rights protection, technology and fintech, and data privacy regulations.
Our team ensures that our clients’ innovations are safeguarded, and that they operate within the bounds of intellectual property laws including patents, trademarks, designs, trade names, and copyrights. This starts from negotiating and drafting robust intellectual property agreements such as licensing agreements, data distribution agreements, etc., and elaborating protection strategies.
We have assisted our clients in the development of various websites terms and conditions for a variety of businesses to establish guidelines for users, limit potential liabilities, outline payment terms and subscription models, etc.
iThinklegal always ensures that its clients are compliant with data privacy laws and helps them put in place an adequate privacy policy that is compliant with relevant regulatory requirements.
