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Start-ups initiative

Starting, and building, a successful business takes a good idea, a lot of energy and determination plus the right opportunities and the right people. Start-ups also need the right legal partner – one that can advise them as they grow and evolve.

Working with start-ups

CMS Luxembourg was created in 2011 through Leclère & Walry, a firm established in 2008 by two lawyers. Although we now have more than 40 employees in Luxembourg and rank among the top 10 international law firms, entrepreneurship remains engraved in our DNA. It’s why working with, and investing in, start-ups excites us here at CMS. Collaborating with entrepreneurs on bright ideas, fostering growth and innovation, and supporting future industry stars is what gets us out of bed in the morning.

The purpose of this initiative is to deliver high-quality advice on any issue you might have at any stage of your development. We ensure responsiveness, flexibility and cost-efficiency in order to build long-term relationships that benefit both parties. Below, you will find an overview of our services and a description of how we can help you. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Supporting you all the way

Launching your start-up in Luxembourg

As an early-stage business, you may push legal advice to the bottom of the priority list, most likely due to the costs associated with it. However, for a business to scale successfully, especially when investors are involved, having the right foundations is imperative. Our experts can guide you through the usual issues encountered at this stage, such as:

  • Creating the company: How to limit your liability?
  • Tax structuring: Which legal status is the most appropriate for your company? Are you complying with all your tax obligations?
  • Protection of intellectual property: How to protect your idea? Is your trademark strategy efficient?
  • Employment: Should you hire employees with permanent contracts or use freelancers?
  • Data protection: Are you GDPR compliant?

Growing your business in Luxembourg and internationally

Your business is now generating a consistent cash flow, and your activity and customer base are growing. Subsequently, your responsibilities are also increasing; you need to divide your time between various tasks such as attending to your customers, developing the company and managing the workforce. In addition, you are now facing a whole new range of challenges requiring legal assistance, such as:

  • Financing: Which financing options are most suitable for you? What do you have to watch out for when increasing your company’s capital?
  • Contracts: Are your general terms and conditions bullet proof?
  • Employment: Do you want to implement an alternative remuneration method?
  • Real estate: Is it better to buy or rent your first offices? If you rent, should you sign a short- or long-term lease? What are the pitfalls to avoid? 

Reaching maturity

Your company is now well established and generates steady income each year. You are now facing many questions: Can your business sustain further growth? Do you have expansion opportunities? Can your company afford to fail an expansion move? How much is your business worth? This leaves you with a choice between pushing further for expansion or exiting the business. Whatever your decision is, our team is able to help you:

  • Expansion: Do you wish to take over a competitor?  Do you wish to launch your product on a new market? Do you wish to diversify your business? Our team, with the support of our 71 offices around the world, can advise you on the strategy to follow.
  • Exit: Do you want to sell a part of your business or the whole company? Via a sale or an IPO? Our seasoned experts can assist you throughout the entire process, from due diligence to closing.