Venture Capital

CMS Reich-Rohrwig Hainz has been supporting national and international investors, founding teams and high-growth tech companies through all phases of the investment life cycle for many years. As one of the leading corporate/M&A law firms in Austria, we offer in-depth market knowledge, many years of industry expertise and a clear focus on future-oriented technologies. 

Thanks to our strong roots in the Austrian ecosystem – from early-stage investors and growth funds to family offices and corporate venture units – we understand the requirements and challenges of innovative companies as well as those of investors. At the same time, our clients benefit from the international CMS platform with 92 offices worldwide and one of the largest venture capital teams in Europe. 

Industry focus and market understanding 

Our clients, consisting of institutional investors, corporate venture capital units, family offices and technology-oriented start-ups and scale-ups, rely on our experience in highly dynamic areas of innovation, including: 

Software & SaaS 

• FinTech & InsurTech 
• HealthTech, Biotech and MedTech 
• Greentech & Clean Energy 
• E-commerce & Digital Platforms 
• Telecommunications & DeepTech 

Our multidisciplinary approach combines transactional legal expertise with specialised knowledge in IP/IT, data protection, regulation, tax law, employment law and compliance. 

Our service portfolio at a glance 

We provide comprehensive advice in all phases of a VC transaction: from the initial investment to expansion financing and exit. 

Investment 

• Structuring VC transactions and financing rounds 
• Preparing and negotiating term sheets and LOIs 
• Conducting due diligence (legal, tax, IP/IT, regulatory) 
• Drafting investment, convertible loan and shareholder agreements 
• Design of complex cross-border structures (e.g. flip and re-flip scenarios) 
• Transaction management and post-closing support 

Portfolio management 

• Support for further financing rounds (Series A to later stage) 
• Non-dilutive financing (e.g. venture debt, promotional financing) 
• Preparation of shareholder resolutions and governance structures 
• Employee participation programmes (VSOP/ESOP) 
• Drafting of contracts for management and board members 
• Support with operational and strategic restructuring 

Exit 

• Trade sale/secondary transactions 
• Share exchange, merger or restructuring 
• IPO preparation and capital market issues 
• Coordination with M&A advisors and tax experts 

equIP – The CMS Legal Accelerator for Start-ups 

equIP supports innovative start-ups worldwide in their growth, financing and scaling. The programme offers discounted consulting, introductions to investors and access to a global network in over 30 countries. 

As strategic sparring partners, we support founders in all legal and tax matters. In addition, we organise exclusive networking formats where start-ups can present their solutions to investors and potential partners. 

equIP connects start-ups with expertise, networks and reliable legal support – from the initial pitch to the exit.