We have a national reputation for our representation of companies seeking financing, as well as financing sources such as venture capital firms, private equity firms, institutional investors, and angel investors. Dykema has been involved in all facets of capital raising transactions, including seed and angel financings, mezzanine financings, venture capital financings, leveraged acquisitions, and recapitalizations. Such transactions have involved a diversity of industries, including biotechnology and life sciences, nanotechnology, medical devices, telecommunications, internet/software, entertainment, wireless security and consumer products. Our extensive experience allows us to have an in-depth understanding of our clients' business and legal needs, and to partner with them to develop creative and effective strategies and execute on such strategies.

Services for company representation include:

• Preparing and negotiating of letters of intent, term sheets and memoranda of understanding;
• Preparing and negotiating definitive offering documents, including purchase agreements, subscription agreements, registration and other rights agreements and shareholder agreements; and
• Preparing and reviewing private placement memoranda and other information statements.

Services for fund and investor representation include:

• Advising clients in all aspects of formation, including preparing offering memoranda, subscription documents, limited partnership agreements, and limited liability company agreements;
• Negotiating with participating funds or other investors;
• Counseling in all aspects of regulatory issues including general securities, investment advisor, broker dealer and investment company issues; and 
• Negotiating and drafting definitive investment agreements in portfolio companies.

As a result of these activities, we have also been counsel to issuers, constituent companies, venture capital firms, private equity firms and underwriters in connection with initial public offerings, sales and other exit events. We are very active in the Michigan Venture Capital Association and the Illinois Venture Capital Association. Our members are regular speakers at many seminars and symposiums related to capital raising and venture capital, including the Michigan Growth Capital Symposium at the University of Michigan Business School, the Entrepreneurship Program at the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business and the Kellogg Graduate School of Business at Northwestern University. Members of the Venture Capital and Private Equity Group co-chaired Springboard 2005 held at the Kellogg Graduate School of Business at Northwestern University in September 2005.

For more information about our Venture Capital and Private Equity practice, please contact:
Michael Bernard, 313-568-5374
Jin-Kyu Koh, 313-568-6627
Theresa Carroll, 734-214-7698