New Zealand has a thriving startup ecosystem, fuelled by our innovative and forward thinking DNA.

The famed kiwi "number eight wire" mentality defined as our ability to think fast and solve problems, has scaled and evolved as the next generation of kiwi entrepreneurs and innovators are using technology and global connectivity to mobilise and transact at speed.

As the law firm at the centre of New Zealand's commercial and economic heartland, we work with clients across every stage of the business lifecycle from the ideation and incubation of startups through to IPO and exit. Tompkins Wake was named in the 2019 New Zealand Innovative Law Firms rankings for our pro-active and responsive approach to client service and our ability to think outside the square. We work with some of New Zealand's leading entrepreneurs, angel and venture capital investors, giving us a unique insight and perspective across the startup ecosystem.

In startup phase, the hustle and excitement of nurturing an idea into a plan, developing that plan into a minimum viable proposition and pitching that to potential investors and backers can mean that managing legal risk is often an afterthought or oversight. 

Our experience suggests that startup business success is significantly enhanced when the right structures and planning are in place from the outset.

We recognise that at this early stage, startups are looking for a legal solution that is straight forward and cost effective. 

As your business grows, and you accelerate your progress, we'll be there with everything you need, providing you with specialist legal assistance from commercial contracts, investment, banking and finance, employment to specialist innovation and intellectual property advice.

Areas of expertise:

Capital Raising
Commercial Contracts
Commercialisation of Intellectual Property
Corporate Advisory
Corporate Governance
Corporate Structuring/Restructuring
Due Diligence
Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOP)
Financial Markets Conduct Act
Inbound Investment
Information Technology
Investment
Joint Ventures
Licensing of Intellectual Property
Limited Partnerships
Mergers and Acquisitions
NZX Listing Advice
Overseas Investment
Ownership Structures
Private Equity
Regulatory Compliance and Constraints
Securities - Private Issues
Shareholder Agreements
Technology Commercialisation
Trade Mark and Brand Strategy
Venture Capital
Brand Development and Protection
International Trade
Non-disclosure and Confidentiality Agreements
Terms of Trade
Software Licensing
Gaming Development