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UK

Ted Dewhurst

Partner

England & Wales

020 3319 3700

ted.dewhurst@keystonelaw.co.uk

“Ted combines a sound legal knowledge with a practical understanding of how to get things done. He is tireless, hits every deadline and explains complex legal concepts in simple, understandable language.”

- CEO and founder of a SaaS business

Ted is a highly experienced corporate and commercial lawyer. He specialises in advising entrepreneurs, technology companies, and investors in relation to equity financings/investments and a wide range of other corporate transactions (including crowdfundings, private placings, secondary transfers, advance subscription/SAFE and convertible note issuances, venture debt arrangements, share buybacks, and M&A transactions). Ted works on transactions with businesses at all stages, from start-ups through to later-stage financings and exits.

In addition to his private practice career, Ted has worked in-house with Accel Partners and Balderton Capital (formerly Benchmark Europe), two of Europe’s leading venture capital firms, which gives him a unique knowledge and understanding of the needs and objectives of institutional investors. He has also lectured on business law and acquisitions & group structures at the College of Law.

Ted’s clients include start-ups, SMEs, blue chip venture capital firms, and high-net-worth individuals.

Expertise

Ted advises on equity fundraising, including convertible instruments and venture capital deals. He supports high-growth companies and investors through all stages of investment and exit.

Experience

  • Advised numerous tech start-ups on equity fundraising transactions via priced rounds or ASA/SAFE/convertible note issuances.
  • Advised a German-based technology start-up on a UK “flip” transaction, including conversion of existing debt and a subsequent Series A equity fundraising.
  • Advised a London-based healthcare tech start-up on a Series A fundraising from a European VC and syndicated investors.
  • Advised a parking app company on its successful £3.7m crowdfunding campaign, convertible note fundraising from Index Capital, and its subsequent Series A fundraising.
  • Advised a leading email security business on its Series B fundraising led by Sequoia Capital.
  • Advised Guinness Ventures on numerous equity investment transactions.
  • Advised several early-stage drinks businesses in relation to investments by Diageo and their participation in the Diageo accelerator program.
  • Advised a group insurance provider on its Series B fundraising.
  • Developed a suite of standard UK investment documents for a new European pre-seed fund.

Ted advises buyers and sellers on company sales, acquisitions, and group reorganisations, including deal structuring, due diligence, and negotiation of key terms.

Experience

  • Acted for individual shareholders of a manufacturer of fibre optic cable products on a trade sale to a US corporate buyer.
  • Acted for a corporate buyer on the acquisition of an executive search company.
  • Acted for shareholders on the sale of a document management software business to a venture-backed investment vehicle.

Ted provides guidance on company formation, corporate transactions, and general company law. He helps clients navigate governance structures, align shareholder interests, and manage corporate compliance and risk.

Experience

  • Assisted numerous early-stage businesses with ownership and governance arrangements involving drafting appropriate articles of association and shareholder agreements.
  • Acted for a venture capital firm in relation to a dispute with a founding shareholder.
  • Advised a number of corporate clients on voluntary strike-offs and other insolvency procedures.

Ted advises venture capital firms and venture-backed companies in relation to fund matters, investment market practice, and disposal of interests.

Experience

  • Advised a venture capital firm on the departure of a fund principal and the associated restructuring of the fund
  • Advised the founder and key shareholder of a venture-backed tech company in connection with his departure from the business.
  • Drafted a limited liability partnership agreement for a venture capital advisor.
  • Advised a venture capital investor in relation to the sale of its stake in an investee company.
  • Advised a company in relation to the buyback of an institutional investor’s shares.

Please note: The experience list above may include examples of work completed prior to joining Keystone Law.

Ted qualified as a solicitor in 1997. Prior to joining Keystone Law in 2023, he worked at the following firms:

  • Lawrence Graham
  • Nabarro LLP
  • JAG Shaw Baker
  • Kesteven Partners