Representing a host of start-ups, emerging growth companies, and late-stage mature corporates, the Goodwin team leverages its ‘strong market knowledge’ to advise on high-value fundraisings and seed rounds. The practice boasts in-depth expertise across healthcare, AI, and environmental matters, often working closely with the firm’s private equity division to support clients in growth equity transactions and complex exits. The team is chaired by David Mardle, an expert in capital markets transactions. Sophie McGrath utilises her ’vast dealmaking experience’ in private and public financings. Both Andrew Davis and Andrew Harrow primarily focus on joint ventures and growth capital financings. Based in Cambridge, Elizabeth Rhodes and Adam Thatcher are noted for their M&A expertise. Other key figures include Kenny Walker-Durrant, who regularly acts for venture capital investors, as well as Richard Bloomfield and Ella Donegan. Ali Ramadan left to join Cooley (UK) LLP in September 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Market leaders in terms of experience and clients.’
‘Adam Thatcher has built an excellent practice and has great VC experience.’
‘Goodwin have strong market knowledge across the sectors we invest in as a corporate venture capital fund - in particular in the technology and life sciences space. Their expertise and support trumps other firms we work with in the market.’
‘Goodwin and the team we work with have a unique ability to make us feel like the only client they have. They're quick to respond, thoughtful and generally a pleasure to work with. I feel like I get substantially more attention and responsiveness with Goodwin than any other firm I've worked with.’
‘Ali, Lucy and the other members of the team that we've worked with are exceptional at what they do. As with the rest of the team and our general impressions of Goodwin, they're quick to respond, easy to book time with and fantastic to work with. On a number of sensitive matters this year, Ali's support and guidance has been second to none. They help us to focus on the important things in our transactions, and the advice given has helped us navigate some sticky situations with difficult dynamics at play.’
‘Sophie McGrath is a trusted legal adviser with vast dealmaking experience across therapeutics and healthtech companies with an international perspective and the right level of advice both on commercial and business aspects of the deal.’
‘Reliable team with a good associate base. Commercially minded team that drives deals forward. Takes the time to understand your needs and position. Sensible with billings. Never any surprises.’
'Sophie McGrath is very knowledgeable about market practices and provides really good guidance to her clients on alternatives and compromises when negotiating financing documentation.'
Key clients
- Volt Technology Limited
- Gimv
- Cambridge Innovation Capital
- Panakes Partners
- Seroba Life Sciences
- Hadean Ventures
- Gensyn Limited
- Kinnevik Capital Limited
- Dawn Biopharma, a platform controlled by KKR
- Creandum
- Supercritical Tech Ltd
- Material Impact
- Dr.Martens
- Accel
- Oxford Quantum Circuits Limited
- CMR Surgical Limited
- Oxford Science Enterprises plc
- SV Health Managers LLP
- Sofinnova Partners
- Longwood Fund IV LP
- Build a Rocket Boy Ltd (Everywhere Games)
- Novartis Bioventures Limited
- CellCentric Limited
- Chemify Limited
- Octopus Ventures
- Samsung Ventures
- Novo Holdings
Work highlights
- Advised Volt on its USD $60m Series B financing.
- Advised Gimv, Cambridge Innovation Capital, Panakes Partners, Seroba Life Sciences and Hadean Ventures on their investment into Complement Therapeutics (“CTx”) as part of its €72m Series A financing.
- Advised Kinnevik, a major growth investor listed in Sweden, on its lead USD $41m investment into a USD $110m funding round in Mews Systems BV.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Sophie McGrath
GoodwinNext Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
David Mardle