Cooley LLP is well known on the market for its venture capital funds expertise with regards to their formation and financing, where it remains a popular choice for both large venture capital investment funds and high-growth emerging fund managers. Practice head John Dado is located in the Palo Alto office and is a preeminent name in the areas of venture capital fund formation and buyout partnerships. Alongside Dado in Palo Alto are Shane Goudey and John Clendenin, who among them advise the firms notable venture capital clients including, Neo, Lux Capital and Industry Ventures, while in San Francisco Eric Doherty who handles various aspects of fund formation for US based and international private investment funds. Matt Smith joined the firm’s Boston office in May of 2023 from Kirkland & Ellis LLP, while Elizabeth Reese in San Francisco was made partner in January. Nicole Peppe left the firm in 2023.
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Testimonials
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‘Matt Smith is the most thoughtful and creative legal professional I have ever worked with. I've followed him as a client to Cooley because of his exceptional work.’
‘Matt Smith has been great to work with. Very knowledgeable.’
Key clients
- Menlo Ventures
- GGV Capital
- Defy.vc
- Foundry
- Headline
- Lux Capital
- Neo
- Sierra Ventures
- Pear Ventures
- Redpoint Ventures
- QED Ventures
- Upfront Ventures
- Ridge Ventures
Work highlights
- Advised Lux Capital on the closing of Lux Ventures VIII (Lux 8) at US$1.15 billion.
- Advised QED Investors in its closing of two new funds with combined capital commitments of US$925 million.
- Advised Industry Ventures on raising more than $1.7 billion in the closing of two funds – Secondary X and Tech Buyout II.
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Practice head
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John Dado