Baker McKenzie is introducing the Fintech Counsel Fund in order to offer practical support to three selected financial technology firms as they focus on making a meaningful impact on the Fintech sector.
Via the program, Baker McKenzie will be offering their three finalists with a structured 6-month support package consisting of legal and commercial advice in order to guide them as they expand their business. If you want to apply, then you may do so via their official website.
Shortlisted firms will be invited to present to their experienced panel of judges at a later date where the finalists will be selected.
Baker McKenzie Fintech practice co-chairs, Sue McLean and Mark Simpson, are leading a cross-practice team of lawyers from Baker McKenzie (including IP, data and tech, corporate, tax, financial services, regulatory, competition and trade) in order to ensure whatever legal requirements you have, they are prepared and able to support you.
The team is also looking forward to receiving your applications.
While commenting on what’s included in the Fintech Counsel Fund, the update noted that the Fintech Counsel Fund program will last for six months, starting on September 1, 2022.
Each Fintech firm that is chosen to join their program will get the following benefits during the program:
- An experienced, dedicated, relationship manager who will meet with you regularly
- Attendance at a kick-off workshop with experienced lawyers from relevant practice areas (e.g., corporate, regulatory, IP and commercial) to identify the fintech’s legal needs and create a legal roadmap
- Access to GBP 33,000 worth of UK legal advice covering the priority areas identified in the legal roadmap
- Complimentary virtual GC offering, which will entitle each fintech to 15-minute hotline calls for other ad hoc advice
- Discounted fees and alternative fee arrangements if additional support is required
- A start-up pack of standard template agreements and checklists
- Complimentary access to our experienced business professionals (e.g., marketing, PR, L&D)
- Complimentary access to select thought leadership, events and networks
- Feature in a special edition of our Finsights Fintech podcast
As mentioned in the update, the Fintech Counsel Fund is intended for Fintech growth firms (early and mid-stage companies post Series A) based in the United Kingdom.
There are reportedly no minimum requirements in terms of size, scale or maturity of business operations. There are also no limitations in terms of which Fintech sector or vertical your firm is focused on.
Here are more details on the Application process:
The judging panel will be tasked with reviewing applications and identifying a short-list of applicants who will be invited to participate in a pitch evening.
After the pitch evening, the team will choose the three Fintech firms who will join their inaugural Fintech Counsel Fund program.
A special focus on diversity and inclusion
Diversity and inclusion is very “important” to Baker McKenzie. They ask that applicants include details about their approach to D&I and highlight any D&I initiatives in their applications.
Important dates
- Application window will open Monday, 11 April 2022
- Applications will close Friday, 27 May 2022
- Short-listed companies will be notified early June 2022 and invited to a pitch evening scheduled for Thursday, 30 June 2022
- The team confirmed that they will announce the three selected companies in Summer 2022
- The Fintech Counsel Fund program will begin in September 2022