About

I work with startups and investors at every stage of the corporate finance cycle, from early rounds through to exit. I'm a tech early adopter and tinkerer outside of work so getting fully stuck into the UK's startup scene as part of my day job is a perfect match for me.

My clients cover a wide spread of the UK tech sector, from hardware and life sciences to fintech, martech, and game development. I'm a regular speaker at startup events, breaking down legal pitfalls for startups on everything from investment rounds to co-founder relationships and exit sales.

I am co-head our Technology sector group, and am one of the leaders of our Startup initiative, providing user-friendly advice to startups across the full scope of services that Lewis Silkin has to offer.

Experience

Venture capital

  • Advising investors from around the world on investments into UK companies, including legal due diligence and pre-investment reorganisations as well as negotiation of the key transaction documents
  • Working with startups on the full range of financing transactions, from convertibles to priced equity rounds and through to structured investment from private equity houses

Acquisitions

  • Working with founders and shareholders on exit sales, bringing a full understanding of the priorities of venture investors to negotiations of the purchase agreement with the buyer, as well as handling all of the key documents
  • Advising buyers on strategic acquisitions, from heads of terms and legal due diligence to negotiation of the purchase documents and process management
  • Working on deals where the buyer wants to take some but not all of the business, including acquihire, business line and asset purchase transactions

Testimonials

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'David Willbe has an outstanding legal skill set, combined with excellent problem-solving. Combines being highly commercial with finding good practical solutions. Provides outstanding customer service. If a deal needs energy and commitment, there is no be
Legal 500
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Services

Sectors