Emerging as pivotal players in India’s vibrant investment landscape, boutique private equity and venture capital law firms are gaining recognition for their significant role. These firms provide essential legal services and strategic counsel, supporting both investors and start-ups. Their expertise fosters innovation and economic growth, ensuring India remains a prominent force within the global start-up ecosystem. 

India’s private equity and venture capital landscape in 2023 has been marked by significant shifts and a robust build-up of uninvested capital, despite a downturn in the start-up segment. A specialised PE/VC law firm has been crucial in this dynamic environment, providing essential legal services and strategic guidance. Its expertise in navigating complex transactions and understanding market dynamics has been instrumental in supporting both investors and start-ups. This firm drives innovation and economic growth, ensuring India remains a key player in the global start-up ecosystem.

Established in 2019, AP & Partners helps Indian tech start-ups navigate critical transactions like mergers and acquisitions (exits) and securing funding (fundraising). Its experienced team tackles complex deals across industries. A recent success includes facilitating $17 million in Series A funding for Toddle, a company developing tools for teachers. Its commitment extends beyond the tech sector. AP & Partners recently advised SitusAMC, part of the Stone Point Capital portfolio, on a complex $250 million business transfer involving the commercial real estate valuation business of Situs Group to Altus Group. This transition impacted over 100 Indian employees who transferred to Altus Group. Specialising in PE/VC, M&A, and technology law, LawKNIT Partners is a fast-growing Indian law firm founded in 2022. With offices in Bangalore, Mumbai, and Indore, it advises a diverse clientele across various investment stages. Its PE/VC practice advises clients across investment stages (early, growth, bridge) and sectors. It has represented Mount Judi Ventures in a $7 million investment in an education technology company (Convie Genius) and advised Cbrex Technologies on investor rights during their funding round. Established in Mumbai in 2018, Lex Consult tackles PE/VC complexities with a seasoned team. Its proactive approach guides clients through intricate deals, crafting tailored solutions for success across alliances, acquisitions, and domestic/international investments. This expertise is evident in its work with prom-inent players like Ivanhoe Cambridge (real estate) and Ascendas (warehousing) and extends to propelling start-ups like Snapmint (funding rounds) and fintech ventures like MYSA (investment).

A Mumbai boutique firm established in 2016, LexStart Partners supports start-ups, venture capitalists, and incubators. Focusing on early and growth stages, its 35-person team tailors legal services for each client. It goes beyond legal counsel, leveraging its start-up ecosystem knowledge to offer strategic guidance throughout a start-up’s journey. Recent successes include guiding start-ups in securing funding rounds exceeding INR 120 crore across the B2C, FemTech, AdTech, as well as the fashion and apparel sectors. NovoJuris Legal, founded in 2008, operates in both India and the U.S. The firm provides advice on PE/VC players across various investment stages. It offers guidance on a wide range of investments, from seed funding to IPOs, for both investors and companies. Novo-lJuris Legal’s expertise is demonstrated in complex deals, such as Aurum’s recent $1.25 million acquisition. The firm conducted thorough due diligence, structured an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) for the acquired entity’s founder, and ensured a seamless property transfer. Its strategic advice and meticulous document drafting secured a successful integration for Aurum.

Mumbai-based Pioneer Legal, established in 2019, provides comprehensive PE/VC legal services across diverse sectors like technology, education, and healthcare. It advises investors and target entities throughout the deal cycle, from structuring to post-closure compliance. Pioneer Legal differentiates itself with sector-specific expertise, pro-active guidance, and support for both early and growth-stage companies. Its focus on customised solutions and leveraging its network within the Indian start-up ecosystem positions it to deliver value for clients. This is evidenced by its work on high-value deals like advising the Arora family (promoters) in TA Associ-ates’ $125 million investment in Synokem Pharmaceuticals and advising the seller in Carlyle’s $300 million acquisition of a majority stake in VLCC.

Spanning four Indian cities and established in 2018, Triumvir Law focuses on early- to mid-stage start-ups, particularly in technology and media. It differentiates itself through a collaborative approach with partners directly involved in every client matter. This ensures personalised service and meticulous attention to detail. Its seasoned team provides clients with the agility and precision needed to navigate the competitive landscape. Triumvir Law’s expertise extends to venture debt funding, as evidenced by its work with Amber Internet Solutions on a recent round, and seed funding, exemplified by its successful representation of WLDD Private Limited in securing $1.25 million.