Best Venture Capital Lawyers in Nea Erythraia

About Venture Capital Law in Nea Erythraia, Greece

Nea Erythraia is part of the Athens metropolitan area, where many venture capital activities focus on early stage tech and life sciences startups. The venture capital framework in Greece combines EU directives with national laws and regulator guidance. Key elements include fund formation, manager licensing, investor protections, and cross border investment rules. Local counsel helps with due diligence, governance, and structuring exits to align with Greek corporate and tax requirements.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

• Seed funding for a Nea Erythraia startup: You sign a term sheet and shareholders agreement; a lawyer ensures ownership percentages, liquidation preferences, and anti-dilution protections are clear under Greek corporate law.
• Forming a Greek venture capital fund: You establish a fund structure and a management company; a lawyer drafts the limited partnership agreement, investment restrictions, and compliance with AIFMD requirements.
• Compliance for an alternative investment fund manager: You need licensing, governance, and reporting obligations under Greek law; a lawyer guides you through the regulator interface and ongoing filings.
• Cross border investment into Greece: A foreign VC invests in a Nea Erythraia startup; you address tax considerations, repatriation rules, and inter jurisdiction governance provisions.
• Exit planning and sale of a Greek portfolio company: A lawyer coordinates with tax advisors and potential buyers, drafts sale agreements, and negotiates representations and warranties in Greek deals.
• Investor due diligence for a round: You review target company corporate records, cap table integrity, and potential liabilities; counsel coordinates with accountants and regulatory checks.

Local Laws Overview

Law 4099/2012 on Alternative Investment Funds and Managers

This law transposes the EU Alternative Investment Fund Management Directive into Greek law and governs licensing for managers of alternative investment funds in Greece. It sets governance, risk management, transparency, and reporting requirements essential for AIFs operating in Nea Erythraia. The regime has been amended several times to reflect EU updates and market practice shifts. Practitioners advise on fund manager registration, capital requirements, and cross border distribution considerations.

Law 2992/2002 on Private Equity Funds and Venture Capital

This statute provides the foundational framework for private equity funds and venture capital vehicles in Greece, including fund formation, investor rights, and basic operating parameters. It remains relevant for structuring SPVs and coordinating between general partners and limited partners. Firms frequently reference this law in forming local Greece based structures for portfolio investments.

Law 4172/2013 - Income Tax Code (and related tax provisions for VC activities)

The Greek Income Tax Code, along with subsequent amendments, governs corporate and individual taxation affecting venture capital profits, fund distributions, and carry interests. Tax incentives and eligible expenses can influence the profitability of Greek VC investments. Local counsel explains how these provisions apply to both Greek resident funds and foreign capital participating in Nea Erythraia deals.

For official details, consult gov.gr and mindev.gov.gr. EU guidance on AIFMD is available from European Commission, and EU level supervisory expectations are outlined by ESMA.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is venture capital law in Greece?

Venture capital law governs the formation of funds, licensing of managers, and regulatory compliance for investments into Greek startups. It combines EU directives with national statutes and regulator guidance.

How do I start a venture capital fund in Nea Erythraia?

You need a fund structure, a licensed manager, and compliant documents. A lawyer helps with the limited partnership agreement, fund prospectus, and regulatory filings.

When must a Greek VC fund register with authorities?

Registration is typically required before active management and fundraising; the exact timing depends on fund type and management structure as per Law 4099/2012 and related measures.

Where can I find official regulatory guidance for VC funds in Greece?

Official guidance is available via gov.gr and mindev.gov.gr, with EU level context on the European Commission site.

Why might I need a lawyer for term sheet negotiations?

A lawyer protects your ownership, control rights, and exit priorities while ensuring alignment with Greek corporate law and tax rules.

Can foreign investors participate in Greek venture capital deals?

Yes, but you must navigate Greek corporate structures, tax rules, and potential cross border regulatory requirements under Law 4099/2012 and related frameworks.

Should I use a Greek SPV for investments?

Using a special purpose vehicle is common to isolate risk and manage governance; a lawyer tailors the structure to tax and regulatory needs in Greece.

Do I need to be licensed to manage an AIF in Greece?

Yes, fund managers typically require licensing under the AIFMD transposition; a lawyer can guide you through the application and ongoing compliance.

How long does it take to close a venture capital investment in Greece?

Due diligence and negotiation can take 4-12 weeks depending on complexity, counterparties, and regulatory checks involved in Nea Erythraia deals.

What is the difference between venture capital and private equity in Greece?

Venture capital usually targets early stage, high growth firms; private equity targets more mature companies. Both operate under Greek and EU regulatory regimes, with differing risk and liquidity profiles.

Is there a standard cost range for hiring a VC lawyer in Greece?

Costs vary by matter complexity and firm, but expect engagement fees for document drafting, due diligence, and negotiation to range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of euros for a round.

Additional Resources

• Ministry of Development and Investments - Official government guidance on business investment, startups, and regulatory frameworks in Greece. mindev.gov.gr
• Gov.gr - Central portal for Greek government services and legal information, including corporate and financial regulations. gov.gr
• European Commission - Venture capital and private equity - EU level guidance and country comparisons for venture capital markets, including Greece. ec.europa.eu

Next Steps

1. Define your needs and scope: determine whether you need fund formation, investment negotiations, or regulatory compliance assistance. Time estimate: 1-2 weeks.
2. Identify local law firms with demonstrated VC experience in Athens and Nea Erythraia area: look for Greek-registered partners and prior fund clients. Time estimate: 1-3 weeks.
3. Conduct initial consultations: prepare a brief on your fund structure, target investments, and regulatory questions. Time estimate: 1-2 weeks.
4. Request engagement proposals and budget ranges: compare fee structures, hourly rates, and potential retainer arrangements. Time estimate: 1 week.
5. Review proposals and select counsel: assess responsiveness, practical approach, and jurisdictional expertise. Time estimate: 1 week.
6. Draft and finalize engagement documents: scope of work, deliverables, timelines, and confidentiality terms. Time estimate: 1-2 weeks.
7. Initiate the engagement and start work: establish a project plan with milestones for fund setup, due diligence, or deal closing. Time estimate: ongoing per project.