Best Venture Capital Lawyers in Ostermundigen

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Advokatur I Notariat Kurt I Brand I Massa
Ostermundigen, Switzerland

Founded in 1985
5 people in their team
English
Advokatur Notariat Kurt Brand Massa is a long established Swiss law and notary practice based in Ostermundigen, near Bern. The firm was opened on 1 January 1985 by Daniel Kurt, a respected advocate and notary, at Bernstrasse 70 in Ostermundigen. Since then, it has served private individuals and...
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1. About Venture Capital Law in Ostermundigen, Switzerland

Venture capital law in Ostermundigen is primarily Swiss federal law applied within the cantonal context of Bern. There is no separate local statute titled “Venture Capital Law” specific to Ostermundigen; most rules come from the Swiss Code of Obligations and market regulations. Startups and investors typically rely on corporate, contract, and securities law when negotiating investments.

In practice, venture capital transactions involve setting up an appropriate company structure (usually a Swiss AG or GmbH), negotiating shareholder agreements, and using instruments such as equity investments or convertible loans. The Commercial Register in the Canton of Bern governs company formation and changes in share ownership. Lawyers help align business aims with mandatory disclosures, governance rules, and transfer restrictions.

Key features include fiduciary duties among founders and investors, anti-dilution protections, pre-emption rights, and board representation considerations. Legal counsel also helps ensure compliance with Swiss financial market rules when funds are involved or when shares are publicly offered or marketed to investors. For reference, the Swiss Code of Obligations and related financial market statutes provide the backbone for these transactions.

The Swiss Code of Obligations governs contracts, corporate governance, and share transfers, forming the regulatory core for venture capital activity in Switzerland.
FINMA oversees market integrity, fund management, and distribution of investment products in Switzerland, impacting venture capital funds and related activities.

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

Engaging a lawyer is essential in several concrete scenarios that are common for Ostermundigen-based startups and investors. Below are practical examples you may encounter.

  • Negotiating a Series A term sheet for a Bern-based startup - A lawyer helps secure pro-rata rights, anti-dilution protections, board seats, and clear governance rules that align with Swiss corporate law and the shareholder agreement.
  • Setting up a Swiss-domiciled venture fund or SPV - Counsel guides fund formation under Swiss collective investment rules, choosing the right vehicle, and addressing distribution and licensing requirements with FINMA if necessary.
  • Drafting or reviewing a convertible loan agreement - A Swiss attorney ensures conversion terms, interest, maturity, and post-conversion equity align with Swiss company law and investor protections.
  • Employee equity compensation plans for a Bern startup - Legal advice is needed to structure stock options or restricted shares in compliance with the CO and relevant tax rules.
  • Cross-border investment involving a foreign investor - Counsel coordinates Swiss compliance, tax implications, and any inter-jurisdictional governance provisions for the deal.
  • Due diligence and exit planning - A lawyer conducts commercial, financial, and regulatory due diligence and helps draft sale or acquisition agreements and drag/ tag rights for an exit.

3. Local Laws Overview

Two to three primary laws and regulatory frameworks shape venture capital activity in Ostermundigen. They govern corporate governance, investment funds, and market oversight.

  • Swiss Code of Obligations (CO) - Governs company formation, share transfers, shareholder rights, and governance. It is the primary source for structuring a startup and investor relationships.
  • Federal Act on Collective Investment Schemes (CISA) - Regulates collective investment schemes and funds, including those used by venture capital vehicles. It sets rules for licensing, supervision, and distribution of funds to investors.
  • Financial Market Supervisory Authority Act and FINMA guidance - FINMA supervises financial market activities, including fund management, advisory services, and market conduct relevant to venture funds and investment products.

Note: Cantonal administration in Bern handles company registrations and local filings. In practice, most venture capital activity relies on the CO for governance and on CISA and FINMA rules for funds and financing activities. For current text and amendments, consult the Swiss Federal Legal Portal and FINMA resources.

Recent regulatory trends emphasize investor protection and transparent governance in Swiss venture funding, with ongoing alignment to international standards. For official details, see the Swiss Federal Legal Portal and FINMA guidance documents cited below.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What is venture capital law in Ostermundigen?

Venture capital law in Ostermundigen applies Swiss federal rules to venture finance deals. It covers company structuring, shareholder rights, and investment instruments such as equity and convertible loans.

How do I form a Swiss company for a VC investment in Bern?

Typically you form an AG or GmbH with the Bern Commercial Register. Lawyers ensure the articles of association and share structures meet Swiss corporate requirements.

When should I engage a lawyer in a startup fund negotiation?

Consult early in term sheet negotiations to align rights, governance, and exit provisions with Swiss law and investor expectations. Early counsel reduces later negotiation time.

Where can I find official Swiss regulations on funds and investments?

Refer to the Swiss Federal Legal Portal and FINMA resources for current statutes, licensing, and supervision guidelines. These sources provide authoritative text and updates.

Why is the CO important for venture capital deals?

The CO governs corporate formation, shareholder rights, transfer restrictions, and governance. It provides the framework for enforceable agreements between founders and investors.

Can a non-Swiss investor participate in a Bern VC fund?

Yes, subject to regulatory compliance, tax implications, and fund distribution rules under CISA and FINMA. Foreign investors often participate through Swiss-domiciled SPVs.

Should I use a Swiss SPV to hold equity for a portfolio company?

Using an SPV simplifies ownership, track record, and tax planning. Counsel will ensure the SPV complies with Swiss fund and corporate rules.

Do I need FINMA approval to market a venture fund in Switzerland?

Most funds require appropriate authorization or exemption under FINMA guidelines. Consult a lawyer to determine whether licensing or a registration path fits your structure.

How long does due diligence take for a Bern-based startup investment?

Due diligence typically spans 2-6 weeks depending on company complexity and data availability. A prepared data room helps speed up the process.

What is the difference between equity investment and convertible debt in Swiss law?

Equity transfers ownership directly, while convertible debt converts into equity later under defined terms. Swiss law governs the mechanics, rights, and conversion conditions.

Is there cantonal tax relief for startups in Bern?

Bern offers cantonal tax incentives for startups in certain circumstances, such as deductions or exemptions for qualified research and development activities. Specific eligibility depends on local tax rules.

How do pre-emption and drag-along rights work in Swiss shareholder agreements?

Pre-emption rights give existing shareholders the option to buy new shares. Drag-along rights compel minority shareholders to sell with the majority on agreed terms during exits.

5. Additional Resources

  • FINMA - Swiss financial market regulator; guidance on funds, investment advisers, and market conduct. finma.ch
  • Swiss Federal Legal Portal (Fedlex) - Official source for the Swiss Code of Obligations and other federal acts. fedlex.admin.ch
  • Bern Canton Official Portal - Information on starting a business, commercial registration, and cantonal administration. be.ch
  • SECO - Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs; resources on startups, funding, and business environment. seco.admin.ch

6. Next Steps

  1. Clarify your goals - Define whether you are a founder seeking funding or an investor seeking opportunities in Ostermundigen. Set a target fund size or investment amount within two weeks.
  2. Identify a qualified local counsel - Look for a Swiss-registered attorney or solicitor with venture capital experience in Bern and Ostermundigen. Request a written engagement letter and fee estimate.
  3. Prepare a data room and initial documents - Assemble company formation documents, cap table, IP assignments, and material agreements. Have your counsel tailor a standard term sheet for review.
  4. Review regulatory requirements - Confirm compliance with CO, CISA, and FINMA guidance for fund structures and investment activities. Confirm any licensing or registration needs.
  5. Draft and negotiate term sheets and shareholder agreements - Ensure governance, liquidation preferences, pre-emption rights, and anti-dilution terms are clear and enforceable under Swiss law.
  6. Complete due diligence - Conduct financial, legal, tax, and IP diligence with your lawyer and, if needed, external specialists. Address any red flags promptly.
  7. Close the deal and implement governance - Finalize documents, complete registrations, and establish board or observer rights as agreed. Plan ongoing compliance and reporting.

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The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation.

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