Best Venture Capital Lawyers in Peristeri

1. About Venture Capital Law in Peristeri, Greece

In Peristeri, as in the rest of Greece, venture capital activity is governed by Greek national law and European Union rules, not by a Peristeri-only regime. The primary regulator for funds and fund managers is the Hellenic Capital Market Commission (HCMC). This means venture capital firms and investment funds must comply with licensing, reporting and disclosure obligations applicable across Greece and the EU.

Most venture capital activity operates through structures such as Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) or corporate investment vehicles, with fund managers overseen under EU and Greek standards. Practical implications include due diligence, governance requirements, risk monitoring, and investor disclosures that are consistent with cross-border investment norms. Local contracts in Peristeri follow Greek contract and corporate law, with disputes handled by Greek courts and, where applicable, arbitration under Greek law.

Source: European Commission on the EU framework for alternative investment funds, including cross-border marketing and risk management obligations.

The Greek framework aligns with EU directives, creating a harmonized system for venture funds operating in Attica and beyond. Practically, local investors and Peristeri-based startups benefit when counsel understands both Greek corporate law and EU fund rules. A Greek solicitor or legal counsel who specializes in venture capital will typically handle entity formation, drafting term sheets, fund governance documents, and regulatory filings.

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

Engaging a venture capital lawyer in Peristeri is essential for concrete, scenario-based reasons. Below are real-world examples drawn from local practice and regulatory requirements.

• Setting up a Peristeri-based startup funded by a local VC - A founder seeking seed funding must negotiate a term sheet, stock ownership, and protective provisions that align with Greek corporate law and EU fund rules. A lawyer helps ensure the cap table reflects planned equity splits and future rounds.
• Negotiating convertible debt or equity-based instruments - When a local startup accepts convertible notes or preferred shares, legal counsel drafts conversion terms, maturity conditions, and anti-dilution protections to avoid disputes later.
• Structuring a new venture capital fund in Greece - If a Peristeri-based team wants to raise or manage a fund, counsel assists with fund formation, manager licensing, compliance with AIFMD transposition in Greece, and investor disclosures.
• Ensuring regulatory compliance for cross-border investments - Funds marketing to international investors must navigate EU rules and Greek registration requirements, including ongoing reporting to the HCMC.
• Tax-efficient structuring and exits for portfolio companies - A lawyer helps optimize tax outcomes for portfolio exits, and advises on the timing and mechanics of shareholder transfers under Greek taxation rules.

3. Local Laws Overview

Venture capital activity in Peristeri is influenced by EU frameworks and Greek domestic law. The following laws and regulations are central to practice in Greece and Peristeri specifically.

• Directive 2011/61/EU on Alternative Investment Fund Managers (AIFMD) - This EU directive provides the harmonized regime for the authorization, operation and risk management of AIFs and their managers across member states. It directly affects how funds are structured and marketed in Greece.
• Law 4099/2012 on Alternative Investment Funds and Managers (transposing AIFMD into Greek law) - This national legislation implements the EU directive within Greece and governs licensing, operations, and supervision of AIFs and AIFMs. It has undergone amendments to reflect evolving EU requirements.
• Greek tax framework for investment funds (as applied by the Independent Authority for Public Revenue - AADE) - Investment funds and their investors face specific Greek tax provisions, including how fund income, gains and distributions are taxed. Official guidance and updates are published by AADE and processed through gov.gr and related portals.

Source: European Commission on AIFMD and national transposition in Greece; and Greek tax guidance from AADE for investment funds.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Alternative Investment Fund in Greece?

An Alternative Investment Fund in Greece is a pooled vehicle that invests in assets other than traditional public securities. It operates under AIFMD rules via Greek law and is regulated by the HCMC in many cases.

How do I start a venture capital fund in Peristeri?

Start with a clear investment thesis, choose a fund structure, and engage a Greek solicitor to handle licensing and documentation. Expect a 3-6 month process to reach initial fundraising and regulatory readiness.

What is the difference between an AIF and a traditional mutual fund?

AIFs have more flexibility and are typically targeted at professional or qualified investors. They face distinct regulatory regimes under AIFMD compared to retail mutual funds.

Where can I find official regulatory guidelines for venture funds in Greece?

Check the Hellenic Capital Market Commission for fund and manager guidelines and the gov.gr portal for regulatory updates and forms.

Do I need to hire a Greek solicitor or attorney for cross-border funding?

Yes. A local counsel with experience in venture capital and EU funds ensures compliance with Greek law and AIFMD requirements, including licensing and disclosures.

Is there a typical cost range for a VC due diligence package in Peristeri?

Typical costs vary by deal size and scope, but expect due diligence to range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of euros for comprehensive checks.

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

Seed closings commonly take 4-12 weeks, depending on diligence scope, negotiations, and regulatory filings with the HCMC.

Do I need to register a fund with the HCMC to raise money in Greece?

Often yes for AIFs or AIFMs; a local counselor can confirm whether registration or licensing is required for your specific structure.

What are the main risks in venture capital deals in Greece?

Key risks include regulatory non-compliance, misaligned governance, valuation disputes, and tax uncertainties for cross-border investments.

Can a Peristeri startup use convertible debt to attract VC funding?

Yes. Convertible debt is common and allows postponing a full equity round. Counsel drafts terms for conversion, interest, and maturity.

What taxes apply to investment funds in Greece?

Investment funds and their distributions are subject to Greek tax rules; counsel can optimize tax treatment for the fund and its investors.

Should I hire a lawyer before negotiating with investors?

Yes. Early legal involvement helps frame terms, protect control provisions, and reduce future disputes.

5. Additional Resources

The following official resources provide guidance, regulation, and regulatory oversight related to venture capital in Greece and the EU.

• Hellenic Capital Market Commission (HCMC) - Regulator for investment funds and fund managers in Greece; publishes rules, notices, and licensing requirements.
• Ministry of Development and Investments (Greece) - Official authority for economic policy, entrepreneurship support, and investment programs including venture capital initiatives.
• European Commission - AIFMD overview - EU framework governing alternative investment funds and managers across member states.

6. Next Steps

1. Define your Peristeri venture's needs and target investor profile. Create a brief investment memo and a rough cap table.
2. Identify local counsel with venture capital and AIFMD experience. Request resumes and a preliminary engagement scope.
3. Schedule an initial consultation to review structure options and regulatory requirements. Expect a 1-2 week scheduling window.
4. Obtain an engagement letter and scope from the chosen lawyer. Confirm deliverables, fees, and timelines in writing.
5. Prepare required documents for fund formation or investment rounds. Start due diligence and regulatory filings with the HCMC as applicable.
6. Review term sheets, equity structures, and governance provisions with your legal counsel. Negotiate key protections and milestones.
7. Finalize the legal documents and close the investment with a compliant governance framework and clear exit terms.