Best Venture Capital Lawyers in Thivais

About Venture Capital Law in Thivais, Greece

Venture capital in Thivais operates within the broader Greek and European Union legal frameworks. Startups and investors in the area typically structure deals using Greek corporate vehicles, most often the Private Company - IKE, the Société Anonyme - AE, or the Limited Liability Company - EPE. Investment rounds commonly rely on equity subscriptions, preferred share classes, convertible loan agreements, and shareholder agreements that set governance and exit rules. While Thivais is not a distinct legal jurisdiction, any venture capital activity there must comply with national laws, EU regulations, and guidance from Greek supervisory authorities.

Greece has modernised its company, capital markets, and tax rules to support innovation. National initiatives promote startup formation and access to funding, and public investment arms work alongside private funds. Transactions frequently involve cross-border elements, so documentation in English is common, though attention to Greek law and enforcement is critical.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Term sheet negotiation - Lawyers help ensure valuation, liquidation preferences, anti-dilution mechanics, board composition, veto rights, and information rights are balanced and enforceable.

Choosing the right company form - Selecting and tailoring IKE, AE, or EPE affects governance flexibility, investor protections, and exit options.

Regulatory compliance - Fund managers may need authorization or registration under rules applicable to alternative investment fund managers. Portfolio companies must handle sector licenses, data protection, and consumer rules.

Cross-border transactions - Counsel coordinates foreign law issues, translations, apostilles, tax numbers, and currency and banking matters.

Tax structuring - Investments can trigger stamp duty, withholding taxes, and capital gains tax. A lawyer coordinating with a tax advisor can mitigate leakages.

Employee incentives - Designing stock options, restricted shares, or phantom equity requires careful drafting to fit Greek corporate and tax rules.

Intellectual property - Ensuring that founders, employees, and contractors assign IP to the company and that trademarks and patents are filed properly is essential before funding.

Due diligence and data room - Counsel identifies red flags and proposes remedial steps so that deals close on time.

Disputes and exits - Drag-along and tag-along rights, put and call options, and arbitration or court strategies should be planned in advance.

Local Laws Overview

Corporate forms - IKE is commonly used for startups due to flexible governance and lower formation costs. AE can accommodate multiple share classes and complex investor rights. Choosing the vehicle impacts how easily you can issue preferred instruments and run general meetings.

Shareholder and investment documents - Greek law permits detailed shareholder agreements covering reserved matters, transfer restrictions, vesting and leaver provisions, drag-along and tag-along rights, and information rights. Ensure alignment with the articles of association to avoid conflicts.

Convertible instruments - While market-standard SAFE templates are not codified in Greek law, convertible loan agreements are used and can be structured to convert into equity on future financing or other triggers. Some loan arrangements can attract stamp duty. Legal and tax advice is advisable when setting interest, conversion mechanics, and maturity.

Fund regulation - Venture capital funds and managers may be subject to the Greek framework that implements EU rules on alternative investment funds. Authorization or registration requirements depend on size, structure, and whether marketing to professional or retail investors. The Hellenic Capital Market Commission supervises the sector.

Merger control and competition - Acquisitions of control or certain minority stakes with decisive influence can trigger merger filings if turnover thresholds are met. The Hellenic Competition Commission enforces Greek competition law alongside EU rules.

Data protection - Portfolio companies that process personal data must comply with the EU General Data Protection Regulation. This affects customer onboarding, marketing, cookies and tracking, and data sharing in due diligence.

Employment and incentives - Greek employment law is protective. Equity awards must be structured within the chosen corporate form. Greece has introduced tax-favorable treatment for qualifying stock options under specific conditions. Documentation and vesting schedules should be clear and compliant.

Tax landscape - Greece applies corporate income tax, withholding taxes on dividends and interest, and participation exemption and treaty relief in some cases. Investors should assess permanent establishment risk, withholding on cross-border payments, and capital gains on exit. Local tax registrations and filings may be required.

Public funding and state aid - National programs channel EU and domestic funds into Greek startups through intermediated venture capital and co-investment schemes. Participation is subject to eligibility and state aid rules.

Company registry and UBO - All companies register with the General Commercial Registry, maintain corporate records, and report ultimate beneficial ownership. Accurate and timely filings are essential for banking and investor onboarding.

Frequently Asked Questions

What company type do startups in Thivais usually choose for venture funding

Many early-stage companies choose the IKE for flexibility and cost efficiency. As capitalization and complexity grow, some transition to an AE to use multiple share classes and fine-tuned investor rights. The right choice depends on your round size, governance needs, and exit plan.

Can we use English-law documents for a Greek investment

Parties often use English-language documentation. Whether to choose foreign governing law depends on the instrument and enforcement needs. Corporate actions like share issuances must comply with Greek company law and the companys articles, even if the investment agreement uses a different governing law.

Are SAFEs recognized in Greece

There is no statutory SAFE instrument. Market participants typically use convertible loan agreements or equity with milestones. A lawyer can adapt familiar terms to a structure that is enforceable under Greek law.

Do convertible loans attract stamp duty

Some loan arrangements can be subject to Greek stamp duty unless they fall within specific exemptions. The impact depends on how and where the loan is documented and disbursed. Obtain tailored tax advice before signing.

How are employee stock options treated for tax purposes

Greece provides preferential tax treatment for qualifying stock options subject to conditions such as holding periods and corporate form. The details vary, so plan grants with coordinated legal and tax input to optimize timing and compliance.

When is merger control filing required for a venture investment

If an investment confers control or decisive influence and the parties meet national turnover thresholds, a filing may be required before closing. Many minority venture rounds do not trigger filing, but the analysis is fact-specific.

What diligence do investors usually perform

Investors review corporate formation, cap table, IP ownership, key contracts, employment and incentives, compliance and licenses, financial statements, tax filings, litigation, and data protection. A clean data room and remedial actions reduce closing risk.

Do founders need to assign IP to the company

Yes. Ensure written assignments from founders, employees, and contractors, with clear compensation terms where applicable, and register trademarks and patents with the competent authorities.

How long does it take to incorporate and open a bank account

Using standard documentation, IKE incorporation can be relatively quick once documents are ready and the name is cleared. Bank account opening can take longer due to KYC and beneficial ownership checks. Start early and prepare complete documentation.

What exit routes are common in Greece

Trade sales, secondary sales to later-stage investors, and occasional listings are used. Deal documents often include drag-along rights to facilitate a sale and tag-along rights to protect minority holders.

Additional Resources

Hellenic Capital Market Commission for guidance on fund manager authorization and marketing rules.

General Commercial Registry - GEMI for company formations, filings, and beneficial ownership reporting.

Hellenic Competition Commission for merger control and antitrust matters.

Independent Authority for Public Revenue for tax registrations and compliance.

Hellenic Development Bank and Hellenic Development Bank of Investments for programs that support venture capital and co-investments.

Elevate Greece - National Startup Registry for information on recognized startups and support initiatives.

Hellenic Industrial Property Organisation for patents and trademarks, and the competent copyright authorities for software and content protection.

Local Chamber of Commerce in Boeotia for regional business support, networking, and certifications.

Next Steps

Clarify goals - Define your funding need, runway, and milestones. Decide whether you seek equity, a convertible instrument, or a mix.

Assemble your materials - Prepare a clean cap table, articles of association, shareholder agreements, IP assignments, key contracts, financials, and data protection policies.

Choose your vehicle - Confirm whether IKE or AE best serves your round and future plans. Align your articles with your investor rights.

Map regulatory touchpoints - Identify any sector licenses, data protection obligations, or potential merger control issues early.

Coordinate tax strategy - Assess stamp duty exposure, withholding taxes, and option taxation with professional advisors.

Engage counsel - Retain a lawyer experienced in venture capital in Greece who can negotiate the term sheet, align documents with Greek law, and manage closing.

Plan the timeline - Build in time for due diligence, corporate approvals, possible regulatory filings, translations, and bank onboarding.

Conduct closing and post-closing - Implement share issuances or conversions, update GEMI filings and beneficial ownership, update corporate books, and calendar investor reporting obligations.

This guide provides general information only. For advice tailored to your situation in Thivais and the wider Greek market, consult a qualified lawyer.