We are launching the Fintech Counsel Fund to provide practical support to three carefully selected fintech companies as they seek to make their mark in the fintech industry.
Through the programme, we will be providing our three finalists with a structured six-month support package of legal and commercial advice to help guide them as they grow their business. If you want to apply, you can do so via the button below.
Shortlisted companies will be invited to present to our esteemed panel of judges at a later date where the three finalists will be chosen.
Our fintech practice co-chairs, Sue McLean and Mark Simpson, are leading a cross-practice team of lawyers from Baker McKenzie (including IP, data and technology, corporate, tax, financial services, regulatory, competition and trade) to ensure whatever legal needs you have, we are ready and able to support you.
We look forward to receiving your applications.
What's included in the Fintech Counsel Fund?
The Fintech Counsel Fund programme will last for six months commencing on 1 September 2022. Each fintech that is selected to join our programme will receive the following benefits during the programme:
- An experienced, dedicated, relationship manager who will meet with you regularly
- Attendance at a kick-off workshop with experienced lawyers from relevant practice areas (e.g., corporate, regulatory, IP and commercial) to identify the fintech's legal needs and create a legal roadmap
- Access to GBP 33,000 worth of UK legal advice covering the priority areas identified in the legal roadmap
- Complimentary virtual GC offering, which will entitle each fintech to 15-minute hotline calls for other ad hoc advice
- Discounted fees and alternative fee arrangements if additional support is required
- A start-up pack of standard template agreements and checklists
- Complimentary access to our experienced business professionals (e.g., marketing, PR, L&D)
- Complimentary access to select thought leadership, events and networks
- Feature in a special edition of our Finsights Fintech podcast
Who can apply?
Our Fintech Counsel Fund is aimed at fintech growth companies (early and mid-stage companies post Series A) based in the UK. There are no minimum requirements in terms of size, scale or maturity of business and no limitations in terms of which fintech vertical your company is focused on.
Application process
Our judging panel will review applications and identify a short-list of applicants who will be invited to join a pitch evening. Following the pitch evening, we will select the three fintechs who will join our inaugural Fintech Counsel Fund programme.
A focus on diversity and inclusion
Diversity and inclusion is very important to Baker McKenzie. We ask that applicants include information about their approach to D&I and highlight any particular D&I initiatives in their applications.
Important dates
- Application window will open Monday, 11 April 2022
- Applications will close Friday, 27 May 2022
- Short-listed companies will be notified early June 2022 and invited to a pitch evening scheduled for Thursday, 30 June 2022
- We will announce the three selected companies in Summer 2022
- The Fintech Counsel Fund programme will kick off in September 2022
Meet the Judging panel
 |
 |
 |
| Sue McLean Partner, Baker McKenzie Technology |
Mark Simpson Partner, Baker McKenzie Financial Services Regulatory |
David Hart Partner, Baker McKenzie Corporate |
. |
. |
 |
| Olivia Broderick General Counsel and Head of Regulatory Checkout |
Neeta Mundra Financial Services Transformation Salesforce |
Sophie Winwood Investment Principal Anthemis Group |
 |
 |
|
| Tom Hambrett Group General Counsel Revolut |
David Tirado |