Job Description

OUR MISSION

We uplift people and economies around the world through entrepreneurship.

WHO WE ARE We have backed more than 2,400 companies or 5,000+ entrepreneurs in 75+ countries. Notable investments in the 500 portfolio include Credit Karma, Twilio, Canva, Grab, Bukalapak, The RealReal, Talkdesk, Knotel, Udemy, and Ipsy. Most significantly, those companies have helped create thousands of jobs and delighted millions of customers all over the world. Because of our global network and expertise, we are in a unique position to build startups ecosystems worldwide.

THE ROLE

We have a new opening for a lawyer to join our Global Legal Team to advise on and manage 500 Startups global portfolio of companies, and coordinate legal review of financings, mergers and acquisitions, corporate actions and other portfolio company legal requests.

This role provides a rare and unique opportunity to interact heavily with founders and co-investors of our portfolio companies across the world, gain deep expertise in an exciting and growing industry, be exposed to emerging venture markets and changing legal regimes, and build a legal career with a commercially-focused trajectory. You'll need to understand legalities, shareholder dynamics and our founders needs, and design commercial solutions to balance a variety of demands. Youll need a good sense of judgment and be capable of making smart, defensible decisions in instances of uncertainty or less-than-perfect information. You will need to manage stakeholders, guide outside counsel and do what is needed to keep things going and get every transaction to completion.

We work at an incredible pace so you will need to be a self-starter with excellent EQ, strong time management skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure in a fast paced and constantly changing environment. This role is ideal for a junior corporate commercial lawyer with venture capital or M&A experience, looking for a dynamic, fast paced, in-house environment. Legal experience working with venture capital firms or startups is preferred. Historically, lawyers who crave creative and commercial work find the right balance in this role.

Reporting to our Associate General Counsel, youll work closely with other members of 500 Startups Global Legal Team and Investment Committees.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Candidates should be willing to work on a wide variety of matters pertaining to 500 Startups portfolio of companies including:

• Managing all legal requests from portfolio companies which may include financing rounds, M&A transactions, changes to governance terms, waivers of investor rights, restructurings, shareholder voting matters or consents, and routine compliance or corporate governance. Making data-driven decisions or recommendations to the Investment Committee across each of these exercises and driving them to completion promptly.
• Learning, identifying and applying regulatory and fund related legal issues which impact portfolio related decisions.
• Reviewing, tracking and managing implementation of contractual or legal obligations.
• Ensuring that portfolio documentation is up to date and accurate at all times.
• Supporting and building productive relationships with external legal counsels across multiple jurisdictions to ensure timely and knowledgeable support of all investments and legal projects.
• Reviewing and proposing improvements to portfolio operations workflows promptly and proactively.
• Supporting legal operation matters which may include ad hoc legal projects, as required.

REQUIREMENTS

• 1 - 3 years of emerging companies, M&A or other corporate and commercial legal experience in a regional or international law firm. Prior in-house experience will be an advantage. Prior experience managing or supporting international / cross border commercial projects and/or working with investment funds will be a significant advantage.
• Undergraduate degree and law degree from a reputable university, bar admission.
• Action oriented and able to independently handle multiple, competing tasks, with strong delivery focus. Responsive, proactive and always keen to move initiatives forward.
• Strong stakeholder management skills; ability to communicate confidently, clearly and sensitively.
• Comfortable with a changing environment and a variety of responsibilities, keen to excel in a lean team and able to work independently with minimal direction but high expectations.
• Thrives in a fast-paced, often chaotic environment.
• Passionate about tech and venture capital.

Due to the volume of applications we receive, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

BENEFITS

• Unlimited PTO, plus Holidays
• Eligibility to participate in Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans
• Eligibility to participate in the 401(k) Plan
• The opportunity to work with phenomenal people around the world!

500 Startups is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunity and to providing employees with a safe and welcoming work environment free of discrimination and harassment.

Employment decisions at 500 Startups are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, family or parental status, disability*, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. 500 Startups encourages applicants from all backgrounds.

*Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws.