Startups & Emerging Companies
Canada Guide 2025 : Nationwide - Canada
Band 2
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+1 604 631 3131About
Provided by Fasken
Supporting trailblazing startups, venture capital funds and acquirers of high-growth tech companies for over 30 years - from startup to scale-up to exit.
Fasken is the only full-service Canadian law firm with a fully integrated national team of lawyers, dedicated to working with emerging and growth-stage companies with end-to-end strategic legal advice and representation at every stage.
As the first Canadian law firm to support startups, our team has been in market since the 1990s and has lived through many cycles in the technology landscape. We work closely with companies to understand their needs and provide bespoke solutions that fit each lifecycle stage, guiding clients forward as they scale.
We take a holistic and strategic approach to helping our clients achieve their goals and provide a full suite of services including corporate, venture capital (VC) financings, M&A, commercial, intellectual (IP), data and compliance, employment, tax and beyond.
Our team is deeply involved in the national and international technology ecosystem working closely with accelerators and incubators, investors and other key players in the ecosystem. We work closely with best-in-class VC funds in Canada, the United States and globally.
Chambers Review
Fasken is highly regarded for its ability to service early-stage companies throughout development, with noteworthy experience advising emerging technology companies and software developers. The firm's startup and emerging company services practice also offers expertise to early-stage entrepreneurs, venture capital funds and private equity firms looking to invest in this space. It regularly handles seed and pre-seed financings as well as later-stage rounds, acting for both emerging companies and investors, and holds additional experience in debt financing as well as M&A transactions. The firm also handles related IP and tax matters, and is particularly well known for its key strengths in Vancouver and Montréal.
Work Highlights
- Fasken lawyers advised IA Ventures on its USD92 million Series C funding round into Kepler Communications.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The team possesses a deep understanding of the law, an equally deep understanding of industry norms and practices as well as an ability to see issues through clients' eyes."
"The lawyers at Fasken are empathetic and have clear expertise in the subject matter."
"The Fasken team is highly experienced, efficient and cost-effective. As a result, the lawyers have insightful commercial vision and can manage complex challenges on tight timelines."
"The team possesses a deep understanding of the law, an equally deep understanding of industry norms and practices as well as an ability to see issues through clients' eyes."
"The lawyers at Fasken are empathetic and have clear expertise in the subject matter."
"The Fasken team is highly experienced, efficient and cost-effective. As a result, the lawyers have insightful commercial vision and can manage complex challenges on tight timelines."
Notable Practitioners
Keith Spencer's reputable practice sees him engaged on behalf of both startup and mature technology companies. He serves as counsel in the firm's Vancouver office.
Adam Saskin is co-leader of Fasken’s emerging technology group in Montréal.He assists emerging technology companies with sales and acquisitions.
"Adam Saskin is critical to our company's success and execution. He is sharp, well versed and attentive."
"Adam has been incredibly helpful and we would not be where we are as a company without him. I cannot recommend Adam strongly enough."
Ally Bharmal assists with transactions as well as financing involving high-growth companies from a variety of sectors, including technology. He is based in Vancouver.
"I trust Ally a whole lot and think very highly of him. Hyper intelligence is at the core of his business relationships. He's smart and efficient, and that's what I value in his practice."
Marc Shewchun's practice is based in Toronto and his clients stem from a variety of sectors, including technology. He has considerable experience advising clients on early-stage financings.
"Marc Shewchun has a deep knowledge of the evolving startup ecosystem in Canada and has helped our leadership team achieve our business objectives."
"Marc understands our industry extremely well and is able to work with us on every level."
Will Shaw is the co-leader of the emerging technology group in Toronto. He is renowned for his ability to provide counsel to venture capital firms and early-stage companies on a broad range of issues, such as acquisitions and financings.
"Will Shaw is extremely knowledgeable and able to break down complex legal concepts into simple terms. His collaborative approach helped me navigate the acquisition process with confidence."
"Will has become a subject matter expert for us and brings a sharp legal mind that balances risk and opportunity."
Based in Vancouver, Jon Conlin advises high-growth technology companies and venture capital funds on financings, sales and acquisitions.
"Jon's responsiveness and attention to detail ensure that all communications and documentations are clear, providing peace of mind that all aspects of our legal needs are being managed effectively."
"We know we can rely on Jon Conlin to be highly responsive, an excellent problem solver, and someone who can work towards common ground during a negotiation."
"Jon Conlin is a pleasure to work with. He is strong technically and commercially, and delivers quickly."
Ranked Lawyers at
Fasken
Nationwide - Canada