Scaling Startups

Launching a startup is a bold move - scaling it is even bolder. Whether you're securing your first round of investment or expanding into new markets, legal strategy plays a vital role in your growth.

We advise early-stage and high-growth companies across sectors, offering tailored legal guidance to support sustainable growth, investor readiness, and international expansion.

Fundraising & Investment Readiness

We prepare your startup to raise capital with legal confidence.

Raising investment is one of the most critical - and complex - phases of a startup's journey. Investors expect transparency, solid legal structures, and growth potential. We help founders anticipate and meet these expectations, ensuring you're not only legally sound, but also strategically positioned for negotiation and scale.

Our services include:

• Legal Due Diligence: We conduct a thorough audit of your legal structure, contracts, IP, and compliance to flag and fix issues before investors do.
• Term Sheet Drafting & Investment Agreements: We help you draft and negotiate documents that reflect your interests and reduce long-term risks.
• Structuring SAFE Notes, Convertible Instruments & Equity Rounds: We guide you through the pros and cons of each funding structure and tailor solutions to your business stage.
• Shareholder Agreements with Founder-Friendly Protections: We ensure your control, equity, and vision are protected as you bring in new stakeholders.

Why it matters:

You only get one chance to make a first impression with investors. We make sure your legal foundation supports your vision - not hinders it - so you can raise with confidence and clarity.

Dispute Prevention & Resolution

We protect your business from internal conflict and external claims.

Legal disputes can destabilize startups, drain resources, and damage reputations. We work with founders to build legal structures that reduce the risk of conflict - and step in swiftly when issues arise.

Our services include:

• Co-Founder & Shareholder Dispute Resolution: Whether tensions are brewing or a dispute has already escalated, we mediate, negotiate, and litigate to protect your interests.
• Employment Contracts, Policies & Exit Management: From hiring to firing, we help you establish clear, compliant processes that avoid disputes and protect your team and brand.
• Intellectual Property Protection & Enforcement: We secure your core assets - brand, technology, and content - and defend them against misuse or infringement.
• Litigation, Arbitration & Regulatory Representation: When legal action is unavoidable, we represent your business assertively and efficiently.

Why it matters:

Unmanaged disputes are costly. We help you resolve conflict quickly - or avoid it altogether - so your energy stays on growth, not firefighting.

Cross-Border Expansion & EU Market Access

We build the legal framework for your international growth.

Going global can unlock new markets and major revenue - but regulatory missteps can cost you time, money, and reputation. We help startups expand into new jurisdictions with a clear understanding of legal requirements and strategic opportunities.

Our services include:

• EU Market Entry & Regulatory Passporting: We navigate the complex web of EU laws and licensing requirements to help you scale compliantly across borders.
• Global IP Registration & Enforcement: We ensure your trademarks, patents, and copyrights are protected in every market you enter, and help you enforce your rights when challenged.

Why it matters:

International growth should be exciting - not intimidating. With the right legal guidance, you can scale with confidence, protect your assets, and seize opportunities worldwide.

Early legal advice often means fewer problems later. We help you resolve issues - or avoid them altogether.

CleridesLegal combines legal precision with commercial insight. We understand startup challenges - and deliver practical, timely advice that protects your company and supports your goals.