European tech law firm launches in London

A European law firm specialising in the technology sector has expanded into the UK.

YPOG has opened its first international office in London’s King’s Cross, adding to its bases in Germany. 

The move marks the next stage in the firm’s growth as it builds its presence across Europe’s innovation hubs.

The UK team is based in London and Cambridge and brings more than a decade of experience advising high-growth businesses and investors. 

Its lawyers previously launched and scaled the transatlantic VC firm JAG Shaw Baker before developing Withers’ tech and venture capital practice. 

They have advised clients including Wise, Revolut, Snyk, Index Ventures, Phoenix Court, Molten Ventures and Stride.VC.

James Shaw, partner at YPOG in London, said: “The legal sector is at a huge inflexion point, globally. 

“Emerging technology solutions are challenging law as a service and proving to be a real force to reckon with. 

“If law firms do not evolve, they will lose talent, lose clients and struggle to survive. 

“This is why we felt it was the right time to seize the opportunity and build something new – a firm that combines market-leading expertise with tech solutions from Europe to tackle head-on the dominance of the US tech giants. 

“Over the last eight years, we have seen YPOG grow into a brand that is synonymous with tech law in Europe. 

“The firm invests heavily in technology experts to help solve legal problems. 

“Most importantly, they think like us, which is why joining forces with YPOG makes complete sense. 

“We want to ensure that YPOG is the name on the lips of every global founder, entrepreneur, investor and intermediary with a nexus to Europe.”

YPOG was founded in 2017 and works across corporate, fund structuring, tax, intellectual property, regulatory and compliance. 

In addition to legal services, it has developed proprietary software such as YSolutions, a legal SaaS product used by more than 500 customers.

The firm advised on over 100 deals last year and counts Helsing, Bullish, Personio, Atomico and Northzone among its clients. 

It also recently opened an office in Munich to strengthen links with Europe’s deep tech and university ecosystem.

Carola Rathke, co-managing partner at YPOG, added: “We established YPOG as the firm that doesn’t just advise the tech ecosystem, but is an integral partner. 

“We work like entrepreneurs and tech leaders, speak their language and share their curiosity and drive for change."

Benjamin Ullrich, co-managing partner at YPOG, added: "After expanding to Munich last year, opening up an office in the UK puts us at the heart of European innovation, and is our first move to building a truly pan-European brand. 

“In doing so, it’s clear we needed a market-leading team with deep sector experience, and with experience of growing and scaling both clients and YPOG internationally. 

“What mattered to us was not only professional excellence, but also that the London team embodies our values and actively contributes to shaping our culture.”

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