Associate Counsel, Portfolio Operations

Our Mission

We uplift people and economies around the world through entrepreneurship.

Who We Are

500 Global is a venture capital firm with $2.2B in assets under management that invests in founders building fast-growing technology companies. We focus on markets where technology, innovation, and capital can unlock long-term value and drive economic growth. We work closely with key stakeholders and advise governments and corporations on how best to support entrepreneurial ecosystems so startups can thrive. 500 Global has backed over 5,000 founders representing more than 3,000+ companies operating in 80+ countries. We have invested in 35+ companies valued at over $1 billion and 160+ companies valued at over $100 million (including private, public, and exited companies). Our 180+ team members are located in 27 countries and bring experience as entrepreneurs, investors, and operators from some of the world’s leading technology companies.

https://500.co/

https://sea.500.co/

Job Summary:

Joining our Global Legal Team to advise on and manage 500 Global’s global portfolio of companies, the Associate Counsel, Portfolio Operations will coordinate legal review and undertake review of investment documentation, 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. You’ll 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. 

This position requires 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 venture, M&A, or corporate commercial lawyer looking for a dynamic, fast-paced, in-house environment. Historically, lawyers who crave creative and commercial work find the right balance in this role. 

Reporting to our APAC Senior Counsel / Counsel, you’ll work closely with other members of 500 Global’s Global Legal Team and Investment Committees.

Essential Functions

• Review and coordinating venture deals and 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 recommendations to the Investment Committee across each of these exercises, maintaining Investment Committee records, and driving deal processes to completion promptly. 
• Learning, identifying, and applying regulatory and fund-related legal issues which impact portfolio-related decisions. 
• Reviewing, drafting, and negotiating a wide variety of general commercial contracts, including service agreements, vendor agreements, NDAs, and licensing agreements.
• 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 including coordination and support on systems and platform improvements.
• Documentation and diligence support on accelerator program processes and reviews.
• Overseeing legal support on accelerator program matters, marketing-related documentation, and leading standards for accelerator programs. Handle workflows on Salesforce, Adobe/AdobeSign, DocuSign, DocSend, Dropbox, Slack, Airtable, CARTA, and/or other similar technologies which 500 Global utilises.
• Assist with regulatory, compliance, KYC/AML matters and processes.
• Assist with knowledge management, including maintaining and updating internal trackers, guidance, and other resources. Supporting legal operation matters which may include ad hoc legal projects, as required. 
• Handle other tasks as needed to support the team.

Requirements

• Action-oriented and able to independently handle multiple, competing tasks, with a 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.

Minimum Qualifications

• 2+ years of venture, M&A, or corporate and commercial experience in a regional or international law firm, with experience supporting emerging or high-growth companies.
• First or Second Upper-Class Bachelor’s degree in Law (L.L.B.) from a reputable university; bar admission

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

Benefits:

Health Care Plan (Medical & Dental), Group Term Life, Wellness Allowance, Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays), Training & Development

500 Global does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits.

500 Global collects and processes personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws. If you are a European Job Applicant see the privacy notice for further details. If you are a California Job Applicant see the privacy notice for further details.