- Support before founding a company
(choice of legal form, tax aspects, IP protection strategies) - Foundation / company formation
(preparation of all necessary documents, contracts and permits) - Financing rounds (incl. pre-SEED and SEED)
(structuring, negotiation and documentation of investment and financing agreements) - Alternative forms of investment
(silent partnerships, profit participation rights, hybrid/mezzanine capital) - Crowdfunding
(legally compliant implementation in accordance with AltFG, drafting of platform agreements) - Venture capital and private equity
(structuring, negotiation and implementation of investment models) - Subsidies and grants
(identification of funding programs, application and verification) - Employee stock ownership plans (ESOP, VSOP, PSOP)
(planning, structuring and tax advice) - Assignment agreements and intellectual property (IP)
(drafting contracts, securing trademark, patent and copyright rights) - Restructuring and refinancing
(optimization of corporate structures, liquidity procurement) - Exit transactions
(legal due diligence, tax structuring, support until successful completion)
rk partners has extensive experience in supporting start-ups and innovative companies – from the initial idea to a successful exit. Our interdisciplinary team supports founders and investors alike with all legal and strategic issues to ensure smooth development, sustainable growth and long-term success.
Even before a company is founded, we advise on fundamental issues such as the appropriate legal form, tax aspects and licensing and trademark protection strategies. When setting up the company itself, we provide you with advice and support and ensure that all the necessary documents and contracts – for example in financing rounds (including pre-SEED and SEED) or in connection with crowdfunding – are legally compliant and tailored to your individual needs.
Start-ups in particular are dependent on flexible financing models. Together with our clients, we develop customized concepts, be it through alternative forms of investment (such as silent partnerships, profit participation rights or hybrid/mezzanine capital) or traditional venture capital and private equity investments. Applying for subsidies and grants or restructuring and refinancing existing capital structures are also part of our range of services.
Another focus is the assignment and protection of intellectual property, which is of central importance for many young companies. We draft and review assignment agreements, assist with patent and trademark issues and ensure that your IP rights are optimally protected. Employee stock ownership plans (such as ESOP, VSOP, PSOP) also play a decisive role for start-ups when it comes to attracting and retaining highly qualified talent. Here we advise on the legal structure, tax implications and individual structuring options.
In the event of a subsequent exit – whether in the form of a company sale, management buy-out or IPO – we carry out legal due diligence, structure the deal (including tax aspects) and support you through to the successful completion of the transaction. Our expertise in M&A processes and corporate governance enables us to identify potential risks at an early stage and develop sustainable solutions that secure the long-term value of your company.
rk partners thus offers you holistic advice that covers all aspects of startup development. Our goal is to provide founders, investors and all parties involved with a secure and efficient framework for innovation and growth – from the first step to the realization of your entrepreneurial vision.
