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What you need to know about settling employee participation programs in an exit scenario, with a focus on the German market.

As the German VC market becomes increasingly founder-friendly (again), investors and founders alike are rethinking the balance between risk and reward

We are excited to share the initial findings from our comprehensive Founder Equity Study 2025.

Our research analyzed founder teams and equity distributions across almost 2,200 German start-ups established between 2019 and 2024, each having secured external funding through angel investors or (corporate) venture capital. While our dataset focuses on funded start-ups rather than the entire German start-up ecosystem, it provides valuable insights into team composition, gender distribution, and equity allocation patterns. The analysis tracks developments over multiple years and offers both aggregate and sector-specific perspectives.

We are excited to share the initial findings from our comprehensive Founder Equity Study 2025.

Our research analyzed founder teams and equity distributions across almost 2,200 German start-ups established between 2019 and 2024, each having secured external funding through angel investors or (corporate) venture capital. While our dataset focuses on funded start-ups rather than the entire German start-up ecosystem, it provides valuable insights into team composition, gender distribution, and equity allocation patterns. The analysis tracks developments over multiple years and offers both aggregate and sector-specific perspectives.

Defense technology companies in Germany operate in a highly regulated environment that requires careful navigation of various legal requirements. Key regulations include national or EU legislation on handling of defense-related goods and international treaties. The legal landscape is complex: Beyond defense-specific laws, start-ups must also comply with general public law requirements, including building permits and emission protection permits.

Besides regulatory requirements that need to be assessed on a case-by-case basis, defense start-ups should even at an early stage consider three areas: (i) foreign investment controls when it comes to investments by foreign investors; (ii) export control; and (iii) sanctions related questions.

In this three-part series, we'll examine each area in detail:

• Part I: Navigating Investment Control Regulations for Defense Start-ups in Germany
• Part II: Understanding Export Control Regulations for Defense Start-ups in Germany
• Part III: Sanctions Compliance: A Guide for Defense Start-ups in Germany

Understanding and complying with these regulations is crucial to avoid severe penalties and ensure successful business operations.

Defense technology companies in Germany operate in a highly regulated environment that requires careful navigation of various legal requirements. Key regulations include national or EU legislation on handling of defense-related goods and international treaties. The legal landscape is complex: Beyond defense-specific laws, start-ups must also comply with general public law requirements, including building permits and emission protection permits.

Besides regulatory requirements that need to be assessed on a case-by-case basis, defense start-ups should even at an early stage consider three areas: (i) foreign investment controls when it comes to investments by foreign investors; (ii) export control; and (iii) sanctions related questions.

In this three-part series, we'll examine each area in detail:

• Part I: Navigating Investment Control Regulations for Defense Start-ups in Germany
• Part II: Understanding Export Control Regulations for Defense Start-ups in Germany
• Part III: Sanctions Compliance: A Guide for Defense Start-ups in Germany

Understanding and complying with these regulations is crucial to avoid severe penalties and ensure successful business operations.

Defense technology companies in Germany operate in a highly regulated environment that requires careful navigation of various legal requirements. Key regulations include national or EU legislation on handling of defense-related goods and international treaties. The legal landscape is complex: Beyond defense-specific laws, start-ups must also comply with general public law requirements, including building permits and emission protection permits.

Besides regulatory requirements that need to be assessed on a case-by-case basis, defense start-ups should even at an early stage consider three areas: (i) foreign investment controls when it comes to investments by foreign investors; (ii) export control; and (iii) sanctions related questions.

In this three-part series, we'll examine each area in detail:

• Part I: Navigating Investment Control Regulations for Defense Start-ups in Germany
• Part II: Understanding Export Control Regulations for Defense Start-ups in Germany
• Part III: Sanctions Compliance: A Guide for Defense Start-ups in Germany

Understanding and complying with these regulations is crucial to avoid severe penalties and ensure successful business operations.

An update on German VSOP rules impacts forfeiture of vested shared. In this snapshot, we explore strategies for retention-focused incentive programs.

In our most recent edition of the OLNS, we shared findings of an empirical study of Growth Share programs in German start-ups.

The Court of Appeal in Berlin has made another decision on founder vesting that brings some clarity to what is permissible.

Breaking down the essentials of convertible loan financings with a handy checklist of terms you need to negotiate combined with our best practice experiences.

Interest and investment in AI is soaring. What should founders know? What does the future hold?

Listen to successful AI entrepreneur Naveen Rao talk with Orrick’s Mark Seneca.

Join this conversation about the potential impact of ChatGPT and other forms of generative artificial intelligence on dispute resolution, featuring Tunde Oyewole (International Arbitration Of Counsel at Orrick), Hanna Roos (formerly of Quinn Emanuel and now head of Aavagard LLP), and Adith Haridas (tech engineer, entrepreneur and lead of AI products at the Digital Gate).

In our latest episode, Public Policy Practice Group Partner Scott Ward and Public Policy Podcast host Michelle MacGregor speak with Florida Speaker-designate Paul Renner about the Florida legislature’s accomplishments last session, the outlook for the 2023 legislative session, and the upcoming November elections.

In our latest episode, Public Policy Podcast hosts Jon Mandel and Scott Ward spoke with the Delaware Senate Majority Leader Bryan Townsend about the state’s $800 million budget surplus, marijuana legalization, and legislative highlights such as the Healthy Delaware Families Act, which advances family/medical leave policy.

In our latest episode, Public Policy Podcast hosts Michelle MacGregor and Scott Ward spoke with the Minnesota State Senate Majority Leader Jeremy Miller, the youngest Senate President in state history, about sports betting, Minnesota’s $7.7 billion budget surplus and public safety. As it’s an election year for the entire legislature and Governorship, we also discussed the upcoming midterm elections and the redistricting process.

Professor Westfahl is joined by Ellen Ehrenpreis, a leader in Orrick’s tech companies practice, and Chairman Mitch Zuklie for a conversation around teamship and what lawyers can learn from great team cultures in the new workplace.

Orrick’s Matthew Neuringer was joined by Dr. Morteza Farajian, Executive Director of the Build America Bureau, to discuss the Bureau’s priorities after the historic passing of the Infrastructure Act, including expanded project eligibility for airport assets, availability of technical advisors to help analyze projects and the value for money analysis requirements.

In our latest episode, Public Policy Practice Group Leader Jeremy Kudon and Justin Cooper, Finance Sector Leader and a member of our Public Finance practice, spoke with California Senate Majority Leader Bob Hertzberg about his new book, California’s recall election, the state’s ongoing housing crisis and his thoughts on his son Daniel running for his seat. For our listeners who enjoy sports wagering, we discuss mobile sports wagering hitting the ballot box in 2022 and whether California is ready for it, according to the Senator.

Distinguished Orrick litigator Norm Hile talks about his book, Keeping Each Other Alive: A Vietnam War Memoir, published on the 50th anniversary of his service. In this podcast, Mitch talks with Norm about writing a book based on letters he wrote to his parents, lessons from a career of pro bono representation of veterans, and reflections on what all of this means as we grapple today with Afghanistan and other conflicts.

In its latest episode, Public Policy Podcast hosts Michelle McGann and Jon Mandel were joined by Mississippi Speaker of the House Philip Gunn to discuss the Mississippi Tax Freedom Act, the future of rural broadband expansion, the court-overturned medical marijuana ballot initiative and the adoption of a new state flag.

In its latest episode, Public Policy Podcast hosts Michelle McGann and Jon Mandel were joined by Virginia Delegate Schuyler VanValkenburg to discuss the Commonwealth’s recent legislative accomplishments impacting education and infrastructure, the upcoming gubernatorial and legislative November elections and the Copa América and UEFA European Championships.

En présence du Professeur Alain Pietrancosta et d’Alexis Marraud des Grottes, avocat.

Partie 2 – Le Say on Climate une pratique qui se mondialise sous la pression des investisseurs et des parties prenantes

En présence du Professeur Alain Pietrancosta et d’Alexis Marraud des Grottes, avocat.

Partie 1 – Le devoir de vigilance européen et la gouvernance durable en discussion dans les instances européennes

Orrick Gaming Innovation Regulatory Practice attorneys Ed Bedrosian and Brad Fischer were joined by DraftKings Chief Compliance Officer Jennifer Aguiar to discuss the fast-growing sports betting industry, and how businesses like DraftKings are navigating the regulatory process as the number of states authorizing sports betting continues to rise.

In our latest episode, hosts Michelle McGann and Jon Mandel rang in Women’s History Month with Vermont Senate President Pro Tempore Becca Balint.

For our 20th episode, Public Policy Podcast host Rob McKenna talked with Washington, D.C., Attorney General Karl Racine. Join us as we discuss his experience as the first elected Attorney General in the District of Columbia and, as President of the National Association of Attorneys General, his groundbreaking initiative to combat hate and hate crimes nationwide.

Part 2: the risks of nullity and liability of managers and of the company linked to the Raison d’Etre and its use as a takeover defense

Un podcast sur la raison d’être des sociétés. Appréhender et gérer les problématiques liées à la raison d’être statutaire ou extrastatutaire. Comprendre les enjeux et les risques de responsabilité pour les membres des conseils d’administration et les directions.

Plus brillantes mais moins énergivores que les technologies existantes, les étoiles de Giorgio Anania sont constituées de substrat de silicium, d’intelligence, d’innovation et de beaucoup de courage… 

Bienvenue dans le monde des LED 3D imaginé par Giorgio Anania : Alédia presque 20 ans déjà. 

Cette réussite vous est racontée par Olivier Edwards et Olivier Vuillod, deux avocats passionnés par l’l’univers des entrepreneurs, de leur croissance et de leur réussite qui se construit pas à pas dans la créativité, la sûreté et la justesse du conseil prodigué.

For our nineteenth episode, Public Policy Podcast hosts Scott Ward and Jon Mandel were joined by Speaker of the Iowa House of Representatives, Pat Grassley. Join us as we discuss how the Iowa House GOP surpassed expectations leading up to the 2020 election and expanded its majority, the Speaker’s priorities for the 2021 legislative session, and hot policy topics for the upcoming year, including tax reform, broadband and the budget.

Qu’est-ce que le private enforcement ? Olivier Jouffroy et Malik Idri discutent de cette procédure du droit de la concurrence qui permet aux victimes de pratiques anticoncurrentielles d’agir en réparation par le biais d’actions en indemnisation. Quelles sont les difficultés techniques liées à sa mise en œuvre et quelle est la maturité de l’écosystème juridique ?

Réponse en discussion en présence de Patrick Hubert, Frédéric Lalance et Laurent Olléon. Procédure de clémence, Convention judiciaire d’intérêt public ou encore le rescrit fiscal voire le partenariat fiscal ou relation de confiance. Le rôle des protagonistes les entreprises et l’Administration, quels sont les régimes de sanction? Quels sont les dialogues possibles?

Échange de vues entre Olivier Edwards, avocat principal et Olivier Vuillod, associé, tous deux membres de la pratique TCG au bureau de Paris.

In its latest episode, Orrick Public Policy Orrick Public Policy hosts Michelle McGann and Jon Mandel were joined by Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee President Jessica Post and Republican State Leadership Committee President Austin Chambers for an election recap and the redistricting agenda for 2021.

From the 1970s to the present day, a historical, philosophical and political return to the creation of shareholder value and taking into account the interests of stakeholders. The place of company law in capitalism and democracy. Different perspectives between Alain Pietrancosta and Alexis Marraud des Grottes

This timely debate features Alain Pietrancosta and Orrick’s Alexis Marraud des Grottes. The focus: Defining the vision, mission and impact of the modern company, and what its core reason for being is today.

For our seventeenth episode, Public Policy Podcast hosts Michelle McGann and Jon Mandel were joined by Arizona House Minority Leader Charlene Fernandez. Join us as we discuss the possibility of the Arizona House flipping blue, her experience working with the Republican majority on bipartisan efforts, including drought relief, and why investing in universities and infrastructure are key priorities for future legislative sessions.

In its latest episode, Orrick Public Policy Orrick Public Policy Michelle McGann and Jon Mandel were joined by Minnesota Senate Minority Leader Susan Kent to talk about the historical and current political dynamics of the North Star State, the legislature’s comprehensive approach to racial justice and police reform in the wake of George Floyd’s killing, Minnesota’s voting preparations for the upcoming general election, and how the presidential race impacts down-ticket legislative races.

In its latest episode, Orrick Public Policy hosts Scott Ward and Michelle McGann were joined by Pennsylvania Speaker Bryan Cutler to talk about the Pennsylvania legislature’s election reform efforts, how the legislature is addressing the economic crisis through the budget, and how adapting to remote voting has led to the legislature’s busiest session in years.

In its latest episode, Orrick’s Michelle McGann and Jon Mandel were joined by Louisiana Senator Sharon Hewitt to talk about Louisiana’s recovery from this hurricane season, the Senator’s efforts to recruit more women to run for state office, and alligator hunting.

For our thirteenth episode, Public Policy Podcast host Rob McKenna was joined by Montana Attorney General Tim Fox.

For our twelfth episode, Public Policy Podcast hosts Michelle McGann and Jon Mandel were joined by Maine Treasurer Henry Beck.

In its latest episode, Orrick Public Policy Senior Strategist Michelle McGann and Associate Jon Mandel are joined by Missouri Senator Caleb Rowden to talk about what topics the Missouri legislature will address in the upcoming special session, how schools at all levels in his district, including Mizzou, are adapting to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, and what additional arrangements the legislature advanced for the health and safety of voters for the upcoming primary election.

Public Policy Podcast is turning to the nation’s capital for its first-ever July Fourth episode. Orrick Public Policy Senior Strategist Michelle McGann and Associate Jon Mandel are joined by District of Columbia Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie to talk about how local governments are handling the reopening process, what new approaches to the public safety budget and criminal justice system the DC Council is contemplating, and the recent U.S. House vote on DC statehood.

Public Policy Podcast is back this week, and in our latest episode, Orrick Public Policy Senior Strategist Michelle McGann and Associate Jon Mandel are joined by Arizona Senate President Karen Fann to talk about how her experience as a small business owner and in local government is shaping how Arizona tackles COVID-19, how Arizona government and businesses are working together to make public spaces safer, and which topics the Arizona legislature is considering to address during a special legislative session or next session.

Orrick stands with the Black Lives Matter Movement and strives to promote dialogue concerning racial equality and policies that work towards safe and inclusive societies. For Public Policy Podcast’s eighth episode, hosts Jeremy Kudon and Michelle McGann have the pleasure of discussing these important topics with Illinois Senator Elgie Sims.