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Inside the UK Legal Startup Scene, with Henry Humphreys

In the fast-paced world of technology startups, legal expertise is an essential component for success. The ability to navigate complex regulations, protect intellectual property, and structure deals can make the difference between triumph and turbulence. 

And in an increasingly interconnected world, startups are no longer confined to local markets. I had the privilege of speaking with Henry Humphreys—the Managing Partner at Humphreys Law, a London-based law firm specializing in technology, media, and startups—who believes that the tech sector is well-suited for boutique law firms due to its distinct requirements and niche expertise.

"Within tech, as a sector particularly, it is very well suited for so-called boutique, smaller, more nimble firms to be advising because you just need to cover a few things, fewer number of places to do the work," Henry said.

Henry's journey into the tech startup realm began when he recognized a gap in the legal market, particularly for tech startups. His experience spans over a decade, during which he witnessed significant shifts in the UK startup landscape.

"London really established itself as being the lead city for Europe and the lead center outside of probably West Coast U.S., in terms of the venture scene,” he said. “The size of the rounds got a lot bigger. It was much more common to see series A type rounds in the sort of low single digit millions up to higher sums, and the seed rounds got larger.”

Though they have faced challenges, including regulatory variations across European countries, that have complicated the expansion process, Henry said he believes that London will remain a robust centure for investment

For startups eyeing international expansion, the decision to enter a new market involves a range of considerations. Henry suggests setting up subsidiary companies, acquiring existing businesses, or working with distributors, each with its own benefits and complexities.

“Setting up a U.S. subsidiary varies state by state, which becomes the employer, becomes the taxpayer for U.S. purposes, and becomes the contracting party for your U.S. operations," he said. He emphasized the importance of enlisting local advisors to navigate the intricacies of legal, accounting, and tax implications.

And as technology continues to evolve, new opportunities and challenges emerge. Henry underscores the growing significance of artificial intelligence (AI) and climate tech, as well as the surge in activity in sectors like blockchain and chips. His experience showcases the dynamic nature of the startup landscape, with trends rapidly shifting from e-commerce to cutting-edge technologies.

Henry Humphreys' insights offer a valuable glimpse into the world of legal support for tech startups. His expertise underscores the importance of adaptable legal guidance, the impact of successful exits on the startup ecosystem, and the ever-evolving nature of technology trends. As the startup scene continues to evolve, experts like Henry play a crucial role in enabling innovation and growth on a global scale.

To hear the full conversation, tune in to the latest episode of the Founder Shares podcast, available wherever you like to listen.