EMBARK.LAW

The Startup Law Firm

Legal Partner for Startups, Scaleups and Investors

I've worked with many law firms in the past and I can say that as a startup founder, EMBARK.LAW is my first choice.

SAM EntertainmentIvan Stefania, Co-founder & CEO, SAM Entertainment AG (event software)

Our track record

210+

startups, scaleups and investors supported

330+ million CHF

in venture deals enabled

94%

retention rate for ongoing clients

Countless

unsolicited happy client feedbacks, such as:

Client feedback messages

THE Law Firm for Startups

We founded Animatico in 2019 as an ETH spin-off with the mission to create the next-generation human-computer interface through stylized AI avatars. EMBARK.LAW was our go-to law firm from our seed round all through our exit. They helped us set up a solid IP strategy, created user-friendly customer contracts for us and managed our financing round professionally and smoothly. When Animatico was acquired by a US tech giant, they went all in for us and had our back during the negotiations. They delivered their usual excellent quality work all through the high-pressure, high-stakes process of the exit.

One thing we particularly valued when working with EMBARK.LAW were their simple and thorough explanations. Understanding all the details of the situation and their implications helped us take our decisions with confidence. We're also grateful that they always made sure everybody knew who was doing what until when. Knowing that they were thinking along allowed us to free our minds for other things.

AnimaticoPascal Bérard, Christian Schüller and Riccardo Roveri, Co-founders, Animatico AG (animated AI avatars)

What we can do for you

When stakes are high, generic legal advice won't cut it. You need a lawyer who thinks like you and understands the challenges ahead.

That's where we come in. As one of Switzerland's first law firms dedicated entirely to the startup ecosystem, we specialize in long-term collaborations with startups and scaleups focused on scaling, securing investments, and achieving successful exits, as well as with angel investors, VCs and corporate venture funds.

With years of experience in startup law and a team consisting largely of current and former entrepreneurs and angel investors, we bring a true startup mindset to everything we do. You'll get clear advice, honest communication, and the specialized support you need.

While we're at home in Swiss startup law, our large network of international partners and our special expertise in U.S. law allow us to facilitate expansions and cross-border transactions.

Our commitment is simple: to be the best possible lawyers for startups, scaleups and investors.

Lawyers who help you close

There are two types of lawyers. One type writes contracts that, in the end, nobody signs. They'll charge you for a 70-page document you don't actually need and no one will ever reread or understand. They make sure you're "protected", but you're going to be safe and poor.

What I found with EMBARK.LAW is the other type: lawyers who ask "what's the minimum you actually need to close this deal?", and then they help you close it.

StellosMateusz Wojdylo, Founder & CEO, Stellos AG (enterprise parking management)

Services

For early-stage startups and scaleups

Incorporation

Financing CLAs

Incentives ESOP/VSOP

M&A Exits

Intellectual property (IP)

Employees Contractors

Expansion

CH-USA cross‑border

Contracts

Data protection

AI regulation

Compliance

For investors

Term Sheet

Investment documentation

Investment negotiations

Due Diligence

Syndicates Pooling

Funds

CH-USA cross‑border investments

Knowledge sessions

General questions

Some of the startups and scaleups that teamed up with us:

Drone Harmony AG logo

Drone Harmony AG

Drone software

Client since 2018

Classtime AG logo

Classtime AG

EdTech

Client since flip from USA

Capt'n Greenfin AG logo

Capt'n Greenfin AG

Sustainable fishery

Client since incorporation

Stellos AG logo

Stellos AG

Smart parking systems

Client since 2024

Eleven Dynamics AG logo

Eleven Dynamics AG

Factory automation

Client since seed round

CustomSurg AG logo

CustomSurg AG

MedTech

Client since 2023

Why EMBARK.LAW

Specialized

We pioneered as one of Switzerland's first law firms to specialize entirely in the startup ecosystem. Our services and expertise are tailored to you.

Proactive and fast

Startups and scaleups need to stay responsive. That's why we're proactive and anticipate your needs, so we can stay on top of things while moving fast.

Clear and to the point

We won't quote the law and tell you "it depends". You'll get a straightforward answer in plain language.

Committed to your UX

Your user experience is front and center for us. We'll make your journey with us as easy and comfortable as possible.

International with a CH‑USA focus

With dual qualifications in Swiss and U.S. law, lots of experience in cross-border transactions, and a network of partners around the world, we're ready to help you go international.

Startup-friendly pricing

If you're just starting out, we'll dedicate a portion of our work on a pro bono basis to support you.

Rooted in the startup ecosystem

From first pitch to exit: We work hand in hand with the organizations that shape the startup ecosystem.

ETH AI CenterETH Entrepreneur ClubESRAEntrepreneur Club

Experts in startups and venture capital

Meet the team

Michel Kertai

VC & Startup Lawyer

Attorney-at-law admitted to practice in Switzerland and California, LL.M., UC Berkeley, MLaw, University of St. Gallen

More about Michel

Barbara Nägeli

Legal Advisor, Data Protection Specialist

CAS ETH in AI & Software Engineering, CAS ETH in Data & ML, cand. CAS ETH in Cybersecurity, MLaw summa cum laude, University of Fribourg

More about Barbara

Tamara Roos

Legal Advisor Startups & VC

CAS Financial Markets Regulation, MLaw, University of Fribourg

More about Tamara

Tarik Salkim

Legal Advisor Startups & VC

Dipl.-Jur. with great distinction, Julius-Maximilians University of Würzburg

More about Tarik

Céline Aeschlimann

VC & Startup Lawyer

Attorney-at-law admitted to practice in Switzerland, MLaw, University of Bern

More about Céline

Armin Trautmann

VC & Startup Lawyer, M&A Specialist

Attorney-at-law admitted to practice in Switzerland, LL.M., King's College London, MLaw, University of Neuchâtel

More about Armin

Dario Kvasnicka

Legal Advisor, Lead Growth & Business Innovation

MLaw, Universities of Fribourg and Bern

More about Dario

Matthias Steinlin

VC & Startup Lawyer, IP Specialist

Attorney-at-law admitted to practice in Switzerland, PhD in Law summa cum laude, University of Bern, MLaw, Universities of Bern and Paris-Descartes

More about Matthias

Jan Ritter

Legal Advisor Startups & VC

PhD in Law summa cum laude, University of Fribourg, MLaw, University of Fribourg

More about Jan

Ready for the next step?

Tell us about your plans. We'll get back to you asap with an initial assessment and a meeting proposal.

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