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
The Startup Law Firm
Legal Services 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.
Ivan 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:
At your side
When the stakes are high, you need a lawyer that thinks like you and understands what lies ahead. That's us: EMBARK.LAW is one of Switzerland's first law firms fully dedicated to the startup ecosystem. Our focus is on long-term collaborations with:
- startups and scaleups,
- 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.
We're at home in Swiss startup law, while our global partner network and deep U.S. expertise ensure cross-border deals and international expansions run smoothly.
Our commitment is simple: to be the best possible law firm for startups, scaleups and investors.
EMBARK.LAW isn't just a service provider – they're a true partner at our side. We can rely on them to think strategically with us and anticipate our needs, freeing us from constantly tracking what needs to be done. We're also impressed by how they mix hard-hitting legal skills with a deep understanding for pragmatic solutions that really work for scaling startups.
Jan Rihak, Founder & CEO Europe, Classtime AG (EdTech)Services
For investors
Term Sheet
Investment documentation
Investment negotiations
Due Diligence
Syndicates Pooling
Funds
CH-USA cross-border investments
Knowledge sessions
General questions
Nobody works like EMBARK.LAW. This approach – you hand over a task and don't have to worry about it any more at all – is something I've never experienced with any other law firm. When it comes to execution and efficiency, they are miles ahead of the competition. If you're looking for genuine full-service commitment, you've come to the right place!
Startups and scaleups we work with
Drone Harmony AG
Drone software
Client since 2018
Classtime AG
EdTech
Client since flip from USA
Capt'n Greenfin AG
Sustainable fishery
Client since incorporation
Stellos AG
Smart parking systems
Client since 2024
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Eleven Dynamics AG
Factory automation
Client since seed round
CustomSurg AG
MedTech
Client since 2023
Why EMBARK.LAW
Startups are our core focus
Startups aren't a "desk" here. They're the core of the whole firm and our entire team is built around them.
Speed through continuity
One dedicated mandate lead knows your company, your cap table and your investors. That keeps everything moving at your pace, with no ramp-up time.
Clear and to the point
No endless legal treatises and no "it depends". We deliver clear assessments and actionable recommendations.
Committed to your UX
Your user experience is front and center for us. We make working with us as easy, direct and comfortable as possible.
International with a CH‑USA focus
Qualified in Swiss and U.S. law, with a global partner network. We guide your transactions safely across borders.
Startup-friendly pricing
Transparent terms that fit your stage. 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
We work hand in hand with the organizations that shape the startup ecosystem.
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 JanReady for the next step?
Tell us about your plans. We'll get back to you as soon as possible with an initial assessment and suggested times for an intro call.
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