Shoosmiths grows emerging companies and venture capital offering with new corporate partner

Shoosmiths today announces the appointment of VC specialist Geoff Dragon to the firm’s corporate practice, adding further bench strength to the team that is already the most active firm in the UK venture market and second most active in Europe as per Pitchbook 2024.

Geoff has a background in advising emerging companies throughout their lifecycle, supporting on investments at all stages and ultimately to exit. He joins the firm from Mishcon de Reya having previously been made partner at Taylor Vinters in 2022 before the firms merged in 2023.

At Shoosmiths, Geoff’s experience and relationships will see him contributing at a senior level to the firm’s existing emerging companies and venture capital practice whilst generating new opportunities with companies looking to raise institutional capital for scale before exiting. His experience is additionally backed with sectoral expertise in the technology market which aligns him directly with one of the firm’s core sectors.

Alistair Hammerton, Shoosmiths corporate partner and head of the Emerging Companies and Venture Capital practice, said: “There is a natural synergy between Geoff’s expertise and where the firm aims to position itself in the venture capital space. His proficiency in running a company-side practice hand-in-hand with Shoosmiths’ reputation for investor-side work is sure to unlock a world of new opportunities for our clients. We are delighted to have him on board.”

Commenting on his appointment, Geoff said: “You can feel the focus and the energy of everyone at Shoosmiths working towards achieving the goals set out in the firm’s 2030 strategic plan. The firm’s culture and mission make for a highly motivating environment where I am excited to play my part in supporting our clients alongside a brilliant team of corporate professionals.”