Linklaters partners with SoftBank on diversity-led accelerator programme

Linklaters has become a strategic partner on SoftBank’s Vision Fund Emerge 2021 programme, promoting diversity in tech and entrepreneurship by partnering underrepresented founders with the capital, tools, and network needed to scale a business.

The Emerge programme supports underrepresented founders of technology start-ups looking to disrupt large or growing markets. Ten European start-ups have been selected for Emerge 2021, each with at least one founder identifying as non-white, female, LGBTQ+, disabled and/or a refugee.

Alongside receiving capital investment, cohort founders will participate in a customised programme with dedicated mentoring and training from a group of Europe’s leading VCs including SoftBank Investment Advisers (SBIA), Speedinvest, Breega, Cherry Ventures, firstminute capital and Kindred. Founders will also receive access to SBIA and partner funds’ experienced operating professionals.

In addition, the start-ups will benefit from technical advice and expert insight from Linklaters. Linklaters will be working with the founders to provide a framework of support to address key legal and commercial issues relevant to their business at this crucial early-stage of development; enabling them to tap into the firm’s experience and access its resources.

Lead partners spearheading Linklaters’ strategic role in the programme include: Alexandra Beidas, Partner and Global Head of Employment and Incentives, Stuart Bedford, Corporate Partner and Lisa Chang, Corporate Partner.

Alexandra Beidas, Partner and Global Head of Employment and Incentives at Linklaters, comments:

“We are excited to be supporting on this incredible programme, taking tangible action to create a more equitable ecosystem for the wealth of underrepresented talent and ensuring that marginalised entrepreneurs are getting access to the tools and backing needed. We look forward to working with such an impressive cohort of founders – with the potential to be major disruptors in established markets – and supporting them on their journey.”

The programme will culminate in a showcase event in December, when companies will pitch to a group of top European investors to secure further funding – in addition to the capital raised through Emerge. Find out more about the Emerge programme and the 2021 cohort here.