legal services for startups
legal services for startups
Launching and running a startup requires careful navigation through a complex legal landscape. Entrepreneurs are often focused on building their products or services, but it is critical to ensure that the legal foundation of their business is solid. At Economou & Economou, we provide a comprehensive range of legal services for startups specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of startups in Greece. Our law office, recognized as the best in Greece by Lawzana, offers experienced, fast, and effective legal counsel to help startups from their initial formation to the scaling of their business.
Legal Formation of Startups
One of the most important steps when launching a startup is choosing the right legal structure. Whether it is a private company (IKE), limited liability company (EPE), or other types of corporate entities, we guide you in selecting the structure that aligns with your business goals and offers the most protection. We provide expert advice on the legal implications of each option, covering aspects such as liability, tax obligations, and compliance with corporate governance.
At Economou & Economou law office, we ensure that the legal formation of your company is smooth and efficient. Our team of experts will draft and file all necessary documents, making sure your company is properly established under Greek law providing the best legal services for startups, starupers entrepreneurs inventors, investors, freelancers, digital nomads, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in digitally enhancing their operations
Intellectual Property (IP) Protection
Intellectual property is often the most valuable asset for a startup. Safeguarding this asset is critical to ensuring long-term success. Our firm provides comprehensive services to protect your intellectual property rights, including:
– Trademark registration: Protect your brand by registering trademarks in Greece and internationally.
– Patent registration: Safeguard your innovations by filing patents that offer the strongest possible protection.
– Copyrights: Ensure that your content, software, and other creative works are protected under copyright law.
We also assist with licensing agreements and IP enforcement, helping you maximize the commercial value of your intellectual property while defending against infringement.
Drafting Contracts and Agreements
Startups need robust contracts to protect their interests and establish clear terms with partners, employees, and clients. Our legal team drafts a wide array of agreements, including founder agreements, employment contracts, service agreements, non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), and more.
Our approach ensures that contracts are not only legally sound but also commercially viable, reflecting the unique needs and goals of your startup. We make sure that these agreements protect your business and help you avoid potential disputes down the line.
Investment and Funding Agreements
Startups often rely on external investment to fuel their growth. Whether you are negotiating with venture capitalists, angel investors, or participating in accelerator programs, Economou & Economou ensures that your investment agreements are fair, compliant, and beneficial to your company. We draft and negotiate:
– Equity financing agreements: Ensuring that terms are favorable and provide flexibility for future rounds of funding.
– Convertible notes and SAFE agreements: Offering alternatives to traditional equity financing that can be advantageous for startups at an early stage.
– Shareholder agreements: Defining the rights and obligations of shareholders to prevent conflicts and protect the startup’s interests.
Our legal team guides startups through every step of the fundraising process, ensuring compliance with Greek and EU regulations while securing terms that support long-term growth.
Employment Law and Equity Incentives
Hiring and retaining talent is another area where legal guidance is essential. Oikonomou & Oikonomou assists startups in navigating employment law, ensuring compliance with Greek labor regulations. We also help structure equity incentive programs, such as employee stock option plans (ESOPs), to attract and motivate key employees. Our experienced team ensures that all employment agreements are in line with the latest legal requirements, minimizing the risk of disputes and regulatory issues.
Regulatory Compliance
Operating a business in Greece involves complying with a wide array of regulations, depending on the industry and nature of the business. Oikonomou & Oikonomou provides expert advice on regulatory compliance, ensuring that your startup meets all legal requirements in areas such as:
– Consumer protection laws
– E-commerce regulations
– Licensing and permits
– Health and safety standards
We help startups avoid regulatory pitfalls by providing proactive legal advice, keeping you compliant with the latest laws and regulations.
Data Protection and GDPR Compliance
With the advent of digital business models, data protection has become a critical legal concern for startups. Our firm advises on compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), helping startups develop data protection policies that are compliant with European standards.
We also provide assistance in drafting privacy policies, terms of use, and other legal documents that ensure your startup’s practices are transparent and compliant with data protection laws. If your business involves the processing of personal data, we can help you mitigate legal risks and ensure compliance with GDPR requirements providing top legal services for startups.
Dispute Resolution and Litigation
Even with the best legal planning, disputes can arise in the course of business. Economou & Economou law office is highly experienced in resolving disputes through both negotiation and litigation. Whether you are facing a contractual dispute, shareholder disagreement, or intellectual property infringement case, our firm provides robust representation to protect your startup’s interests.
Our team is skilled in alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation and arbitration, which can help avoid the time and costs of court proceedings. However, if litigation becomes necessary, we are prepared to represent you in court, leveraging our deep expertise to achieve the best possible outcome providing top legal services for startups.
New Residency Law for Startup Investors in Greece: A Golden Opportunity for Entrepreneurs and Investors Alike
As of January 1, 2025, Greece will introduce a groundbreaking law designed to attract foreign investment and foster the growth of startups. This new law offers residency to individuals who invest at least €250,000 in Greek startups, making Greece an attractive destination for entrepreneurs and investors alike. For those with innovative ideas or looking to invest in the booming Greek startup ecosystem, now is the ideal time to act. By promoting your startup on platforms like Elevate Greece, you can capitalize on this unique opportunity, positioning your business to attract global investors and benefit from Greece’s favorable conditions for entrepreneurial growth.
The New Residency Law: A Game-Changing Initiative
Starting from January 1, 2025, foreign investors who inject a minimum of €250,000 into Greek startups will be eligible for residency in Greece. This law is part of the country’s broader strategy to attract international capital, support innovation, and establish Greece as a hub for startups and entrepreneurship in the European Union.
This policy aligns with Greece’s vision of fostering a knowledge-based economy, promoting technological advancement, and boosting job creation through entrepreneurial ventures. By encouraging foreign investors to support homegrown innovation, the Greek government aims to stimulate the local economy, enhance the global competitiveness of Greek startups, and create a vibrant ecosystem for sustainable business growth.
Key Features of the Law:
1. Residency for Investors: Any foreign national who invests €250,000 or more in a Greek startup will be eligible for a residency permit. This applies to both individual and corporate investors.
2. Residency for Family Members: Investors’ spouses and children will also be eligible for residency permits, making this law highly attractive to families seeking a European base.
3. Pathway to Citizenship: While the primary benefit is residency, this could also serve as a pathway to Greek citizenship for long-term investors, offering further incentives for individuals looking for stable opportunities in Europe.
4. Investment Criteria: To qualify, the investment must be made in a registered Greek startup. Startups featured on platforms like Elevate Greece will likely be prime targets for these investments.
5. Renewable Permits: The residency permits are renewable as long as the investor maintains their stake in the startup.
Why Greece? A Thriving Ecosystem for Startups
Greece is becoming a key player in the global startup ecosystem, thanks to its rich pool of talent, lower operational costs compared to other EU countries, and increasing government support for innovation. In recent years, the Greek startup scene has gained significant momentum, with various sectors such as technology, fintech, healthcare, and green energy emerging as areas of growth.
Moreover, Greece offers a gateway to the broader European market, making it an attractive location for startups looking to expand internationally. By investing in a Greek startup, entrepreneurs and investors can access a market of over 500 million consumers within the EU.
The new law only enhances the appeal of the country by combining entrepreneurial opportunities with the benefits of EU residency. The attractive tax incentives for startups and access to European grants and subsidies further bolster Greece’s position as a prime destination for foreign investments.
Elevate Greece: A Platform for Startup Growth
For entrepreneurs looking to capitalize on the upcoming changes, Elevate Greece is a crucial tool. Launched by the Greek government, Elevate Greece is a digital platform designed to promote and support the growth of startups in the country. The platform acts as a gateway for startups to access funding, mentoring, and networking opportunities, as well as to connect with investors from around the globe.
Elevate Greece is also home to a wide variety of innovative startups in sectors like renewable energy, tourism, agriculture, and technology. By listing your startup on Elevate Greece, you gain access to a growing network of local and international investors who are eager to support promising ventures.
Benefits of Elevate Greece:
1. Visibility: Startups featured on the platform gain exposure to international investors, including those looking to take advantage of the new residency law.
2. Funding Opportunities: Through Elevate Greece, startups can apply for state-backed funding programs and access private equity firms and venture capitalists.
3. Mentorship and Resources: The platform provides resources for entrepreneurs, including mentorship programs, business development support, and networking events that help startups grow and scale.
4. Government Support: Being listed on Elevate Greece increases your chances of accessing government subsidies and grants aimed at fostering innovation and technological advancement.
Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Launch a Startup in Greece
If you have an innovative business idea or are already in the process of developing a startup, there has never been a better time to take action. The new residency law, coupled with the resources available through Elevate Greece, offers unparalleled opportunities for entrepreneurs to scale their businesses while attracting investment from around the world.
Here’s why acting now can be a game-changer for your startup:
1. First-Mover Advantage: By launching your startup now and getting listed on Elevate Greece before the law comes into effect, you can position yourself to attract the first wave of foreign investors looking to secure residency through startup investments. Being ahead of the competition means you can capture early interest and establish a strong presence in the market.
2. Growing Investor Interest: With the upcoming residency law, there is already heightened interest from international investors seeking Greek startups to invest in. By preparing your startup and securing a place on Elevate Greece, you can tap into this surge of interest and secure critical funding.
3. Government Support: The Greek government is heavily invested in the success of its startup ecosystem. In addition to the residency law, there are numerous tax breaks, grants, and subsidies available to new businesses, making Greece an attractive environment for entrepreneurs seeking financial backing.
4. Access to Global Markets: Greece’s strategic location and membership in the European Union provide startups with access to one of the largest markets in the world. Additionally, the country’s infrastructure improvements and high levels of education and innovation make it easier for startups to scale internationally.
Attracting Global Investors
In an increasingly interconnected world, attracting global investors is essential for scaling a startup. Greece’s startup ecosystem is positioned to appeal to a wide range of investors, from venture capital firms to angel investors and family offices.
With the new law offering residency as an incentive, investors who may have been hesitant in the past now have additional motivation to explore Greek startups. This influx of foreign capital can provide startups with the resources they need to innovate and grow, while investors benefit from the possibility of residency in a desirable European country.
Conclusion: Seize the Opportunity Now
The upcoming law that grants residency to investors who put €250,000 into Greek startups presents a unique and timely opportunity for both entrepreneurs and investors. For entrepreneurs with a great idea, now is the time to act. By registering your startup on Elevate Greece, you open the door to a network of international investors eager to capitalize on Greece’s emerging entrepreneurial ecosystem.
As Greece continues to support innovation and encourage foreign investment, the benefits for startups are clear: access to funding, government support, and global market reach. For investors, the law offers a compelling reason to invest in Greece’s thriving startup scene while securing residency in one of Europe’s most attractive destinations. The time to take advantage of this opportunity is now.
Contact Economou & Economou law office
As one of the leading legal teams in Greece, Economou & Economou offers unparalleled expertise in helping startups succeed. Our law office is recognized for its speed, efficiency, and effectiveness, making us the go-to legal partner for entrepreneurs. Whether you are forming a new startup or scaling your business, our team is here to guide you every step of the way providing solutions and top legal services for startups.
To discuss how we can assist your startup, contact us via email at econlaw@live.com, by calling (+30) 2103603824, or by filling out our contact form https://www.econlaw.gr/contact/. Economou & Economou law office is proud to have been awarded the title of Best Law Office in Greece by Lawzana https://lawzana.com/lawyer/economou-economou-law-office , reinforcing our reputation as the premier legal experts providing top tier legal services for startups in Greece.