Home / News & Information / CMS launches “equIP” development programme for...

CMS launches “equIP” development programme for Singapore’s technology community

06/02/2018

International law firm CMS today announced the launch of “equIP”, a programme of specialist legal services and discounted advice, tailored for Singapore’s growing startup and scale-up community.

This offering, first launched in the UK and amongst the first of its kind in South-East Asia, aims to service the vibrant ecosystem of startups and scale-ups in Singapore, providing them with the essential legal building blocks for their business.

The initial cohort of up to ten companies, most of whom will be at or around their series A stage, will be selected over the coming months. The selected companies will benefit from several features designed specifically for startups, including a heavy discount on rates during an initial three-year period; a package of fixed-price services; access to a dedicated relationship manager; invitations to exclusive events and training; promotion and marketing through CMS’ channels; and introductions to industry peers and service providers. The programme also helps them to establish robust governance and compliance practices.

Head of TMT and Commercial at CMS Singapore, Matt Pollins, announced the launch of the programme: “We are very excited to announce the launch of equIP in Singapore today. Singapore’s startup scene is booming and the demand for legal services from innovative, fast-growth technology companies is at an all-time high. Our lawyers are proud to be helping these companies to navigate the legal challenges that this rapid growth can bring. Not only do we believe that our support will give the selected equIP companies a competitive advantage, we firmly believe that the equIP programme itself will make a valuable contribution to the startup community in Singapore.”

Managing partner of CMS Singapore, Andrew Stott adds, “Our firm has worked with many of today’s largest global technology companies since they set up, so we have witnessed first-hand how technology-driven innovation can shape the business landscape and support incredible growth. We have played a supporting role to the developing technology and start-up ecosystem in Singapore and across APAC over the last six years from personal and firm commitment to accelerator and incubator programmes to hosting and supporting industry events and lending our expertise to companies seeking to replicate successes elsewhere. Drawing on that experience we felt the time was right to build a programme ourselves tailored to this market derived from that learning experience, and to invest our own time and energy to support companies we believe in and which our team will help select. We look forward to meeting the initial cohort of startups over the coming months. ”

Anthony Waller, who first launched the CMS equIP programme in the UK, comments, “Startups tell us that it is rare to find lawyers who truly understand the challenges that fast-growth technology companies face. We launched equIP because we wanted to offer something that was truly tailored to their needs. Having delivered a successful programme in the UK over the last few years, we look forward to bringing the programme to Asia-Pacific with the launch in Singapore, which is fast becoming the startup hub for the entire region.”

For more information on the programme and details of how to apply, please visit the Singapore equIP website.

About equIP

equIP, a legacy Olswang programme adopted by CMS following the firms’ high profile combination, is designed to give scale-ups and entrepreneurs the tools they need to grow and succeed. The programme was launched in the UK and, through this platform, CMS lawyers and specialists act as trusted advisors to equIP members, providing legal advice and support to help accelerate their growth potential.

For more information and interview opportunities, please contact Vale Ng.