IPO/Startup Support

With extensive experience and expertise in IPOs and startup support, Iwata Godo provides clients with accurate advice on the legal challenges they face, and service with a view to IPO success and startup growth.

The Japanese government implements various measures to support the growth of startup companies, such as improving the investment environment and expanding the supply of funds to startups. In addition, the FSA, stock exchanges and securities industry associations have been revising and simplifying rules and procedures and enhancing investor protection measures in order to expand trading in unlisted stocks and revitalize the IPO market. Our firm keeps abreast of trends in these industries and the latest laws and regulations, and strives to provide clients with the latest information and legal advice.

Startups face a variety of legal challenges depending on their stage of growth. Fledgling startups often do not have a legal department. Accordingly, we provide services for day-to-day legal work and startup-specific issues, such as legal advice on day-to-day operations, contract reviews, and advice on business regulation and corporate, employment and intellectual property laws. We also provide specialized support in the areas of financing and capital policies necessary for startups, including procedures for issuing class shares and JKISS warrants, advising on investment contracts and negotiating with investors, and designing stock option plans. We have a strong practice in intellectual property, advising on IP policies generally and on how startups can protect their intellectual property. We collaborate with IGIP Iwata Godo Patent Attorneys Inc. to propose an IPr strategy suitable for each client.

For IPOs, , we provide advice and support such as reviewing corporate organizational structures and corporate governance, building internal control systems and internal rules, developing an appropriate compliance framework, and due diligence on governmental permits, labor, intellectual property and other legal matters. We also provide a wide range of services for our clients leading up to IPOs, such as legal opinions and advice for resolving listing requirement issues, as well as advice and documentation for compliance with the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act and other relevant laws and regulations. In addition, if corruption or misconduct is discovered during preparations for the IPO, we will respond appropriately, identify problems and propose corrective measures, and support the company as it prepares another listing application (please refer to Crisis Management for details).

After a client is listed, we continue to provide support based on our experience advising listed companies. Our goal is to maximize the success of our clients, and to achieve this, we focus on building a long-term relationship.