Holland & Knight continued its strategic expansion in Boston with the addition of experienced emerging companies and venture capital (ECVC) partner Sarah Palmer. Palmer advises emerging and growth-stage companies throughout their life cycles, from formation and early-stage financing through commercial growth and exit transactions.
Palmer’s experience includes representing companies, venture funds, and strategic and angel investors in a wide range of financing transactions, including convertible note and Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE) offerings. Her practice primarily serves clients in the technology, life sciences, digital health and financial services sectors. Palmer was previously with Mintz.
“Boston is a premier market for innovative and growth-oriented companies and continuing to build our corporate capabilities here is a strong priority,” Brian Leary, practice group leader for the corporate, M&A and securities section in the Boston region, said. “Sarah is a terrific addition who brings sophisticated transactional experience and a strong track record of advising companies at every stage of growth. Her practice further strengthens our expanding Boston corporate platform and adds significant depth to our growing Boston corporate platform and strengthens our ability to serve the region’s most innovative businesses.”
Tim Poydenis, co-head of the emerging companies and venture capital team, added, “Sarah’s experience counseling founders and emerging companies through critical stages of growth, as well as advising venture funds and other investors, will be a tremendous asset to our clients and our emerging companies and venture capital team. Her practical approach and deep understanding of venture financings and the issues facing growth companies complement our team’s strengths and further enhance our ability to support clients across a wide range of growing industries.”
Jeff Seul, co-head of the emerging companies and venture capital team, said, “Sarah brings valuable experience working with companies and investors across the technology, life sciences and financial services sectors. Her strong relationships in the entrepreneurial community will help broaden the Firm’s reputation for ECVC work in Boston and create valuable opportunities for collaboration with colleagues across the Firm. We are delighted to welcome her.”
Palmer added, “Holland & Knight’s commitment to Boston and its strong emerging companies and venture capital team, together with the depth and breadth of its national platform, makes the firm an ideal fit for my practice. I am excited to collaborate with colleagues who share my commitment to helping founders and emerging companies navigate formation, financings, corporate governance and other key stages of growth. The firm’s extensive resources and collaborative approach will also enable me to provide greater support to venture capital and strategic investors pursuing opportunities across the innovation ecosystem.”
In addition to her legal practice, Palmer is a regular guest lecturer to entrepreneurs and startups at MIT Sloan School of Management on entity formation and early-stage financings.
Palmer received a J.D. degree from Northeastern University School of Law, an M.A. degree from Notre Dame of Maryland University, and a dual-degree B.A. from the University of Florida.
