EU Inc: A Vision for a Unified European Corporate Structure

1 minute read | November.01.2024

The concept of a pan-European company has garnered renewed attention, with an online petition launched in mid-October amassing over 10,000 signatures in two weeks. The petition advocates for the creation of EU Inc., a new company vehicle envisioned as Europe's answer to the Delaware C-Corp – one corporate structure that would transcend national boundaries across Europe.

“In the U.S., early-stage startups efficiently raise funds coast-to-coast,” said Andreas Klinger, co-Initiator of EU Inc. “In contrast, pan-European investing is rare, with less than 18% of early investments crossing borders due to legal fragmentation. National silos limit our startups’ momentum, frequently killing them. Why not unite as one ecosystem to compete globally? Establishing a pan-European standard entity could be the first step.”

Read more in our Tech Studio

Authors

Christopher Grew Partner, Technology Companies Group, Fintech

London

See my bio

D:+44 20 7862 4763
E: [email protected]

Practice:

Technology & Innovation Sector
Technology Companies Group
Fintech

vCard

See full bio

Christopher Grew Partner

London

Drawing from his comprehensive experience, network and passion for all things geek, Chris forms an integral part of the European tech ecosystem. Chris advises companies in venture capital transactions, public offerings and cross-border mergers and acquisitions. He also advises high-growth companies, investment banks, and venture capital firms on fundraising, international business operations and transactions.

As noted in the engagements below, Chris works closely with those powering the next generation of technology, from revolutionary AI companies to influential investors. His track-record and industry-wide reputation were noted in the most recent Legal 500 edition, which describes Chris as “excellent,” accompanied with a band 1 ranking in venture capital investment by Chambers and Partners 2021.

Patrick Driscoll Senior Associate, Technology Companies Group, Mergers & Acquisitions

London

See my bio

D:+44 20 7862 4600
E: [email protected]

Practice:

Technology & Innovation Sector
Technology Companies Group
Mergers & Acquisitions

vCard

See full bio

Patrick Driscoll Senior Associate

London

Patrick advises companies with often transformative technologies across a number of sectors – including Enterprise Software, Consumer Marketplaces, Fintech, Web3, EdTech, Media, Cleantech, Healthcare and Life Sciences. He has supported companies in formation, through growth stages, to those scaling their operations across geographies, on a wide range of private equity transactions, M&A, joint ventures and corporate restructurings.

He has also represented leading investment funds (such as EQT Growth, ABN Amro Ventures, Kinnevik and Greycroft) and corporates (such as EDF, Live Nation, Workday and Twist Bioscience) in their venture capital and private equity investments.

James Badge Managing Associate, Technology Companies Group, Technology & Innovation

London

See my bio

D:+442078624600
E: [email protected]

Practice:

Technology Companies Group
Technology & Innovation
Mergers & Acquisitions
Private Equity

vCard

See full bio

James Badge Managing Associate

London

Regularly acting for early through to late-stage companies, as well as leading investors, operating within the technology and media sectors, James' practice primarily focuses on equity financings, secondary transactions, M&A, private equity and general corporate advisory work.

James was previously seconded to a leading global start-up accelerator, venture studio and early-stage investor for six months where he sat as Legal Counsel, advising some of the over 300 portfolio companies and acting on cross-border joint venture and partnership arrangements and transactions with prominent corporate investors.

Passionate about working with innovators and investors, James is motivated to provide commercially pragmatic advice and to deliver innovative solutions to aid the growth and success of his clients within the ecosystem.