Mills and Reeve has strengthened its venture capital team with the appointment of Peter Mayhew as a partner.
Mayhew joins from Shakespeare Martineau and brings experience advising on venture capital transactions, with a network across the Birmingham, Oxford and London markets.
He specialises in tax-advantaged investments and funds, including enterprise investment scheme (EIS) and seed enterprise investment scheme (SEIS) work, as well as business property relief.
Based in Mills and Reeve’s Birmingham office, Mayhew will work with the firm’s national corporate team, which comprises more than 150 lawyers and advises clients across the UK. His appointment follows the arrival of partner Fiona Teague, who joined Mills and Reeve’s Birmingham commercial team earlier this year.
Ryan Hawley, co-head of the corporate team at Mills and Reeve, said: “In the last few years, we have built a hugely successful practice with a strong reputation across venture capital, funds and VCT work. Our aim is to scale our offering nationwide, developing specialist venture capital practices in key regional hubs, including both the Midlands and the North.
“Attracting talented individuals such as Peter is integral to achieving our growth ambitions and we’re delighted to have someone with his knowledge, experience and deep market connections onboard.”
Mayhew added: “It’s an exciting time to be joining Mills and Reeve and I am delighted to have the opportunity to do so. The venture capital team is highly ambitious and is perfectly placed to capitalise on the rich opportunities that exist in a vibrant market. The venture capital market is a key foundation of the UK’s M&A ecosystem, with investments – both public and private – playing a key role in growing the next generation of UK corporates.
“The Midlands venture capital market is particularly ripe with young, exciting businesses and founders seeking to bring their intellect and creativity to bear on innovative new products and services. I’m delighted to be part of a practice that recognises that potential and look forward to working alongside the team as we grow our venture capital capabilities across the UK.”
