Legal services partnership a win for Western Sydney businesses

Western Sydney University’s Launch Pad has forged a new partnership with commercial law and corporate advisory firm Madison Marcus. This new partnership will provide over $150,000 worth of legal advice and support for Launch Pad member.

Through the partnership members of Launch Pad - a one-stop shop business and innovation support program that provides facilities, assistance and resources for both startups and existing small to medium enterprise (SME’s) based in Western Sydney - will have access to a range of free and discounted legal services helping them to manage a range of legal and regulatory requirements in a very cost effective manner.

In addition to offering easier access to legal advice in a range of areas such contract law, mergers and acquisitions, corporate structuring, tax, intellectual property, and dispute resolution., Madison Marcus will also provide a range of training through workshops and seminars for Launch Pad members to help them build their skills and knowledge.

Madison Marcus Managing Director, Bechara Shamieh says: “Madison Marcus is a leading commercial law and advisory firm for businesses at any life-cycle phase, from startup, established, mature to businesses turning the corner. The synergy between the firm’s expertise in the technology sector and the Launch Pad program is providing a formidable pathway for entrepreneurs and SME’s in need of these specialised services in Western Sydney.”

Western Sydney University’s Head of the Launch Pad Program Don Wright said choosing Madison Marcus as a partner was an easy decision.

“In setting up this partnership we chose to work with Madison Marcus not only because of their reputation as a top quality legal firm, but also importantly due to their focus on supporting innovation in Western Sydney and their unique offering that brings together legal support and access to investment capital through their corporate advisory business,” he says.

Since the establishment of the Launch Pad partnership, approximately thirty businesses have received support through training and a range of legal support activities. According to Intellectual Property Partner at Madison Marcus, Stephen Jenkins the partnership is set to help many more.

“There is a great range of entrepreneurs working with the university and we are extremely pleased to be able to offer the support of our firm to help them navigate a host of regulation, compliance and legal matters,” he says.

Madison Marcus’ advisory division is also supporting nearly ten startups secure investment capital to help them start and grow their businesses. In working to secure investment, Launch Pad members will get access to a team of mentors that include: business advisors, investment analysts and commercialisation experts to help them prepare investor pitches and structure financial projections that will maximise their chance of securing the capital they need.

Western Sydney University Assistant Vice chancellor Dr Andy Marks describes the partnership as another milestone in the University’s path to positioning Western Sydney as an innovation hub.

“We want Western Sydney to be a place where entrepreneurs are well supported and nourished as part of an ecosystem. We congratulate Madison Marcus on their vision to support innovation in Western Sydney and their willingness to make a serious financial commitment, which we very much welcome as a key part of the University’s Launch Pad program,” he says.

Stephen Jenkins, partner at Madison Marcus assisted young Western Sydney based Startup, ProYourWay with trademarking issues to manage the development of their brand. This support from Madison Marcus resulted in the business being able to setup quickly and at minimum cost. Dhruv Kohli, founder of ProYourWay says, “Getting access to a lawyer through Launch Pad for an initial free session and then being able to access services at discounted rates has saved us a lot of money. It also meant that we could progress things much more quickly than we otherwise would. Stephen has been a great source of advice and support for us as a business that is just starting up.”

Stephen Jenkins, Partner at Maddison Marcus

For more information on Launch Pad and the legal services partnership call 02 9678 7200 or email Launchpad@westernsydney.edu.au

ENDS.

20 November 2017

Media Unit