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Event Overview
The Corporate and M&A and the International Private Clients and Family Law commissions are excited to invite you to the Seminar “Venture Visionaries – Angels, Demons and Other Relatives” in Berlin in March 2026.
The program includes a series of panels and discussions delving into the various aspects of venture capital transactions and assessing the interaction and challenges with family office governance, family wealth preservation models, estate planning and alternative investments. The discussions will provide insights on managing, protecting, and growing family wealth through venture investments, while also addressing the unique governance and legal challenges that come with it.
What are the considerations of family and estate planning law that are useful to an M&A lawyer when structuring the deal? What do family and private client lawyers need to know about VC transactions to provide effective support for the families they work with? What is the role of the next-gen and what are the implications of venture transactions from an estate and family planning perspective to consider? How can all the stakeholders of similar transactions work together more effectively?
We will therefore focus on the role of the VC ecosystems in variable situations. We will also discuss how we as lawyers can contribute and make an impact as much and valuable as possible.
Alongside the academic program, attendees will have the chance to immerse themselves in the vibrant spirit of Berlin - a dynamic metropolis where rich history meets bold creativity. From world-class museums and iconic street art to legendary nightlife that lasts until dawn, Berlin offers an experience like no other.
As one of Europe’s leading hotspots for venture capital, Berlin boasts a thriving start-up ecosystem supported by a strong network of investors. This event presents a unique opportunity to connect with fellow professionals operating in and around venture capital.
We look forward to welcoming you to Berlin. Save the date!
AIJA Commissions involved
- Corporate and M&A
- International Private Clients and Family Law
Platinum
Gold
M&A track
17:00
18:00
- Address: Inge-Beisheim-Platz 1, 10785 Berlin
08:30
- Address: Inge-Beisheim-Platz 1, 10785 Berlin
09:15 - 09:40
Welcome address
09:40 - 10:00
Opening session
10:00 - 11:20
What happens when the guardians of generational wealth meet the adrenaline-fueled world of startups and scale-ups? Welcome to the fascinating intersection of family offices and venture capital – a space where tradition meets disruption and long-term vision collides with high-risk, high-reward investing.
In this session, we'll break down: (i) what a VC transaction really is (spoiler: it's not just M&A with a hoodie); (ii) what family offices are (and why no two are quite the same); and (iii) how and why these two are increasingly doing business together.
You'll learn why family offices are becoming serious players in the VC space, what makes them tick (or hesitate) and what legal and strategic quirks arise when they enter the VC world. Whether you're advising founders, funds, or families, this panel aims at giving you tools to navigate this dynamic landscape. Expect real talk, sharp insights and a few war stories.
In this session, we'll break down: (i) what a VC transaction really is (spoiler: it's not just M&A with a hoodie); (ii) what family offices are (and why no two are quite the same); and (iii) how and why these two are increasingly doing business together.
You'll learn why family offices are becoming serious players in the VC space, what makes them tick (or hesitate) and what legal and strategic quirks arise when they enter the VC world. Whether you're advising founders, funds, or families, this panel aims at giving you tools to navigate this dynamic landscape. Expect real talk, sharp insights and a few war stories.
11:00 - 11:30
Coffee Break
11:30 - 12:30
Ever peeked under the hood of a family-owned business? What you find is never just about the numbers.
This panel pulls back the curtain on the thrilling and often perilous world of due diligence when acquiring a family owned company. Forget standard checklists; we're entering a world of human drama, hidden skeletons and complex dynamics that define these deals.
We'll share war stories from the front lines: the founder who promised the same 5% stake to three different children, the "gentleman's agreement" with a key supplier that was never put in writing and the heir-apparent who has no interest in running the business but isn't ready to let go. This is where emotional attachment meets cold-hard valuation, and the results are often messy, unpredictable and fascinating.
Whether you're on the company-side or the investor-side, you'll learn to spot the red flags that never appear on a balance sheet. We'll equip you with the tools to navigate the delicate process of assessing a family's legacy, managing sensitive succession politics and valuing intangible assets like reputation and relationships.
This panel pulls back the curtain on the thrilling and often perilous world of due diligence when acquiring a family owned company. Forget standard checklists; we're entering a world of human drama, hidden skeletons and complex dynamics that define these deals.
We'll share war stories from the front lines: the founder who promised the same 5% stake to three different children, the "gentleman's agreement" with a key supplier that was never put in writing and the heir-apparent who has no interest in running the business but isn't ready to let go. This is where emotional attachment meets cold-hard valuation, and the results are often messy, unpredictable and fascinating.
Whether you're on the company-side or the investor-side, you'll learn to spot the red flags that never appear on a balance sheet. We'll equip you with the tools to navigate the delicate process of assessing a family's legacy, managing sensitive succession politics and valuing intangible assets like reputation and relationships.
12:30 - 14:00
Lunch Break
14:00 - 15:00
When brilliant minds leave the university labs to launch a startup, you often get a legal puzzle with high stakes and even higher potential.
This panel exploresthe real-world challenges of university spin-offs with a specific focus on intellectual property rights tangled in academic institutions and immigration hurdles faced by international founders. We'll explore how these issues impact VC transactions, and why family offices are increasingly interested in backing innovation born on campus.
Get a chance to better understand the unique legal dynamics at play - and the skills needed to guide university spin-offs from idea to investment-ready.
This panel exploresthe real-world challenges of university spin-offs with a specific focus on intellectual property rights tangled in academic institutions and immigration hurdles faced by international founders. We'll explore how these issues impact VC transactions, and why family offices are increasingly interested in backing innovation born on campus.
Get a chance to better understand the unique legal dynamics at play - and the skills needed to guide university spin-offs from idea to investment-ready.
15:00 - 15:30
Cooffee Break
15:30 - 16:30
Convertible notes, SAFEs, revenue-based financing – VC deals don't always follow the classic playbook. And when a promising startup suddenly needs to "flip" into a US structure to attract investors? That's when things get really interesting.
This panel explores the alternative financing tools gaining traction in VC transactions, and the legal gymnastics involved in US flips - especially when family offices are on the cap table. We'll unpack the structuring challenges, tax traps, and cross-border twists that lawyers need to navigate to keep deals on track.
If you're advising founders, investors, or families, this session aims at sharpening your instincts for spotting red flags, asking the right questions, and structuring deals that work across jurisdictions.
This panel explores the alternative financing tools gaining traction in VC transactions, and the legal gymnastics involved in US flips - especially when family offices are on the cap table. We'll unpack the structuring challenges, tax traps, and cross-border twists that lawyers need to navigate to keep deals on track.
If you're advising founders, investors, or families, this session aims at sharpening your instincts for spotting red flags, asking the right questions, and structuring deals that work across jurisdictions.
16:30 - 17:15
What happens when a founder's sudden passing turns a cap table into a courtroom exhibit? Welcome to the chaos.
Prepare for a session that delves into the unspoken nightmare scenarios of VC deals: when inheritance drama hijacks innovation. This isn't theoretical; we're sharing the real-life stories from the intersection of probate law and venture capital that you won't hear anywhere else.
We'll dissect the moments when grieving families meet impatient investors, when a will written decades ago clashes with a modern voting agreement, and the sheer ingenuity required to untangle it all. This is about the practical fallout - the deals that stalled, the ones that exploded and the ones that were saved by a lawyer's creative thinking at the eleventh hour.
Prepare for a session that delves into the unspoken nightmare scenarios of VC deals: when inheritance drama hijacks innovation. This isn't theoretical; we're sharing the real-life stories from the intersection of probate law and venture capital that you won't hear anywhere else.
We'll dissect the moments when grieving families meet impatient investors, when a will written decades ago clashes with a modern voting agreement, and the sheer ingenuity required to untangle it all. This is about the practical fallout - the deals that stalled, the ones that exploded and the ones that were saved by a lawyer's creative thinking at the eleventh hour.
20:00 - 01:00
- Address: Hohenzollerndamm 208a, 10717 Berlin
09:30
- Address: Inge-Beisheim-Platz 1, 10785 Berlin
10:00 - 11:00
Ever wondered what really happens when family offices dive into venture capital? It's not always smooth sailing.
This panel brings you real-life anecdotes - the good, the bad and the "did-that-really-just-happen?" -from the front lines of VC transactions involving family offices. We'll unpack the challenges, surprising opportunities and market realities that shape these deals and spotlight the skills lawyers need to navigate them.
Whether you're in private client or corporate/M&A, we hope you walk away with a clearer sense of what it takes to thrive in this space - and what you might want to sharpen in your toolkit.
Think you've seen it all? Think again. Candid stories, practical insights and a few laughs will pull back the curtain on the chaos, creativity and curveballs that come with family office VC deals.
This panel brings you real-life anecdotes - the good, the bad and the "did-that-really-just-happen?" -from the front lines of VC transactions involving family offices. We'll unpack the challenges, surprising opportunities and market realities that shape these deals and spotlight the skills lawyers need to navigate them.
Whether you're in private client or corporate/M&A, we hope you walk away with a clearer sense of what it takes to thrive in this space - and what you might want to sharpen in your toolkit.
Think you've seen it all? Think again. Candid stories, practical insights and a few laughs will pull back the curtain on the chaos, creativity and curveballs that come with family office VC deals.
11:00 - 11:30
Coffee Break
11:30 - 12:00
JOINT Keynote speaker
12:00 - 12:15
Closing remarks
12:15 - 12:45
Commission Meetings
IPCFL track
17:00
- Address: Inge-Beisheim-Platz 1, 10785 Berlin
18:00 - 20:00
- Address: Inge-Beisheim-Platz 1, 10785 Berlin
08:30
- Address: Inge-Beisheim-Platz 1, 10785 Berlin
09:15 - 09:40
Welcome address
09:40 - 10:00
Opening session
10:00 - 11:20
What happens when the guardians of generational wealth meet the adrenaline-fueled world of startups and scale-ups? Welcome to the fascinating intersection of family offices and venture capital – a space where tradition meets disruption and long-term vision collides with high-risk, high-reward investing.
In this session, we'll break down: (i) what a VC transaction really is (spoiler: it's not just M&A with a hoodie); (ii) what family offices are (and why no two are quite the same); and (iii) how and why these two are increasingly doing business together.
You'll learn why family offices are becoming serious players in the VC space, what makes them tick (or hesitate) and what legal and strategic quirks arise when they enter the VC world. Whether you're advising founders, funds, or families, this panel aims at giving you tools to navigate this dynamic landscape. Expect real talk, sharp insights and a few war stories.
In this session, we'll break down: (i) what a VC transaction really is (spoiler: it's not just M&A with a hoodie); (ii) what family offices are (and why no two are quite the same); and (iii) how and why these two are increasingly doing business together.
You'll learn why family offices are becoming serious players in the VC space, what makes them tick (or hesitate) and what legal and strategic quirks arise when they enter the VC world. Whether you're advising founders, funds, or families, this panel aims at giving you tools to navigate this dynamic landscape. Expect real talk, sharp insights and a few war stories.
11:00 - 11:30
Coffee Break
11:40 - 13:00
What do term sheets and prenups have in common? More than you'd think.
This panel dives into the surprisingly tangled world where venture capital meets marriage - and things get personal and complicated. From equity stakes in startups to marital property regimes, we'll explore what happens when founders tie the knot (or untie it), and how investors, spouses and lawyers all get pulled into the mix.
Whether you're advising on shareholder agreements or estate plans, this session will give you a fresh perspective on how personal relationships can impact professional deals - and vice versa. Perfect for lawyers who want to understand the legal, financial and human dynamics when love and equity collide.
This panel dives into the surprisingly tangled world where venture capital meets marriage - and things get personal and complicated. From equity stakes in startups to marital property regimes, we'll explore what happens when founders tie the knot (or untie it), and how investors, spouses and lawyers all get pulled into the mix.
Whether you're advising on shareholder agreements or estate plans, this session will give you a fresh perspective on how personal relationships can impact professional deals - and vice versa. Perfect for lawyers who want to understand the legal, financial and human dynamics when love and equity collide.
12:30 - 14:00
Lunch Break
14:00 - 15:00
Behind every successful VC deal is more than just a good pitch - there's a network of sharp minds, strategic planning and a whole lot of trust.
This panel explores how estate planning and proactive wealth structuring play a surprisingly powerful role in VC transactions - especially when family offices are involved. We'll talk about how building the right relationships across practice areas can unlock opportunities, avoid pitfalls, and create long-term value for clients.
It's not just about knowing your stuff - it's about knowing who to call, what to ask and when to speak up. This panel helps you build that edge.
This panel explores how estate planning and proactive wealth structuring play a surprisingly powerful role in VC transactions - especially when family offices are involved. We'll talk about how building the right relationships across practice areas can unlock opportunities, avoid pitfalls, and create long-term value for clients.
It's not just about knowing your stuff - it's about knowing who to call, what to ask and when to speak up. This panel helps you build that edge.
15:00 - 15:30
Coffee Break
16:10 - 17:30
What happens in the world of startups, crypto, or impact funds? What is the interplay of such investments with divorces and estate planning? This panel unpacks real-life case studies of alternative investments - some that soared, others that stumbled - and the legal lessons behind them which can be useful for both family and private client lawyers.
We'll explore how lawyers can play a role in shaping (or saving) these deals, what went wrong when things got messy, and what skills are essential to navigate this complex, fast-moving space. From structuring and governance to risk management and client communication, this session is packed with practical takeaways for lawyers advising on venture capital and family office strategies, divorces and successions.
Whether you're drafting term sheets or designing trusts, this panel aims at revealing the legal twists behind the scenes – and the skills that turn challenges into wins.
We'll explore how lawyers can play a role in shaping (or saving) these deals, what went wrong when things got messy, and what skills are essential to navigate this complex, fast-moving space. From structuring and governance to risk management and client communication, this session is packed with practical takeaways for lawyers advising on venture capital and family office strategies, divorces and successions.
Whether you're drafting term sheets or designing trusts, this panel aims at revealing the legal twists behind the scenes – and the skills that turn challenges into wins.
16:30 - 17:15
What happens when a founder's sudden passing turns a cap table into a courtroom exhibit? Welcome to the chaos.
Prepare for a session that delves into the unspoken nightmare scenarios of VC deals: when inheritance drama hijacks innovation. This isn't theoretical; we're sharing the real-life stories from the intersection of probate law and venture capital that you won't hear anywhere else.
We'll dissect the moments when grieving families meet impatient investors, when a will written decades ago clashes with a modern voting agreement, and the sheer ingenuity required to untangle it all. This is about the practical fallout - the deals that stalled, the ones that exploded and the ones that were saved by a lawyer's creative thinking at the eleventh hour.
Prepare for a session that delves into the unspoken nightmare scenarios of VC deals: when inheritance drama hijacks innovation. This isn't theoretical; we're sharing the real-life stories from the intersection of probate law and venture capital that you won't hear anywhere else.
We'll dissect the moments when grieving families meet impatient investors, when a will written decades ago clashes with a modern voting agreement, and the sheer ingenuity required to untangle it all. This is about the practical fallout - the deals that stalled, the ones that exploded and the ones that were saved by a lawyer's creative thinking at the eleventh hour.
20:00 - 01:00
- Address: Hohenzollerndamm 208a, 10717 Berlin
09:30
- Address: Inge-Beisheim-Platz 1, 10785 Berlin
10:00 - 11:00
Ever wondered what really happens when family offices dive into venture capital? It's not always smooth sailing.
This panel brings you real-life anecdotes - the good, the bad and the "did-that-really-just-happen?" -from the front lines of VC transactions involving family offices. We'll unpack the challenges, surprising opportunities and market realities that shape these deals and spotlight the skills lawyers need to navigate them.
Whether you're in private client or corporate/M&A, we hope you walk away with a clearer sense of what it takes to thrive in this space - and what you might want to sharpen in your toolkit.
Think you've seen it all? Think again. Candid stories, practical insights and a few laughs will pull back the curtain on the chaos, creativity and curveballs that come with family office VC deals.
This panel brings you real-life anecdotes - the good, the bad and the "did-that-really-just-happen?" -from the front lines of VC transactions involving family offices. We'll unpack the challenges, surprising opportunities and market realities that shape these deals and spotlight the skills lawyers need to navigate them.
Whether you're in private client or corporate/M&A, we hope you walk away with a clearer sense of what it takes to thrive in this space - and what you might want to sharpen in your toolkit.
Think you've seen it all? Think again. Candid stories, practical insights and a few laughs will pull back the curtain on the chaos, creativity and curveballs that come with family office VC deals.
11:00 - 11:30
Coffee Break
11:30 - 12:00
JOINT Keynote speaker
12:00 - 12:15
Closing remarks
12:15 - 12:45
Commission Meetings
Fees & General Info
There are currently no registration fees available.General terms and conditions
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Please read the general terms and conditions applicable for AIJA events.
Scholarships
If you are a lawyer under 35 years old and meet the requirements, apply to our Scholarship Programme for this event. You can check more details here.
Prepare your stay
We are please to announce that our academic sessions will take place in Berlin Marriott Hotel and we have negotiated preferential rates for our group in this hotel.
Should you wish to book your accommodation in this hotel please follow the below registration link:
BERLIN MARRIOT HOTEL ACCOMMODATION
Preferential rates only apply to a certain number of rooms so make sure you book your accommodation at the earliest.
Reservation conditions available at the booking link.
Organising Committee
Maryll CALLARI
Tiberghien BV (BELGIUM)
Juliana CHRIST
KXP (GERMANY)
Federico GIOFFRE
Studio Legale Nunziante Magrone (ITALY)
Niklaus GLATTHARD
Glatthard & Stählin Ltd. (SWITZERLAND)
Alexander GÖBEL
Niederer Kraft Frey Ltd (SWITZERLAND)
Clara LÓPEZ
GSK Stockmann (GERMANY)
Eleanor MOODEY
Penningtons Manches LLP (UNITED KINGDOM)
Eleni SKOUFARI
Cremer & Skoufari (GREECE)
Sponsors
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