Outlook/iCal Calendar
Google CalendarSubscribe to AIJA updates
The latest events, news, articles, and resources, sent straight to your inbox
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
Registrations open
18:00
Welcome reception and cocktail dinner
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 dive into venture deals. 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 maybe 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 dive into venture deals. 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 maybe a few war stories.
11:20 - 11:40
Coffee Break
11:40 - 13:00
Startups run on vision, caffeine - and the promise of equity. But turning that promise into a legally sound, tax-efficient, and founder-friendly incentive plan? That's where we come in.
This panel dives into the tools and tactics behind equity-based incentive schemes like ESOPs, PSOPs and beyond, with a special focus on how they play out in VC-backed companies. We'll explore real-world structures, common pitfalls and the strategic role lawyers play in aligning interests without triggering chaos (or tax nightmares).
Whether you're advising the boardroom or the beneficiaries, this session is aimed at sharpening your understanding of how to design and negotiate incentive plans that actually work - on paper and in practice.
Because in the end, keeping key people on board isn't just about equity. It's about getting the structure right.
This panel dives into the tools and tactics behind equity-based incentive schemes like ESOPs, PSOPs and beyond, with a special focus on how they play out in VC-backed companies. We'll explore real-world structures, common pitfalls and the strategic role lawyers play in aligning interests without triggering chaos (or tax nightmares).
Whether you're advising the boardroom or the beneficiaries, this session is aimed at sharpening your understanding of how to design and negotiate incentive plans that actually work - on paper and in practice.
Because in the end, keeping key people on board isn't just about equity. It's about getting the structure right.
13:00 - 14:30
Lunch Break
14:30 - 15:50
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 dives into the 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 spin-offs from idea to investment-ready.
This panel dives into the 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 spin-offs from idea to investment-ready.
15:50 - 16:10
Cooffee Break
16:10 - 17:30
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.
19:30 - 01:00
Dinner
09:30
Registrations open
10:00 - 11:00
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.
11:00 - 11:30
Coffee Break
11:30 - 12:00
Keynote speaker
12:00 - 12:45
Closing remarks
12:45 - 13:15
Commission Meetings
IPCFL track
17:00
Registrations open
18:00 - 20:00
Welcome reception and cocktail dinner
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 dive into venture deals. 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 maybe 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 dive into venture deals. 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 maybe a few war stories.
11:20 - 11:40
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.
13:00 - 14:30
Lunch Break
14:30 - 15:50
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.
15:50 - 16:10
Coffee Break
16:10 - 17:30
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.
19:30 - 01:00
Dinner
09:30
Registrations open
10:00 - 11:00
What happens in the world of startups, crypto, or impact funds? This panel unpacks real-life case studies of alternative investments - some that soared, others that stumbled - and the legal lessons behind them.
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.
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.
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.
11:00 - 11:30
Coffee Break
11:30 - 12:00
Keynote speaker
12:00 - 12:45
Closing remarks
12:45 - 13:15
Commission Meetings
Fees & General Info
There are currently no registration fees available.General terms and conditions
By registering you have to accept the general terms and conditions and accept that your registration is considered binding immediately, but participation to the event is possible only after full payment of the registration fee.
Please note that any arrangements related to the participation of the participant in an AIJA event, including but not limited to booking or cancellation of accommodation or flights, as well as respecting the cancellation deadlines indicated in the general terms and conditions, are the sole responsibility of the participant. AIJA shall not be held liable for any expenses the participant may suffer as the result of participant’s failure to comply with his/her obligations.
It is recommended for each participant to purchase a cancellation and travel insurance.
Please note that in-house counsel registrations are subject to review and confirmation by AIJA. AIJA considers in-house counsel professionals who hold a university degree in law allowing access to a bar association and practicing law as an in-house counsel in private, public, or non-profit companies, institutions or organisations. Please note that in-house counsel who are at the same time active as fee-earning lawyers or consultants are not eligible to the discounted in-house counsel fee.
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.
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
Platinum
Gold
Become a sponsor
Partnership with AIJA as a sponsor provides the best networking opportunities in a relaxed business
environment.
If you have any questions, contact us on ‘Become a sponsor’ and check for more opportunities.
Personal Protection
The personal data that you communicate to us shall be processed by the International Association Of Young Lawyers (AIJA), with its registered office at Avenue de Tervueren 231, 1150 Brussels, Belgium (Tel: +32 2 347 33 34 - office@aija.com), in accordance with Act No. 78-17 of January 6, 1978 relating to data, files and freedoms and Regulation No. 2016/679 on data protection, as of its entry into force on May 25, 2018.
Your data will be managed by AIJA's General Services, Events and Accounts Section:
- For the purpose of administering your registration for the event and your on-site access to the event;
- In order to pay for the selected services - your bank details will be deleted after receipt of your payment;
- In order to communicate information messages from AIJA.
To the extent necessary for the execution of their respective tasks, our subcontractors in charge of our seminar organisation, our IT infrastructure, our management, the production and maintenance of our website and extranet, are likely to gain access to your data from time to time. Their servers are located in the European Union.
Data relating to your participation in the event shall be stored for a period of 10 years. We are obliged to archive billing data until the end of the period required for our tax and accounting obligations, i.e. for 7 full tax years.
We shall store your contact information to keep you informed until you ask us to stop. You have the right to access your data and have it corrected if necessary.