Berlin – YPOG advised Berlin-based AI venture studio Merantix (MX AG) on the structuring of its venture funds and the related investment by the world's largest technology investor SoftBank, which is participating through its Vision Fund 2. Seed investments are to be financed from Merantix's established in-house venture fund. At the same time, Merantix and SoftBank Investment Advisers (SIBA) have announced a strategic partnership to promote AI technology in Germany. Both companies are convinced that artificial intelligence will be the most significant technology of our time. Thus, SoftBank has also invested globally in the past and taken a leading role in this field. Merantix was founded in 2016 by Adrian Locher and Rasmus Rothe and sees itself as the world's first AI venture studio. The company addresses the world's most pressing problems by turning cutting-edge AI research into products. It does this through a sophisticated venture-building process. As a result, Merantix has already launched seven AI companies to date, including Cambrium, Kausa, SiaSearch and Vara. Over the next few years, the company says it plans to add up to ten more companies. In April 2021, Merantix opened a 5,200-square-meter AI campus at Berlin's Nordbahnhof, where startups with artificial intelligence-related business models can rent space. In addition, Merantix's own spin-offs are also located there.
YPOG's comprehensive advice covered all tax, regulatory and corporate law issues relating to the fund. In previous years, the Berlin office of the law firm has already regularly advised Merantix, including on the overall structuring, on various investments and also on the structuring of a €25 million fund in 2020.
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Team:
Dr. Fabian Euhus (Lead), Partner
Dr. Helder Schnittker, Partner
Joel El-Qalqili, Associated Partner
Dr. Sebastian Schwarz, Associated Partner
About us
YPOG stands for You + Partners of Gamechangers. As a leading law and tax firm, YPOG supports founders, investors, companies and funds in Germany and internationally in bringing visionary ideas to life in the tech ecosystem and dynamic future markets.
YPOG advises on the structuring of venture capital and private equity funds, financing rounds and complex transactions, as well as on regulatory and tax matters relating to digital assets and financial innovation. As a strategic partner, YPOG develops practical solutions of the highest legal standard.
The firm combines legal and tax expertise with legal tech, digital workflows and AI-based systems to provide efficient and scalable advice.
YPOG and its professionals are regularly recognised by JUVE, Chambers and Partners, The Legal 500, Best Lawyers and Leaders League. More than 380 lawyers, tax advisers, tax specialists, one notary and business professionals work for YPOG across its offices in Berlin, Cologne, Hamburg and Munich.
Further information: www.ypog.law/en/ and www.linkedin.com/company/ypog
