Building Bridges Between Continents: Expert Insights from Ehab Elsonbaty of DLA Piper
Ehab reflects on bridging the US and ME for startups through innovative legal and regulatory strategies. Discover how DLA Piper’s expertise drives growth and success in the global startup ecosystem.
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Expert Insights: Legal Talk with Ehab from DLA Piper
How does DLA Piper foster innovation within the legal field, particularly when working with fast-paced, high-growth startups?
DLA Piper has the largest practices in the world in Venture Capital, Emerging Growth and Artificial Intelligence. We are geared and super capable to support our clients in every possible way.
What impact do you hope your work at DLA Piper will have on the businesses you advise, both in the short term and in the broader market?
We assess our success with the success of our clients; we grow as they grow and exceed as they exceed.
As someone with a broad range of experience, what’s your favorite aspect of working at DLA Piper, and how does it enable you to better serve your clients?
One of the greatest advantages of working at DLA Piper is the firm's global reach. This extensive network allows us to provide seamless, cross-border legal advice to our clients. No matter where they are in the world, they know they have a trusted advisor who can handle their complex legal needs, just a phone call away.
Follow DLA Piper on LinkedIn and head over to their website for more information.
We spoke with Ehab Elsonbaty, Partner at DLA Piper, Chair – US/Middle East Initiative at DLA Piper
Professional Focus
What are you currently working on?
Leading the strategic legal, tax, regulatory advice to Middle East entities and investors to navigate business in the Americas and the same for Americas clients in the ME.
Connecting with the MENA Startup Community
What value do you (personally) find in being part of a global startup community, particularly in the MENA region?
Being a strategic bridge between the US and MENA region.
Insights on Working with Startups and Evolving with the Ecosystem
What do you enjoy most about working with startups and emerging companies and how do you see your role evolving as the ecosystem grows?
Nothing is better than seeing such amazing young talents shining and growing to be great success stories, honored to have helped many of them all over the ME.
Overcoming Challenges
Can you share a significant challenge you’ve faced while navigating legal complexities for a client, and how you resolved it?
We enjoy facing challenges and really take pride in helping our clients navigate such challenges and succeeding as we keep supporting them in every possible way.
Common Obstacles & Key Insights
In your experience, what are the most common legal pitfalls startups encounter, and how can they avoid them?
I think the most common pitfall is working without obtaining the leaded legal, tax and regulatory advice from the start.
Advice for Aspiring & Fellow Professionals
What advice would you give to aspiring or other legal professionals looking to specialize in venture capital and business law?
Understand your client’s needs and challenges, and be always available as a strategic partner more than merely a service provider.
Favorite Viaka Network Moments & Connections
What's your favorite part of the Viaka Network thus far? Do you have any memorable experiences or helpful connections to share?
I enjoy being with such fellow ME amazing young creative and successful talents.
Support from the Viaka Network
How can members of the Viaka Network, particularly those in the legal or financial sectors, support each other more effectively? And how can members of the Viaka Network be most helpful to you and your work right now?
Keep exchanging ideas, supporting each others and tell us how can we help and keep improving our services.
Psst! Join the Viaka network now and unlock our exclusive Slack channel, along with many other benefits! Chat directly with members like Ehab and others eager to share their expertise. Don't miss out!
Viaka events happening over the next couple of weeks:
Viaka Breakfast Mixer At MIT- (In-Person, Cambridge, Massachusetts), December 5th.
🌐 Hosted by Viaka's esteemed founder, Hani Azzam, this gathering promises to be a unique opportunity to connect with fellow innovators, industry leaders, and aspiring entrepreneurs.
🎟️ Secure your spot now and connect with over 50 professionals who have already signed up!
DLA Piper + Viaka: Middle East Investment Trends and Networking Reception- December 11th (In-person, NYC)
During the reception, you will have the opportunity to network with influential individuals from across the region, learn about the latest investment trends and opportunities in the Middle East, and enjoy delicious hors d'oeuvres and beverages. 🎟️ RSVP by Monday, December 9
🌟 Speakers include:Dr. Ehab Elsonbaty, DLA Piper Partner, Chair, US-Middle East Initiative
Charles Torres, DLA Piper Partner, Vice Chair, Emerging Growth and Venture Capital
Hani Azzam, Founder, Viaka
Events happeing within the Viaka Network & broader community:
How To: Go from Bookkeeping to Strategic Finance - Dec 3rd (Virtual) TOMORROW!
Abu Dhabi Business week - Dec 4th- 6th (In-Person, Abu Dhabi, UAE)
ai + global health 24hr hack @ studio 45 (mission) with gxza health - Dec 14th (In-Person, SF, CA)
IGNITE Amman: Investing in the Future for Youth, Women, and Refugees - Dec 8th (In-Person, Amman, Jordan)
World Summit AI Qatar - Dec 10th- 11th (In- Person, Doha, Qatar)
If you’d like to share an event in this newsletter, we encourage you to join the Viaka Network and share the event with info@viaka.net!
🆙 Click above for access to our regularly updated job database, including new opportunities and talent open to work. 💡 If you apply, let us know so we can make a personal introduction!🤝
If you’d like to share a job posting in this newsletter, we encourage you to join the Viaka Network and share the event with info@viaka.net!
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