Supporting Organizations and Social Entrepreneurs

 

Dechert's Pro Bono Plus program supports nonprofits, small businesses, social enterprises and social impact investors. Lawyers assist with regulatory compliance, governance and other legal complexities. The firm also supports businesses in entity formation, contract negotiation and intellectual property protection. In social impact investing, lawyers advise on structuring investments for financial and positive social or environmental returns.

Beyond Capital Team

Dechert represented Beyond Capital in forming a $30 million social impact fund, Beyond Capital Ventures. The fund aims to invest in venture-stage companies in India and East Africa, focusing on healthcare, agriculture and financial inclusion. The strategy seeks to empower women, provide employment and create distribution networks for underserved communities. Dechert leveraged its international reach and expertise to bridge the seed capital gap.

Growth Impact Fund Team

A London-based team advised longstanding community partner UnLtd on the creation of the Growth Impact Fund – a new potential £25 million social investment fund designed to level the social investment playing field. As a joint venture between UnLtd and Big Issue Invest, the fund was developed with a number of stakeholders and social entrepreneurs of diverse genders, ethnicities, ages, and those with disabilities, and was designed for diverse led social enterprises working to address poverty and inequality in the UK.

  • Across all offices, Dechert is dedicated to offering pro bono legal advice to local nonprofits. In collaboration with numerous community partners, the firm has managed over 2,000 matters of diverse complexity and scope, enabling these entities to better serve their communities. The firm’s work encompasses advice on issues such as formation, tax-exempt status, corporate governance, leases, employment, intellectual property, mergers and dissolution.

  • A London-based Dechert team advised UnLtd on creating the Growth Impact Fund, a £25 million social investment fund designed to support organizations addressing inequalities. Developed with diverse stakeholders, the Fund prioritizes social enterprises led by underrepresented individuals, allocating at least 50% of its fund for them. Dechert provided advice on the joint venture, fund structure and establishment, and will continue supporting future investments.

  • Dechert represented Beyond Capital in forming a $30 million social impact fund, Beyond Capital Ventures. The fund aims to invest in venture-stage companies in India and East Africa, focusing on healthcare, agriculture and financial inclusion. The strategy seeks to empower women, provide employment and create distribution networks for underserved communities. Dechert leveraged its international reach and expertise to bridge the seed capital gap.