Venture capital (VC) attorneys, Frank Grant, and Ryan Azlein (pictured), are to join Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth as shareholders and will lead the expansion of the firm Venture Capital, Start-Ups and Emerging Companies practice groups.
Prior to joining Stradling, Grant spent 10 years in Silicon Valley and 8 years in the LA market, most recently as Senior Counsel at Perkins Coie, where he advised early stage companies, entrepreneurs and investors. He's also held corporate development and senior counsel positions at Nortel Networks and Kennedy Commercial.
Grant brings both legal and business acumen to his client's issues, having earned his JD and MBA from Stanford University. He's earned his sterling reputation in the west coast business community by providing strategic growth solutions to complex problems in high volatility markets. He assists start-up companies in raising capital from angel investors and venture capital firms while delivering exclusive relationships and solutions for his investor and emerging growth clients. He provides expert counsel for a variety of fast-moving industry sectors, including blockchain technologies (Bitcoin and other digital currencies), entertainment technology and digital media.
Azlein has practiced in the LA market for over 15 years, most recently as Partner with Stubbs Alderton & Markiles and director of its Preccelerator Program. An active advisor to the Southern California emerging company and venture capital community, he is a regular speaker on venture capital and entrepreneurship. Azlein will also spend time in Stradling's Santa Barbara office.
A native of California, Azlein earned his undergraduate degree with honors from University of San Diego and his JD from University of California at Berkeley. He serves as outside general counsel to several venture-backed and early stage growth companies in the mobile, software, digital media, Internet, medical device and technology industries. He's also served as lead counsel in several notable public and private company transactions and M&A deals, and advises top-tier venture capital, angel investors and family offices in completing hundreds of millions of dollars in venture and private equity transactions.
"We are very pleased to have both Ryan and Frank join Stradling in Santa Monica and help continue the extraordinary growth trajectory we have experienced across all practice areas since opening this office in the fall of 2011. They are both highly respected in the growing venture capital and emerging company community of Southern California, and will provide the cornerstones upon which we will continue to expand the practice group," adds David Smith, Managing Shareholder of Stradling's Santa Monica office and member of the Firm's Executive Committee.
