Here at Biztech Lawyers, we are a team of technology lawyers who assist tech businesses with all their commercial legal needs. But, we are also a team of individuals with a diverse range of skills that we bring to the table.
So today we’d like to share a little about Yehuda, Special Counsel at Biztech Lawyers. He thrives in high pressure environments – perfect for handling the start-up world!
All our team live, breath and thrive on the success of our clients. We speak your language, understand your challenges, and look to build long term relationships.
We asked Yehuda a few questions….
Question: Tell us, why a career in law, and why Australia?
Answer: Law was a bit of a family business for me. Both of my parents are lawyers and I have at least 3 cousins who are also lawyers so there was almost no escaping it. But I love it. What really ignited my passion was growing up in South Africa and watching the transition out of Apartheid and the role that the rule of law played in that process. Before finding my interest in technology, I was convinced that I would become a human rights lawyer.
I followed my wife to Australia (she is Australian). Reluctantly at first but I have grown to love it as my own home – even though I still struggle to feel passionately about Footy!
Question: You previously worked at Monash University helping spin out research-driven companies. What did that experience teach you about innovation within a university context?
Answer: Commercialisation of university technology is unique in the sense that the underlying technology has often been developed without a commercial purpose in mind. A lot of the best Australian research focuses on life-sciences, pharmaceuticals and devices, and I love that because it is really geared towards helping people and saving lives.
However the challenge is ‘reverse engineering’ the commercial process to take any technology, that may have been developed at great cost, and finding a way to scale that technology in order to make it economically feasible.
My typical advice to researchers, whether you are early stage or fully developed, is to start thinking through whether your product is scalable, and if so, how can that scale best be achieved.
Question: What is the startup scene like in Melbourne?
Answer: The startup scene in Melbourne is very strong and there is a real feeling that we are at the start of a startup boom. There is so much investment and energy being poured into the technology sector in Victoria and it is really exciting to be in and amongst it working at the Commons co-working space.
With things getting back to normal this year, the office is buzzing again and there are constantly events being held showcasing some of the amazing work that Victorian and Australian startups are doing.
There truly is a strong startup ecosystem being built in Melbourne and we are delighted to be a part of it.
Question: With Biztech Lawyers’ focus on startups and tech companies — what other skills do you need to bring to the table?
Answer: We are feverishly interested in technology and helping tech companies scale effectively.
An often forgotten part of this equation is the human interactions that sit behind the technology. So a genuine understanding of and focus on people, their aspirations and fears, helps inform how we advise them.
Another part is being able to manage client expectations openly and honestly. It is a fundamental skill in developing trust and autonomy with clients. This means setting clear expectations on what we, as a service provider, could do for the client, as well as the time frames and costs involved. Setting and communicating these parameters with the client greatly helps us to achieve a win/win for both our clients and our own business.
Question: What is a common area that R&D focused companies should be focusing their legal efforts towards in the early days?
Answer: Structure and process. In my experience I see a lot of technically brilliant people who are intensely focused on the research and this is what makes their R&D exceptional. However, when companies are only focused on R&D they can forget to pay attention to the other foundations of a strong business.
Building a solid foundation by implementing key documents and processes early on helps set the tone for the company’s future. When commercial activity starts rolling and founders are then distracted by sales, marketing and R&D, other critical foundations can be missed – like managing your shareholders and employees.
Putting in place a good shareholders’ agreement helps founders to have important discussions early on. Creating a well planned employee share plan creates exciting opportunities and incentives for new hires. Ensuring all intellectual property is properly protected and owned by the company is critical to building long term value.
Question: Any pieces of advice that you have taken on board?
Answer: One of the most important skills for a lawyer is the ability to manage client expectations. That was taught to me by one of the most recognisable names in the legal profession in Australia who was an early mentor for me and the absolute master of client management.
Question: You’ve seen many start-ups. What’s the one piece of advice you’d share to put them on the right path for their future?
Answer: Surround yourself with people who are experts in their field so that you can continue to be an expert in yours. The greatest business people are acutely aware of their own skill set and don’t waste their time doing something that someone can be paid to do much quicker and much more effectively.
A little more about Yehuda….
He is a transactional specialist who has acted as an “external GC” to a range of technology-focused businesses and advised spin-out and startup companies on the full breadth of transactional and legal matters, contracts & all other functions generally served by an in-house legal counsel. Yehuda also has a strong understanding of the commercialisation lifecycle having worked with universities and IP focused venture funds on research related projects as well as helping private enterprises to commercialise research based IP.
Qualifications:
- Bach of Laws LL.B – Deakin University, Aust 2015
- Bach of Laws LL.B – Uni of South Africa 2011 -2013
- Bach of Commerce Banking, Corporate, Finance & Securities Law – Uni of Witwatersand, South Africa 2007 – 2010
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