Matthew Bartus
About Matthew
Matthew is global co-chair of Cooley’s emerging companies and venture capital practice groups. For 25+ years, he has advised high-growth companies and investment funds on strategic decision making, pre-seed to late-stage venture capital and growth equity financings, initial public offerings (IPOs), mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, and corporate governance matters. Matthew’s experience includes advising companies, investors, buyers and sellers globally on transactions having a total value of more than $100 billion. He works with companies at all stages – from pre-seed and formation through later stages and pre-IPO. In 2019, Matthew was a founding partner of Cooley’s Singapore office, where he was resident through 2022. He is also a leader in the firm’s Latin America practice and, in 2023, was part of the team launching Cooley’s Miami office. Matthew works with clients on a global basis.
I provide strategic, business-oriented advice to high-growth companies and investors as they navigate legal and business challenges.
Admissions and credentials
- California
- New York
- Florida
Rankings and accolades
Chambers USA: Startups & Emerging Companies – Nationwide (2024 – 2025)
The Legal 500 Asia Pacific: Leading Lawyer for Start-up and Venture Capital – Foreign Firms in Singapore (2023)
The Legal 500 Asia Pacific: Tier 1 for Start-up and Venture Capital – Foreign Firms in Singapore (2023)
Cooley GO Wins the “People's Voice” Webby
Chambers USA: Band 1 for Startups & Emerging Companies (2018 – 2020)
Chambers Asia Pacific: Band 1 for Startups & Emerging Companies in Singapore (2021 – 2023)
Legal 500 Asia Pacific: Leading Lawyer for Corporate and M&A in Singapore (2021)
The Legal 500 US: Leading Lawyer in Venture Capital and Emerging Companies (2020 – 2025)
The Legal 500 US: M&A/Corporate and Commercial – Venture Capital and Emerging Companies (2015)
The Recorder Innovators recognizes Matt Bartus, Craig Jacoby and Peter Werner
Memberships and affiliations
- National Venture Capital Association, General Counsel Advisory Board
Matthew Bartus regularly advises emerging companies and investors on financings, M&A and access to capital markets. He is praised by clients for his "deep understanding of the startup world" and for being "exceptional in providing sound advice, especially in the areas of fundraising."
– Chambers and Partners
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