Richard C. Leska is co-chair of Pryor Cashman’s Emerging Companies + Venture Capital Practice Group and a member of the Corporate Group. He has experience in a wide variety of corporate finance transactions and matters, with a particular focus on assisting clients in the “entrepreneurial economy” of start-ups and emerging growth companies, their executives and technologists, and venture capital funds and angel investors.
Rich is a trusted advisor with deep experience and knowledge of the structure and financing of, and the issues faced by, “Silicon Valley”-style companies throughout their lifecycle, often working closely as an “outside general counsel” for his clients on a wide range of matters including initial formation, venture capital financings, public and private securities offerings, intellectual property strategy, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, equity compensation arrangements, employment issues, and general corporate counseling.
He has represented issuers and investors in more than 260 venture capital and angel investment transactions, and has advised founders and other executives on the key issues they face as their companies grow and prosper.
In addition, Rich has extensive experience with:
- Corporate transactions and securities matters, including public and private securities transactions, mergers and acquisitions, private equity and venture capital transactions, joint ventures, investment fund formation and counseling, start-up company counseling, and employment-related matters;
- Business entities in a variety of industries at all stages of development;
- Private equity funds, their portfolio companies, other acquirers, and targets in a variety of business combination and corporate partnering transactions; and
- Issuers, underwriters, and placement agents in public and private securities offerings.
Education
- Cornell Law School (J.D., cum laude)
- Cornell University, College of Agriculture (B.S., with highest distinction)
Admissions
- New York
- California
