Clifford Chance

Clifford Chance advises Omni Bridgeway on investment in Japanese legaltech startup

Leading international law firm Clifford Chance has advised global dispute financier Omni Bridgeway on its investment in a new Japanese enterprise, Japan Legal Network Co. Ltd. (Japan Legal Network). The new business will finance and advise Japanese claimants seeking access to justice and is the first of its kind in Japan. It also represents Omni Bridgeway's first investment in Japan.

Omni Bridgeway invested JPY40 million (US$373,000) for a 5% shareholding in Japan Legal Network, and has extended a finance facility of JPY150 million (US$1.4 million) to the startup.
Partners Natsuko Sugihara and Yusuke Abe and senior associate Timothy Merchant acted for the Omni Bridgeway on the transaction.

Natsuko offered, "It has been a privilege to work with Omni Bridgeway on their investment in Japan Legal Network, which is the first service of this kind in Japan. This is an impressive, innovative legaltech solution in Omni Bridgeway's extensive global investment portfolio."

Marijn Flinterman, who led the transaction for Omni Bridgeway, added, "The complexity of this multifaceted transaction called for a trusted Japanese law advisor, especially as it represents our first investment in Japan. It was a great pleasure to work with Clifford Chance’s experienced team on this deal."