Silicon Valley law firm Gunderson Dettmer Stough Villeneuve Franklin & Hachigian has opened in São Paulo, its first office in Latin America. 

The new office launch is being led by corporate partners Brian Hutchings, Adan Muller and Christel Moreno, giving the firm a hub for its existing Latin America practice on the ground in the region. The firm has represented Latin America-based companies in almost $4bn of M&A deals since 2014, most recently working on the acquisition of banking tech provider Technisys by SoFi. The practice has also handled more than 600 cross-border venture and growth equity financings in the region since 2017.

David Young, Gunderson Dettmer’s managing partner, said: “The Latin America venture ecosystem has seen tremendous growth and we are confident in its future. Our opening a physical office in São Paulo demonstrates our long-term commitment to emerging companies in Latin America and the venture capital and growth equity funds that recognise their potential.”

Gunderson’s Latin America team includes more than a dozen lawyers spread across several of the firm’s 11 global offices. The practice is co-led by Hutchings and Silicon Valley-based Dan Green. 

Hutchings said: “We first began working in Latin America in 2006, supporting our U.S.-based clients pursuing venture investments in the market. Our commitment to the region has only grown from there… It has been exciting to see the Latin America venture ecosystem grow and mature.”

In addition to Brazil, the practice serves startups and high-growth companies and venture capital funds across the region, including Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Argentina and Peru.

Muller said: “Opening an office in Brazil is something I have wanted to do since coming to the firm in 2011. Brazil is my homeland and, naturally, the growth of the venture ecosystem here is a source of great pride.”

Earlier this month, Spanish firm Cuatrecasas strengthened its Latin America business with twin partner hires in Peru and Mexico. Diego Carrión joined the firm’s M&A practice in Lima from Hernandez & Cia. and Juan David Mina joined the firm’s tax practice in Mexico City from KPMG.