
Ibrahim M. Elshamy
Ibrahim is a partner in our Los Angeles office.
Ibrahim represents a wide range of emerging growth companies from the information technology, consumer and enterprise software, AI/ML, financial, healthcare, e-commerce, and other industries. He has experience in corporate formations and structuring, venture capital financings, private secondary markets, cross-border transactions, mergers and acquisitions, public offerings, and general corporate governance and strategic matters. Ibrahim’s counsel with emerging growth companies spans the entire lifecycle, from providing founder-friendly guidance at the earliest stages through to an exit. Ibrahim also represents many leading venture capital investment firms in their portfolio company investments across the world.
Ibrahim previously served as an executive at a venture-backed startup headquartered in Seattle during a period of hypergrowth, an experience that informs his advice on how to approach common challenges facing startups in areas beyond legal, such as in the People, Product, Sales/Go-to-Market, Operations, and Finance organizations.
Ibrahim began his career in Silicon Valley. In law school, he was an editor of the Stanford Law Review, was a member of the Venture Studio at the Stanford Graduate School of Business, and worked at both a startup and a seed-stage venture capital firm. Prior to becoming a lawyer, Ibrahim was named a Truman Scholar, a Mitchell Scholar in Northern Ireland and a Fulbright Scholar in Egypt. Ibrahim is conversational in Arabic.
30 Years of Bold Ideas: A Leader in Innovation
Celebrate Gunderson’s 30th anniversary with a dynamic video compilation featuring partners reflecting on the bold ideas and values that have propelled the firm to the forefront of the innovation economy. From harnessing the latest advances in AI and technology, to redefining client service and building a culture centered around extraordinary people, this milestone video highlights the firm’s enduring commitment to leadership, collaboration, and forward-thinking solutions for its clients. #GundersonTurns30 #30BoldIdeas
#30BoldIdeas: Guiding the Next Generation
Gunderson Dettmer partners highlight the unique challenges and opportunities facing early-stage companies and founders. Andy Bradley and Ibrahim Elshamy share insights on the importance of humility, storytelling, and a growth mindset, emphasizing how success depends on learning, resilience, and building strong partnerships. They also discuss how Gunderson leverages advanced AI tools and deep experience to help founders navigate risks, reduce costs, and turn entrepreneurial dreams into thriving, well-protected ventures.
#30BoldIdeas: Shaping the Future of Emerging Markets (Middle East & Africa)
Partner Ibrahim Elshamy’s work guiding startups and investors across the Middle East and Africa highlights Gunderson Dettmer’s role in advancing emerging markets. With deep experience in venture capital, cross-border transactions, and growth sectors like fintech and AI, Ibrahim shares insights on unlocking opportunities, overcoming regional challenges, and forging lasting partnerships that drive innovation and economic growth.