"We're different by design and intentionality," M&A chair Andrew Luh said. "And our existence is proof that not everyone has to follow the same department store model to run a successful firm.”

What You Need to Know

• Gunderson Dettmer increased its head count by one-third to 422 lawyers including 110 partners in 2021.

• Revenue and head count grew substantially in growth equity, M&A and public companies practices, firm leaders said.

• The firm said its practices are expected to continue growing as clients grow their own businesses.

Tremendous demand from tech and life sciences clients fueled a historic year of growth in 2021 for Gunderson Dettmer Stough Villeneuve Franklin & Hachigian, according to firm leadership. 

The firm grew its lawyer headcount in the period by one-third to 422 attorneys, which includes 110 partners.

Gunderson was already active in dealmaking, and in 2021 it saw its deal value for venture financings increase 107%. As more of the firm’s long-term clients became late-stage companies, and investor interest surged, M&A and IPO activity also ticked up.

“I can qualitatively say it was a banner year for the firm,” managing partner David Young said. “In a normal year, some practices are up and some are down. Last year, everything was up."

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This article was first released by Law.com on January 26, 2022.

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About Gunderson Dettmer

Gunderson Dettmer is the preeminent international law firm with an exclusive focus on the innovation economy. With more than 450 attorneys across ten offices in key venture markets throughout the world – Silicon Valley, Ann Arbor, Austin, Beijing, Boston, Los Angeles, New York, San Diego, San Francisco and Singapore – the firm serves market-leading venture capital and growth equity investors and pioneering private companies through inception, growth and maturity, as well as the groundbreaking public companies that result from the global venture capital ecosystem. Gunderson Dettmer’s experience and technical acumen allow its attorneys to predict, prioritize, and produce strategic solutions for our clients at every business phase.