
Steven R. Franklin
Steve is a founding partner of the firm and heads our global Fund Formation practice.
Steve is recognized globally as a leading authority on issues related to the formation and operation of both U.S. and international venture capital and private equity funds and other partnership arrangements. He has been named a Super Lawyer and a Chambers & Partners “Band 1” practitioner, with clients and other market observers describing Steve to Chambers over the years as: a “phenomenal” practitioner, a “leading light," the “heart and soul of the practice” and “without hesitation the premier venture capital fund lawyer and adviser."
Steve’s practice encompasses both (i) representing a dominant share of the preeminent venture capital funds globally, and (ii) advising promising emerging fund managers in their quest to become the market leaders of the future.
As a complement to his practice, Steve has taught partnership tax at Stanford Law School, serves as an adviser to the National Venture Capital Association (NVCA), and frequently lectures and publishes on topics relating to venture capital and private equity funds. Organizations and publications for which Steve has presented or published include: the Venture Capital Journal, the Kauffman Fellows Program, the NVCA, Haas School of Business at the University of California, CVCFO (China Venture Capital Finance Organization), First Republic Bank Future CFO conference, Stanford Law School, the New York Capital Roundtable, the Bank of America Venture Fund CFO Roundtable, the Institute for International Research, the American Bar Association, the California State Bar, Practicing Law Institute, Financial Research Associates LLC, the International Private Equity Fund Formation & Operations Forum, the Pennsylvania Private Equity CFO (PECFO), and the International Association of Financial Planners. Earlier in his career, Steve lectured as an Adjunct Professor in the Golden Gate University, Masters of Taxation Program. He is also a contributing editor to two treatises: The Acquisition and Sale of the Emerging Growth Company: The M&A Exit and Formation and Financing of Emerging Companies, as well as an Advisory Board Member to The M&A Tax Report.
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: Expertise in a Changing Fund Formation Landscape
Fund Partners Steve Franklin, Olga Zolotnik, and Stig Colberg share insights on the evolving world of fund formation. They explore the convergence across venture, private equity, and hedge funds, the emergence of new fund managers, and the importance of understanding investors’ needs. Discover how Gunderson’s depth of experience, collaborative approach, and continual adaptation empower clients to navigate complex markets and forge successful funds for the future.