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Ben Straughan

Ashurst Perkins Coie

PartnerSeattle, WA
Emerging Companies & VCSeattle, WA

Recognized for

Emerging Companies & VC

The Elite Counsel Perspective

In emerging companies and venture capital, Ben’s exceptional judgment draws on NewSpace leadership, cross-border financings with Asian investors and transactional tax training.

In emerging companies and venture capital, Ben’s exceptional judgment draws on NewSpace leadership, cross-border financings with Asian investors and transactional tax training.

— Elite Counsel
Ben Straughan
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Overview

Ben Straughan advises startups and early-stage companies on angel and venture capital financings, governance, M&A and spinouts. His work spans technology, space and consumer products, including businesses in which intellectual property is central. He also frequently handles cross-border financings involving Asian investors.

As co-chair of Ashurst Perkins Coie’s NewSpace practice, Ben counsels companies on issues arising in the space economy. His clients also work in software as a service, food and beverage, and AI, and include spinouts from universities and research institutions. Ben began his legal career training as a transactional tax lawyer and brings that background to corporate transactions where tax and financial matters play an important role. He regularly speaks on emerging companies, financing, governance and cross-border transactions.

Education

  • Georgetown University Law Center, J.D.
  • University of Washington, B.A., Accounting

Honors & Recognition

  • Listed in Best Lawyers in America: Corporate Law; Mergers and Acquisitions Law, 2017-2027

  • Named a Greater Seattle Technology Ecosystem “Top Corporate Lawyer,” iInovate Leadership Network, Study & Entrepreneur’s Guide, 2017

  • J. Shan Mullin Annual Community Leadership and Service Award, Perkins Coie, 2022

  • Peer Review Rated AV in Martindale-Hubbell
    (AV®, BV® and CV® are registered certification marks of Reed Elsevier Properties Inc., used in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies.)

Professional Associations

  • Washington State Bar Association (WSBA), Executive Committee of the Business Law Section, Immediate Past Chair, 2011-2012, Chair, 2010-2011; Chair, 2009 Mid-Year Meeting; Secretary, 2007-2008
  • WSBA, Partnership/LLC Law Committee of the Business Law Section, Member

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