James (Jim) Jensen is a partner in the Palo Alto office of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, where his practice focuses on forming and representing investment funds, acting as outside general counsel to start-up companies, and advising on related regulatory matters. During Jim’s 20 years of practice, he has been involved in more than 500 investment fund and start-up company transactions and is known for his solutions-oriented and practical perspective.

For his fund services practice, Jim advises venture capital funds, angel investment funds, accelerators/incubators, SPVs (series LLCs and stand-alone), funds-of-funds and other private equity funds in connection with structuring, formation, and operations, including their venture capital investments in startup companies. In addition to deep experience advising established investment fund sponsors, Jim has significant experience working with first-time fund managers who are raising smaller funds. He also represents institutional investors in connection with their investments in investment funds, including reviewing limited partnership agreements and negotiating side letters.

For his start-up company practice, he represents start-up and emerging growth companies at all stages of development. He has represented multiple companies from formation to exit, whether IPO or M&A. His clients include companies across a diverse range of industries, including digital media, Internet, esports, biotech, mobile, security, and software. He occasionally represents non-technology companies in various sectors, including companies focusing on coffee, tea, and restaurant services.

For his regulatory practice, Jim advises investment funds and start-up companies regarding their relevant regulatory obligations, including relevant exclusions or exemptions, under the Securities Act, Securities Exchange Act, Investment Advisers Act, and Investment Company Act.

Jim is also a technology entrepreneur and has formed and managed several e-commerce and other Internet companies through exit and is currently working on a legal tech start-up in beta mode. He regularly speaks at various professional and industry events, as well as at nationally recognized universities, and serves as a judge at start-up pitch events.

Prior to rejoining the firm in 2018, Jim was a partner at Perkins Coie, where he led the fund services practice in the Bay Area, and a member of the emerging companies and venture capital practice. Previously, from 2005 to 2011, he served as general counsel of emerging markets at VantagePoint Capital Partners, an investment fund with approximately $5 billion under management, where he managed hundreds of investment transactions. From 1999 to 2005, he was a fund services and corporate associate at Wilson Sonsini. Before entering the legal industry, Jim served as the chief financial officer at Penta Press, where he managed accounting, finance, human resource, and purchasing professionals, among other duties.