Doing business in ASEAN

25 june 2015

twitter: @techlawnz

about simmonds stewart

our interest in ASEAN

already helping clients with business dealings in ASEAN

moving from component or ingredient supply to end products

vibrant tech sector with good seed and venture capital

hiring lawyers with ASEAN language skills so – why not make it a feature of our business?

our breakthrough

contacted by senior lawyer in Singapore keen to move to NZ and build an ASEAN

focused tech practice NZ location not a barrier to work extensive Skype and email chats – felt like we

were internet dating

helping NZ companies in ASEAN

assisting tech companies setting up operations in Indonesia, Thailand and

Singapore looking at possible acquisition in the Philippines

introducing early stage tech companies to potential investors

making introductions to tech incubators and journalists

advising ASEAN clients

drafting standard terms of business for ecommerce companies

drafting website terms of use and privacy policies preparing ESOP documentation advising on VC investment deals acting on several small acquisitions

pluses great to be able to apply our skills on international

work widening our experience benefits our NZ clients NZ charge out rates are competitive prompt payers give credit/make referrals

minuses onerous NZ qualification requirements very competitive sector challenging to keep current in a very dynamic

market

what next?

travelling frequently to Singapore and beyond bringing VCs and tech entrepreneurs to NZ building our ASEAN social media presence encouraging staff to consider ASEAN as an OE

destination