William Samengo-Turner

Partner

London

Will’s practice focuses on corporate and commercial matters with a particular emphasis on the tech sector and its related industries both in Europe and the United States. From emerging enterprises and startups to large public corporations, Will advises some of the world’s leaders in technology on a range of issues including M&A, JVs, private fundraising, and digital transformation.

A member of A&O’s London corporate team, Will has spent considerable time living and working in Silicon Valley as a secondee to the offices of Fenwick & West, one of America’s leading technology firms. His experience on the West Coast included a wide variety of M&A and financing transactions for corporations of varying sizes and stages of development – ranging from seed round investments in start-ups to major acquisitions and disposals by listed multi-national companies.

Will is also a leader of the firm’s digitalisation practice, advising clients at all stages of development and across a broad range of sectors on the challenges and opportunities brought about by digital disruption and innovation in their markets.

“A great support and ally for the in-house function, not just a trusted adviser.” Legal 500 UK 2021 (Fintech)

Expertise

Practices

Corporate and M&A

Corporate Governance and Compliance

Sectors

Telecommunications, Media and Technology

Office

London

Allen & Overy LLP
One Bishops Square
London
E1 6AD

View office →

Qualifications

Professional

Admitted as solicitor, England and Wales, 2009

Academic

MA (Oxon), Modern History, University of Oxford, 2005

Graduate Diploma in Law, Oxford Brookes University, 2006

Legal Practice Course, College of Law Moorgate, 2007

Experience highlights

Silicon Valley expertise

Tech M&A

Venture investing and fundraising

Digital transformation

Having lived and practiced in Silicon Valley, Will continues to act as a bridge for a wide variety of West Coast clients looking to buy, build or collaborate in Europe and beyond. His practice covers the entire life-cycle of technology companies, from seed to exit and he has a deep understanding of the unique challenge faced by fast-growth founder-led businesses.

Will has advised a wide range of the world’s leaders in technology on their strategic acquisitions – from discrete acquihires to major cross-border M&A. His work includes advising Facebook on numerous deals across Europe; HP, Inc. on its £380m acquisition of Apogee Corp; Shanghai Giant on its $4.4bn acquisition of Playtika; and eBay on its acquisition of Kapaza.

Will has a wealth of experience in advising both companies seeking to raise private capital and also investors wishing to take stakes in high growth businesses. From early stage raises to significant pre-IPO investments, experience includes advising issuers such Zopa; Trussle; Monese; and R3, and investors including Khosla Ventures; Allianz; and a number of major Tech giants.

Will regularly advises on a wide range of digital transformation projects across numerous sectors outside technology with clients which include Toyota, Allianz Asset Management and Mercuria. Projects include the development of industry-redefining blockchain platforms, strategic collaborations with start-ups and established tech businesses, and the development and launch of new digital business units within a client’s group.

News & insights

Exterior of a modern office block with mirrored glass

News: 19 OCTOBER 2021

A&O advising Zopa on its USD300 million fundraising led by Softbank Vision Fund 2

Allen & Overy is advising digital bank Zopa on its latest round of fundraising. The bank, which was the world’s first peer-to-peer lender and is one of the UK’s newest digital banks, has raised…

A smart phone and tablet on top of a keyboard

News: 08 OCTOBER 2021

A&O advising Babylon as investment of up to USD200m by AlbaCore helps drive its continued aggressive growth

A cross-practice team from Allen & Overy is advising Babylon Holdings Limited (“Babylon”) on an investment of up to USD200 million by AlbaCore Capital Group (“AlbaCore”), in the form of ESG-linked…

Windows on a modern glass and metal building

Publications: 07 OCTOBER 2021

Software, connectivity, data and fintech dominate M&A in Silicon Valley

As transaction activity in the tech sector continues to power ahead, new challenges and opportunities are confronting Silicon Valley companies and setting the agenda for the industry.

Image of a skyscraper with blue tinted windows

Publications: 08 JULY 2021

Tech and Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs) see interests align

As SPACs continue their urgent search for appropriate companies to acquire and take public, high growth technology companies are amongst the most sought after targets.