William Samengo-Turner
Partner
London
William Samengo-Turner
Partner
London
Contact Details
As A&O's co-head of technology for EMEA, Will’s practice focuses on a wide range of corporate and commercial matters within the tech sector and its related industries both in EMEA and the United States. From emerging enterprises and startups to large public corporations, he 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 and he continues to split his time between London and the Bay Area. His experience on the West Coast includes 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 and he is particularly adept at navigating the challenges of trans-Atlantic deal making.
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.
"Working with Will Samengo-Turner feels like working with a colleague rather than an external adviser; he is very much an extension of the in-house team and is as aligned with our goals as we are" Legal 500 UK 2021 (Fintech)
“A great support and ally for the in-house function, not just a trusted adviser.” Legal 500 UK 2021 (Fintech)
"Remains extremely calm under pressure and has often made himself available on short notice where required" Legal 500 UK 2021 (TMT)
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
Related articles
Publications: 15 March 2023
What next after the collapse and stabilisation of Silicon Valley Bank?
The failure of Silicon Valley Bank sent shockwaves across the world. Here, our teams in the US, UK and Asia explain the events that led to its collapse, how authorities stepped in to stabilise the…
Publications: 01 March 2023
Artificial Intelligence in insurance – innovating in a world of increased regulation
News: 28 February 2023
Allen & Overy supports Black Founders Fund to boost diversity and inclusion in tech
Experience highlights
Having lived and practiced in Silicon Valley and continuing to split his time between London and the Bay Area, Will acts 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 challenges faced by fast-growth founder-led businesses. He also regularly helps clients navigate the challenges of bringing Valley market terms to international deals.
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; Etsy on its $1.6bn acquisition with Depop, DoorDash on its $8bn acquisition of Wolt; and Peloton on its acquisition of Precor.
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 Checkout.com, Zopa and Babylon Health and investors including Khosla Ventures; the Public Investment Fund; SoftBank 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.
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
Pro bono
- Governor of Sacred Heart School, Camberwell, London
Recognition
A great support and ally for the in-house function, not just a trusted adviser.
Legal 500 UK 2021 (Fintech)
Working with Will Samengo-Turner feels like working with a colleague rather than an external adviser; he is very much an extension of the in-house team and is as aligned with our goals as we are.
Legal 500 UK 2021 (Fintech)
Remains extremely calm under pressure and has often made himself available on short notice where required.
Legal 500 UK (TMT)
