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Bernstein Shur helped two entrepreneurs build a company—and sell their product around the world.

An innovative idea
A local employment recruiter watched his largest clients struggle with the vast amount of data produced by the hiring process. Thousands of resumes, multiple locations, and numerous decision-makers made for a complex situation. The recruiter had an idea. Partnering with his brother, a software designer, the two created a tool that enables companies to handle the job applicant management process in a more efficient manner.

In a short period of time, the new company was up and running, with a versatile software product and a rapidly growing client roster. To take their company to the next stage, the brothers needed equity investment and a comprehensive growth plan. They called Bernstein Shur and TechVentures Group, a Bernstein Shur division that offers business planning and advisory services to technology-oriented businesses.

Real growth requires equity investment
Bernstein Shur and TechVentures Group analyzed the brothers' situation and developed a multidisciplinary strategy to take the company to the next level.

To attract equity investment, our specialists worked with the client to write a professional business plan and arranged meetings with key venture capitalists. This phase of the strategy resulted in a significant capital infusion that gave the brothers real options to move their company forward.

Behind the scenes, Bernstein Shur handled global trademark work, created options plans for key employees, and developed corporate documents to facilitate the issuance of preferred stock to investors. The team revised existing licensing, distribution, and service-and-support agreements to better utilize and protect the company's software. This work allowed the brothers to offer their clients greater value and resulted in easy-to-close deals, steady growth, and happy customers.

Developing and selling a global brand
As the brothers' company grew, their attention turned to Europe. To enter the European market, the Bernstein Shur and TechVentures team helped them join forces with a London-based sales team. The company eventually acquired the sales team and opened a U.K.-based sales and support office.

Before long, thanks to our team and their own effort, the brothers found themselves running a well-financed, rapidly growing company with Global 1000 clients. The company was ripe for acquisition. But how to sell it?

Again, Bernstein Shur and TechVentures helped pave the way. While the brothers kept their eyes out for potential buyers, our experts supported their efforts with world-class business solutions designed to promote long-term success.

Eventually, the brothers found a strong prospect – a large public company that offered its clients risk-mitigation and business solutions. The company saw that the brothers' data-management solutions would provide real added value for their clients. With the help of Bernstein Shur and TechVentures, a mutually beneficial sale was completed.

Today, the acquiring enterprise runs our clients' business as a successful semi-independent entity. Until recently, our clients managed the Portland operation, a situation that enabled them to develop new ideas for the future.

The next venture
Ever the entrepreneurs, the brothers now have their sights set on a new venture. With Bernstein Shur and TechVentures Group at their side, the brothers are ready to build their next successful business.

Intellectual Property and Technology Group

Business Law