Key Takeaways
- • Brian Willbur joined Polsinelli as a principal in its venture capital and emerging growth companies practice in San Francisco, effective June 5, 2026, strengthening the firm's technology sector capabilities.
- • Willbur brings specialized expertise in representing emerging companies and top-tier venture capital funds across the full company lifecycle, including corporate restructurings, debt transactions, M&A, corporate governance, and public offerings.
- • The hire represents a lateral move from Gunderson Dettmer, a prominent Silicon Valley venture capital law firm, signaling Polsinelli's strategic effort to expand its West Coast emerging companies practice.
- • Willbur's addition to Polsinelli's San Francisco office positions the firm to compete more effectively for venture-backed technology company mandates and VC fund representation in a competitive market.
Summary
Polsinelli has recruited Brian Willbur as a principal in its venture capital and emerging growth companies practice group in San Francisco, the firm announced on June 5, 2026. Willbur joins from Gunderson Dettmer, where he built expertise in startup and venture capital law.
As a principal at Polsinelli, Willbur will advise emerging growth companies across the technology sector throughout their operational and financial lifecycles. His practice encompasses corporate and securities matters critical to venture-backed enterprises, including corporate restructurings, debt financing transactions, M&A advisory, corporate governance matters, and preparation for public offerings. Additionally, he will counsel top-tier venture capital funds that invest in these companies, broadening the firm's ability to serve both company and investor stakeholders in the ecosystem.
The hire reflects Polsinelli's strategy to strengthen its San Francisco-based venture capital and emerging companies practice at a time when institutional capital continues flowing into technology sector investments. Willbur's arrival from Gunderson Dettmer—a specialized venture capital firm with deep roots in Silicon Valley's startup ecosystem—signals the firm's commitment to competing for high-value venture capital mandates and emerging company representation on the West Coast. This addition bolsters Polsinelli's depth in advising the full spectrum of venture-backed company needs, from formation through exit.
As a principal at Polsinelli, Willbur will advise emerging growth companies across the technology sector throughout their operational and financial lifecycles. His practice encompasses corporate and securities matters critical to venture-backed enterprises, including corporate restructurings, debt financing transactions, M&A advisory, corporate governance matters, and preparation for public offerings. Additionally, he will counsel top-tier venture capital funds that invest in these companies, broadening the firm's ability to serve both company and investor stakeholders in the ecosystem.
The hire reflects Polsinelli's strategy to strengthen its San Francisco-based venture capital and emerging companies practice at a time when institutional capital continues flowing into technology sector investments. Willbur's arrival from Gunderson Dettmer—a specialized venture capital firm with deep roots in Silicon Valley's startup ecosystem—signals the firm's commitment to competing for high-value venture capital mandates and emerging company representation on the West Coast. This addition bolsters Polsinelli's depth in advising the full spectrum of venture-backed company needs, from formation through exit.
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