Riley Lochridge

Riley Lochridge advises startups, emerging companies, established businesses, and investors on a broad range of corporate and transactional matters, with a focus on mergers and acquisitions and venture capital. He regularly serves as outside general counsel to companies and their leadership teams, guiding them through day-to-day legal needs, corporate governance, intellectual property matters, and other business-critical decisions. Riley also represents companies and venture capital, private equity and industry and corporate investors in strategic transactions, including acquisitions, partnerships, capital raising through debt and equity financings and exit events, helping clients evaluate opportunities, manage risk, and structure investments that support growth and long-term business goals.

Before joining Smith Anderson, Riley worked at a global video game and interactive technology company, progressing through legal and commercial finance roles before becoming Head of Corporate Development. His experience spanned legal advisory work, commercial finance, and corporate development, giving him firsthand insight into the legal, financial, and operational considerations that shape business decisions and strategic transactions.

Earlier in his career, Riley practiced in the Silicon Valley office of an international law firm, representing public and emerging companies and their investors across a range of industries, including life sciences, technology, manufacturing, software, and biotech. Before entering the legal profession, he worked in systems integration at a global technology consulting firm and conducted graduate research in distributed computing.

Riley’s experience on both sides of the legal and business relationship helps him understand the competing priorities that can shape a transaction. He works closely with clients to define their objectives and translate complex legal issues into clear, actionable advice. His background in technology and engineering further informs his counsel to startups and other innovation-driven companies navigating growth, investment, and strategic transactions.

Outside the office, Riley enjoys spending time with his wife and their two children, often cheering from the sidelines at youth sporting events. You may also find him playing racquet sports, reading, exploring the outdoors, or skiing.

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Education

• University of Chicago Law School, J.D., 2012
• Thayer School at Dartmouth College, B.E., M.S., Computer Engineering, 2004
• Dartmouth College, B.A., History and Engineering Sciences Modified with Computer Science, 2002

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