Overview
As the leader of the Emerging Companies and Venture Capital group, Will Pugh advises companies on a wide variety of issues, including venture capital financings, M&A, corporate formation, regulatory compliance, and corporate governance matters. He has represented hundreds of startup companies, acting as a trusted strategic advisor through all stages of growth. Will’s clients value his pragmatic, business-minded approach to the practice of law and the care he takes in understanding their ambitions and purpose.
Will has assisted his clients in countless financing rounds, helping raise an aggregate amount of over one billion dollars from regional, national, and international investors. His clients include innovative companies across a broad range of industries—including life sciences, medical devices, AI, SaaS, consumer products, digital health, crowdfunding platforms, advanced manufacturing, and other emerging technologies, along with the angel networks and venture capital funds that support them.
Will brings prior experience from the Palo Alto, California office of an international law firm, providing him with a nuanced understanding of innovative ecosystems from coast to coast.
Areas of Focus
Credentials
Recognition
- Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America, Venture Capital Law (2022-2026)
- Staff Editor, Law and Contemporary Problems
Education
- Duke University, J.D., cum laude, 2017
- Bowdoin College, B.A. in Government and Russian, 2012
Bar & Court Admissions
- California
- North Carolina
Experience
- Assisted a software company with the sale of $53,750,000 of Preferred Stock
- Assisted a medical device company with the sale of $13,300,000 of Series A Preferred Stock
- Assisted an advanced manufacturing company with the sale of $3,300,000 of Series A Preferred Stock
- Assisted a life sciences cell platform company with the offer and sale of $2,125,000 of Series A-2 Preferred Stock
- Assisted a distributed manufacturing platform company with the sale of $2,000,000 of Series Seed Preferred Stock
- Assisted AI enabled platform for deal professionals with the offer and sale of $1,750,000 of SAFEs
Insights
NewsSmith Anderson Promotes Five Attorneys to Partner and Counsel
RecognitionPeer Recognition Earns 107 Lawyers Recognition in 2026 Edition of Best Lawyers®
Speaking EngagementPanelist, "CEO Roundtable Discussion and Q&A," Director Imperatives: Imperative Issues in Life Sciences NACD - RTP Event, Durham, N.C.