Mara Babin

Partner

2019 - Current

Seeing the big picture, putting the pieces together, getting deals done. Global law firm experience without big firm baggage for a limited number of "right fit" clients. CEOs, majority stockholders, founders, private equity investors Structuring, negotiating and documenting investments, M&A and other strategic transactions. Corporate governance. Projects include: • Created and providing ongoing advice to an innovative, London-based asset management firm designed for international family offices to invest in European commercial real estate. • Represented founders in the creation of a privately-owned New York merchant bank and PE fund complex serving middle market companies with international operations. • Led the creation of one of the first private equity funds for investment in post-Communist Czechoslovakia. • Represented the founders of a "fund without a fund" investment platform for investments from Hong Kong. • Served as lead counsel in connection with a €1.8B equity capital raise from 10 investors to acquire control stakes in a 4M subscriber cable companies in Germany. • Structured and documented the terms of a “silent partner” investment by a Saudi investor in two London based companies. • Led the successful rescue of the Czech Republic’s largest independent investment bank during the Icelandic banking crisis. • Represented Saudi investment groups in several multi-billion dollar bids for the first independent mobile telephony and data (internet) licenses offered in Saudi Arabia. • Co-founded, provided angel investment and served as Executive Vice President of AbleTo LLC, a mental health company delivering real-time cognitive behavioral therapy programs through video chat.

Senior Advisor

2015

Columbia West Capital is an investment bank focused on providing premier financial and strategic advisory services to middle market companies across a broad spectrum of industries.

Senior Advisor

2015

Managing Director

2015

Golden Seeds is an investment firm that invests in early-stage women-led companies. Founded in 2005, Golden Seeds has invested over $100 million in women-led companies in technology, health care, consumer products and media. Golden Seeds is a leading force in focusing on women’s leadership, gender diversity, entrepreneurship and job creation. Investments are made through its nationwide angel network and venture funds. • Mara is a Deal Advisor and is actively involved in selecting and mentoring Golden Seeds companies.

General Counsel

2019 - 2021

Partner | London Office Managing Partner

2001 - 2006

Partner (1984 – 2008) Managing Partner, London (2001 – 2006) Head of European Private Equity (2000 – 2008) Managed client service and London office operations of international law firm with 37 offices in 18 countries. Specialties included M&A, JV, capital formation and liquidity events. Sectors included manufacturing, chemicals, communications, health care, services and digital. • Conceived and led European private equity practice centered on emerging Europe, Russia and the Gulf, and developed Squire Sanders’ highly recognized, well regarded private equity practice across Europe. • Ran P&L, practice development, planning, budgeting, recruiting, marketing and branding, talent acquisition and development, facilities, and 50+ diverse London staff. • Guided strategy and organizational development of Squire Sanders 9 European offices as member of the European “Kitchen” Cabinet. • Structured complex cross-border transactions with clients in Western Europe, emerging Central Europe, Russia, Asia and the Middle East, facilitating capital formation, M&A, equity fundraising, and governance structuring.