Penelope Garden
Partner
Penelope advises business owners, management teams, investors and growth companies on corporate transactions, with a particular focus on private equity buy-outs and venture capital investments. She leads our Private Equity & Venture Capital practice and brings a clear, commercial approach to helping clients get deals done.
Her clients range from early-stage businesses raising their first investment round through to established multinationals. She regularly acts for owner-managed businesses, investment funds and ambitious growth companies, supporting them on the transactions that matter most to their next stage of development.
Penelope is known for combining strong project management with responsive, practical advice. Clients value her ability to stay focused on the commercial objective, keep momentum through complex processes and build trusted, long-term relationships along the way.
Recent work that reflects Penelope’s private equity, venture capital and growth-company experience includes:
- advising on multiple investments by the South West Investment funds;
- advising BGF on a number of investments, including its buy-out of Proventeq;
- advising Mundi Ventures and Opera Tech Ventures on their investment into Wrisk;
- advising the CPCA fund on its investment into NoBacz; and
- advising Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Investment Fund on the merger of its two investee companies, Inyanga and Hydrowing, under a new holding company, followed by further investment into that company.
Alongside her client work, Penelope is a member of FSP’s Senior Leadership Team, where she helps shape and implement the firm’s strategic direction.
If you are considering a private equity, venture capital or wider corporate transaction, Penelope would be pleased to talk through your plans and how she can help.
"'Penelope Garden has consistently provided me with top level support and advice, where she is able to be really skilful in negotiation but also be very practical in her approach. I am lucky to have her acting for us."
"Penelope Garden is an absolutely outstanding lawyer and person. There is no other lawyer I will go to in the UK."
"Penelope Garden delivers practical advice through a uniquely engaging style. She blends content accessibility with leading and growing a team of enthusiastic associates."
"Penelope Garden is fantastic to work with. She’s clear and concise in her communication and provides clear commercial advice. She works incredibly hard to deliver deals."
"Penelope Garden is consistently exceptional. Penny always gives coherent and holistic advice which considers all facets of a problem; obtaining her advice is so much more valuable because of it."
"Penelope Garden is an absolutely fantastic addition to our deal team. She is quick to respond, understands the problem and takes a pragmatic and sensible approach to overcoming any issues and getting the deal done. She works well with members of our team at all levels and is never too busy to help when we have a problem."
"Penelope Garden and Rachael Maunder understand our typical deal structures and know when to take pragmatic views and when to be tough."
"Penelope Garden was direct, to the point and took the trouble to explain the more complex aspects of the documents. I would recommend Penny strongly."
"notable experience in private equity and venture capital work"
"Professional, honest and supportive."
"Penny Garden is noted for exceptional ability to manage complex deals across a number of industry sectors coupled with outstanding client care."
"Penelope is a very smart and creative lawyer."
"Penelope is very commercial and has a deep knowledge of the client."
"Penelope has been a fountain of knowledge and a great source of advice."
"She is very proactive, gives high quality advice and is always on top of the deal."
"She is good, personable and commercial."
"Penelope is easy to deal with and always gives great advice that's holistic and multifaceted."
"Pragmatic and solution-oriented."
"She has excellent technical knowledge, she's quick to respond, she's a strong negotiator and highly effective."