Glossary
Equity investment in early-stage, high-growth companies, typically in exchange for a minority stake and significant investor protections.
Technology M&A and Venture Capital
from Energy & Technology
The technology sector generates a huge volume of deal activity, from venture capital funding rounds for early-stage startups to multi-billion-pound acquisitions by established tech companies. Lawyers advising tech clients need to understand IP licensing, open-source software compliance, data protection obligations, and the regulatory risks specific to digital platforms. Venture capital transactions involve negotiating term sheets, preference share structures, anti-dilution protections, and investor consent rights. On the M&A side, tech acquisitions often raise competition concerns — particularly where a dominant platform acquires a nascent competitor — attracting scrutiny from the CMA and international regulators.
SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle)
A legally separate entity created to isolate the financial risk of a specific project, so that the sponsor's other assets are not exposed if the project fails.
PPA (Power Purchase Agreement)
A long-term contract between an energy generator and a buyer, fixing the price and volume of electricity to be supplied — essential for project bankability.
Net Zero
The target of balancing greenhouse gas emissions produced with those removed from the atmosphere, legally binding in the UK by 2050.
Bankability
Whether a project's risk profile and contractual framework are acceptable to lenders for the purpose of providing project finance.
UK GDPR
The UK's own version of the EU General Data Protection Regulation, governing how organisations process personal data. It began as a straight copy but has genuinely diverged since the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 amended it.
RAB (Regulated Asset Base)
A funding model where investors earn a regulated return on capital deployed during construction, reducing risk and lowering the cost of finance for large infrastructure projects.
EPC Contract
An Engineering, Procurement, and Construction contract under which a single contractor takes responsibility for delivering a project to a fixed price, time, and specification.
Carbon Credit
A tradeable certificate representing the right to emit one tonne of carbon dioxide, used in compliance and voluntary carbon markets.