Jerome Ku, a partner in the firm's corporate and business transactions group, represents early-stage and emerging growth companies, venture capital and private equity firms, and other clients in California and beyond. Jerry counsels clients in heavily regulated industries on their most complex transactions, including high-dollar investments, high-value M&A deals, debt/equity financings, and commercial contracts, as well as corporate formation and governance matters.
Jerry is well regarded as a leader in the Bay Area legal establishment. He has served as the principal attorney for more than 300 venture/private equity investments and M&A transactions, in addition to various IPOs and joint ventures. Jerry's model clients include leading companies in the energy, mobility, telecom, food and beverage, entertainment, and healthcare sectors, with a focus on both traditional and emerging tech such as AI, SaaS, semiconductors, and blockchain. Jerry also co-authored "The Startup Legal Guide" in 2020 and is a contributor to the legal publication Venture Capital & Public Offering Negotiation.
Before joining DWT, Jerry was a partner in the Silicon Valley office of a global firm that caters to VC/PE and growth-stage clients; while there, he helped establish the firm's Beijing office and served on its pro bono committee and risk management committee. Jerry also has technology and securities practice experience at other Bay Area firms. He earned his J.D. from Columbia.
Admitted to Practice
- California, 2002
Education
- B.S., Duke University, 1998
- J.D., Columbia University, 2002
Languages
- Mandarin
Memberships & Affiliations
- Contributor, Venture Capital & Public Offering Negotiation, Wolters Kluwer, 2015-present
Background
- Partner, 2012-2024; Associate, 2011 – Gunderson Dettmer, Redwood City, Calif.
- Senior Associate, Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP, Menlo Park, Calif., 2006-2011
- Associate, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP, Palo Alto, Calif., 2003-2006