Mike Katz is a partner in Manatt’s Financial Services group. Having worked across all aspects of legal, regulatory and policy in the startup and digital asset space, Mike strengthens Manatt’s work with startups, emerging companies and investment funds operating at the cutting-edge of innovation, including cryptocurrency, blockchain, artificial intelligence, fintech and other emerging technologies.
Mike acts as a strategic adviser to emerging growth companies and investors across a range of transactions, from formation through funding and exits. He has served as a trusted counsel to tech companies and venture funds providing legal, strategic and operational guidance at all stages of growth. In particular, he offers practical advice to management teams and investors to help startups and venture capital funds navigate overlapping corporate and regulatory issues as a true business partner. Mike has also led the legal and regulatory processes for various equity, crypto, private fund, capital markets and credit investments, and has managed and developed advocacy and public policy strategy for stakeholders across numerous industries. Additionally, Mike has notable litigation and investigation experience, including liaising with state and federal regulators on various matters, and he brings experience dealing with blockchain bankruptcies and crisis management.
Prior to joining Manatt, Mike served as Head of Legal with a leading digital asset venture capital company, gaining significant crypto, DeFi, payments and emerging company experience. He has provided legal, strategic and operational guidance to technology and growth clients in all stages of development, from incorporation to exit, and has led the legal process for venture capital funds in formation fundraising and investing cycles. Mike has also represented blockchain and cryptocurrency companies in token sales, SAFTs and provided cutting edge legal analysis and research on the related regulatory, privacy and cybersecurity issues. In addition, he has represented clients in mergers and acquisitions, lending, distressed debt, and restructuring deals.