Graham
Topa
Partner
Graham is a corporate lawyer who regularly acts as counsel to venture capital funds, banks and other institutional investors with respect to venture capital (debt and private equity), secured lending, senior and subordinated/mezzanine financings, and asset and share sale transactions. Graham also advises startups and emerging companies, including those in the social media, mobile application and technology sectors. He is committed to helping clients navigate legal and business challenges, and build the solid foundation that is required to develop, grow and expand their business.
Through an attentive and detailed-oriented approach to understanding and addressing clients’ needs, Graham fosters trust and confidence that matters will be handled with the utmost professionalism and timeliness.
As a member of the Capital Markets Group and Co-Leader of the Venture Finance Group, Graham advises on debt and equity financings, secured lending, mezzanine financings, mergers and acquisitions, asset and share sale transactions and general corporate and commercial matters. As part of Graham’s startups practice, he advises startups and emerging companies with respect to corporate structure, governance, financing and technology licensing and commercialization.
After summering and articling at Aird & Berlis, Graham joined the firm as an associate in 2014.
Professional Involvement
Memberships
- Canadian/Ontario Bar Association
- Canadian Venture Capital & Private Equity Association (CVCA)
"Corporate Law Basics for Founders and Startups," LaunchYU Educational Workshop, November 5, 2020.
“What Startups and Scaleups Need to Know about Corporate Law and IP,” Founder Institute, September 11, 2019.
“Legal Workshop,” LaunchYU Accelerator, May 20, 2019.
“Corporate Law 101 session,” VentureLab, March 20, 2019.
“Starting a Business in Fashion,” Business of Fashion Conference, October 4, 2016.
"A 'Green Rush' for Debt Financing?," Aird & Berlis LLP Collateral Matters, April 6, 2017.
"SR&ED - Tax Incentives for Startups," Aird & Berlis LLP StartupSource Featured Interview, March 2015.