On June 11, 2021, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced that it would focus on cybersecurity disclosures made by public companies as part of its regulatory agenda. Given the SEC’s continued interest in cybersecurity issues, high-profile ransomware attacks and executive orders issued by President Biden, it is no surprise that the SEC is
Tech Companies Come Together on Climate-Related Disclosures
In a comment letter to the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 11, seven well-known tech companies responded to SEC Acting Chair Allison Herren Lee’s March 2021 request for public input on climate change disclosures (see our related blog post). The letter expressed support for consistent reporting by public companies regarding climate-related matters.…
Investor Advisory Committee Discusses Rule 10b5-1
During its meeting on June 10, the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Investor Advisory Committee held a panel discussion regarding 10b5-1 plans, welcoming three market participants and academics. As we previously blogged, SEC Chair Gary Gensler asked for recommendations for the Commission’s consideration on how to “freshen up Rule 10b5-1.”
Dr. Dan Taylor, Associate…
US Investment Ban Targeting Companies Deemed Linked to Chinese Military Expanded to Chinese Surveillance Technology Sector
A new executive order (“EO”) signed by President Biden on June 3, 2021, amends existing prohibitions on US investments in companies that the US government has determined support the military of the People’s Republic of China (“PRC”). The EO, Executive Order 14032, builds on the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13959, signed by President…
View from the GC Remote Office: Top Issues in the Age of Digital
Webinar Event
Wednesday, October 28, 2020 | 3:00pm – 4:00pm EDT
Register here.
What are general counsel considering right now in the areas of data, digital, innovation and software?
Join Mayer Brown partner Michelle Ontiveros Gross for a virtual conversation with Erin Abrams, General Counsel of Via Transportation, Inc.; Louise Pentland, EVP, Chief…
Tech Financing and Operating Trends During COVID-19
Tech companies at all growth stages are facing capital raising and operating challenges brought about by the global COVID-19 pandemic. A recent CB Insights client briefing explored these novel business pressures.
To add some perspective, an analysis of earnings calls provided by CB Insights showed that the mentions of “layoffs,” “furloughs” and “hiring freezes” in…
A New Financing Environment: 2019 Tech Sector Trends in Review
The financing environment for startup companies in the technology sector has changed substantially over the last few years. As evidenced by findings in CB Insights’ latest report, The 2020 Tech IPO Pipeline, tech companies have raised more funding than ever before by accessing the private venture markets. These startups reach unicorn status well before…
Healthcare and Tech Remain Strong During Slow IPO Market
US IPO volume has declined by almost a quarter year-over-year, according to EY’s recent Global IPO trends report. To date, $44.5 billion in proceeds have been raised in 127 IPOs, 23% less than at the end of Q3 2018. The third quarter of 2019 alone saw 39 IPOs in the US, which raised $11.9…

