Ogier advises Index Ventures on its first Origin fund

Ogier's Jersey Investment Funds team has advised long-standing client Index Ventures on the establishment of Index Origin I, a US$200 million dedicated seed fund designed to give entrepreneurs around the world a foundation to build tomorrow’s iconic companies.

Index Origin brings together the focus and community of a dedicated seed fund with the resources, network, and reach of a multi-stage global venture firm. The new fund reflects the changing needs of founders, who face increasing pressure to grow, hire, and sign up customers faster than ever before.

With the launch of this dedicated global seed fund, Index Ventures increases the amount of capital available to seed-stage startups, provides tailored support and counsel, and, in partnership with seed investors, gives entrepreneurs the best chance at success from day one. Index Origin brings the total amount raised in the last 12 months to US$2.2 billion across three funds.

Partner Niamh Lalor, Ogier's head of Investment Funds in Jersey, said: "We are delighted to have assisted Index Ventures with the launch of their first Index Origin fund. Casting our minds back to their last double fundraise, which completed in the first lockdown, and acknowledging that we continue to work in challenging times, it is great to see that Index Ventures has once again achieved a smooth closing. Ogier's early adoption and fluent use of the market-leading technologies has become embedded in our culture, and it is great to see that borne out in smooth-closing mechanics in a remote-working environment."

Niamh led the team and was assisted by managing associate Alexandra O'Grady, senior associate Joanna Christensen, and associate Ryan Ripamonti.

As with previous fundraisings, the Ogier team worked closely with Index Ventures, Ropes & Gray as lead counsel, Travers Smith and administrator EFG Fund Services to deliver the fundraising on the target closing date.

Niamh added: "The launch of Index Origin as a Jersey Expert Fund demonstrates Jersey's reputation as a jurisdiction of choice for investor and manager-friendly fund vehicles."