Monthly people move spotlight: John Wayne Horton joins Lowenstein Sandler
Photo illustration: Axios Visuals. Photo: Courtesy of John Wayne Horton
John Wayne Horton was named partner in the emerging companies and venture capital practice in August at Lowenstein Sandler's Palo Alto office.
Why it matters: Horton will represent startups as outside general counsel, with an emphasis on venture capital financings, growth and private equity deals, merger and acquisition transactions and private tender offers.
State of play: Horton is the second partner to join Lowenstein's ECVC group in the last year. The same position has been advertised at other firms this summer, illustrating an increasing demand among early-stage companies.
- Blank Rome and Schwartz Sladkus Reich Greenberg Atlas announced recent ECVC practice additions.
- Sidley Austin brought new leadership to its venture capital fund formation practice.
"I look for founders that are willing to listen," Horton said. "It's neat seeing founders taking feedback, applying it to their business, and then seeing that business take off."
- Horton said during the pandemic years, recruitment was harder for the smaller firms while attorney head counts at the majority of largest law firms saw accelerated growth.
- "Those dominant firms over-rotated in a sense, and now it's an opportunity for me, and for Lowenstein, to capitalize on people in the market," he said.
📍 How he got here: Horton joins from Goodwin Procter, where he was a partner. He started his career as an M&A paralegal at Cooley. Horton said it's less about the industry sectors and more about being drawn to the startup environment.
- "I like being able to shepherd an early-stage client. There's these smart kids, they're really great at what they do — coding or making an app or whatever it is," Horton said. "Their idea is brilliant, but they need help running a business. I like being that point of contact."
🗣 What he's saying: "Tech and emerging companies aren't going away. The world is innovating so quickly, there's so much potential," Horton said. "I think venture is picking up. I think the low point is behind us. People are learning when to pivot."
Yes, but: Horton noted the uncertainty that comes with an election year and the increased scrutiny impacting companies and investors like the Corporate Transparency Act.
☕️ Fun fact: When asked for his thoughts on the pumpkin spice trend, Horton revealed he has never had coffee aside from one sip as a child.
- "I grew up in Seattle, so I'm supposed to be a coffee person. But now not drinking it is a point of pride," he said.
