Arjun Rao

Corporate lawyer — startups, venture deals and employment

Partner · Rao & Varma

Professional Summary

Sixteen years advising technology companies from incorporation to exit. Over 120 funding rounds closed, including three IPOs. I explain the risk, give a recommendation, and let you decide.

Work Experience

Partner, Rao & Varma

Hyderabad · Apr 2017 – Present

Founded the firm with Shalini Varma; 14 lawyers today, technology and venture focus.

Senior Associate, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas

Mumbai · Aug 2011 – Mar 2017

Private equity and M&A practice.

Associate, AZB & Partners

Bengaluru · Jul 2009 – Jul 2011

Education

B.A., LL.B. (Hons.), Law, NALSAR University of Law

Jul 2004 – May 2009

LL.M., Corporate law, University of Cambridge

Oct 2014 – Jul 2015

Certifications

Enrolled advocate — Bar Council of Telangana, Aug 2009
Independent Director (IICA) — Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs, Mar 2021

Achievements

Advised on 120+ funding rounds, 2009 – 2025
Three IPOs on the NSE, 2021 – 2024
Chambers Asia-Pacific — Ranked, Startups & Emerging Companies, 2024

Publications

Liquidation preferences, explained for founders — Rao & Varma Notes, Feb 2025 https://example.com/liqpref
ESOPs after the 2024 budget — Mint (op-ed), Aug 2024 https://example.com/esop

Languages

English (Fluent), Telugu (Native), Hindi (Fluent)