The LathamTECH Podcast

The explosive demand for AI and data center capacity has unleashed a wave of innovation and investment across energy technology. From fuel cells and geothermal energy to small modular nuclear reactors, a range of technologies seeks to power the next generation of digital infrastructure. At the same time, energy tech companies face a unique set of challenges — including navigating conservative investor profiles, securing the right capital partners, and adapting to a shifting regulatory and policy environment. In this episode of The LathamTECH Podcast, James Garrett, Global Vice Chair of Latham's M&A and Private Equity Practice, and Scott Craig, a partner in the firm's Emerging Companies & Growth Practice, discuss the complexities of energy tech, where the opportunities lie, and what companies and investors need to know as the sector continues to evolve.   This podcast is provided as a service of Latham & Watkins LLP. Listening to this podcast does not create an attorney client relationship between you and Latham & Watkins LLP, and you should not send confidential information to Latham & Watkins LLP. While we make every effort to assure that the content of this podcast is accurate, comprehensive, and current, we do not warrant or guarantee any of those things and you may not rely on this podcast as a substitute for legal research and/or consulting a qualified attorney. Listening to this podcast is not a substitute for engaging a lawyer to advise on your individual needs. Should you require legal advice on the issues covered in this podcast, please consult a qualified attorney. Under New York's Code of Professional Responsibility, portions of this communication contain attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results depend upon a variety of factors unique to each representation. Please direct all inquiries regarding the conduct of Latham and Watkins attorneys under New York's Disciplinary Rules to Latham & Watkins LLP, 1271 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020, Phone: 1.212.906.1200

Trade secrets litigation is a pivotal concern for high-tech companies, particularly with the explosive growth of sectors like AI, chips, and life sciences. Meanwhile, companies' expanding geographical footprints and the movement of talent across borders have led to an increase in cross-border disputes, posing significant legal risks for companies and their intellectual property. As the landscape of trade secrets litigation evolves, companies must consider robust protocols and proactive strategies to limit litigation exposure. In this episode of The LathamTECH Podcast, Tony Sammi, Global Vice Chair of Latham's Technology Industry Group, and Rachel Blitzer, a partner in the firm's Intellectual Property Litigation Practice, draw on their extensive experience representing clients in high-stakes, ground-breaking intellectual property matters to explore trade secrets' litigation risks and how tech companies can avoid landing in court in the first place.   This podcast is provided as a service of Latham & Watkins LLP. Listening to this podcast does not create an attorney client relationship between you and Latham & Watkins LLP, and you should not send confidential information to Latham & Watkins LLP. While we make every effort to assure that the content of this podcast is accurate, comprehensive, and current, we do not warrant or guarantee any of those things and you may not rely on this podcast as a substitute for legal research and/or consulting a qualified attorney. Listening to this podcast is not a substitute for engaging a lawyer to advise on your individual needs. Should you require legal advice on the issues covered in this podcast, please consult a qualified attorney. Under New York's Code of Professional Responsibility, portions of this communication contain attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results depend upon a variety of factors unique to each representation. Please direct all inquiries regarding the conduct of Latham and Watkins attorneys under New York's Disciplinary Rules to Latham & Watkins LLP, 1271 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020, Phone: 1.212.906.1200

Stablecoins — digital assets designed to maintain a stable value by pegging them to a reserve of assets — can serve as a crucial bridge between traditional finance and the digital economy. As these digital assets continue to evolve, they are poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of global finance, offering new opportunities for innovation and efficiency. At the same time, regulatory frameworks across regions continue to evolve to accommodate stablecoins' unique characteristics and seek to address related challenges. In this episode of The LathamTECH Podcast, Zachary Fallon and Gabriel Lakeman, Global Co-Chairs of Latham's Digital Assets & Web3 Practice, examine the regulations and key considerations for companies involved with stablecoins in the US and EU/UK.   This podcast is provided as a service of Latham & Watkins LLP. Listening to this podcast does not create an attorney client relationship between you and Latham & Watkins LLP, and you should not send confidential information to Latham & Watkins LLP. While we make every effort to assure that the content of this podcast is accurate, comprehensive, and current, we do not warrant or guarantee any of those things and you may not rely on this podcast as a substitute for legal research and/or consulting a qualified attorney. Listening to this podcast is not a substitute for engaging a lawyer to advise on your individual needs. Should you require legal advice on the issues covered in this podcast, please consult a qualified attorney. Under New York's Code of Professional Responsibility, portions of this communication contain attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results depend upon a variety of factors unique to each representation. Please direct all inquiries regarding the conduct of Latham and Watkins attorneys under New York's Disciplinary Rules to Latham & Watkins LLP, 1271 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020, Phone: 1.212.906.1200

The rise in tokenization is transforming the financial landscape, allowing for more efficient and accessible transactions. Differing regulatory regimes across regions, however, shape how companies can approach and implement tokenized financial instruments. In the EU and UK, regulatory frameworks are evolving to accommodate innovative tokenized structures, focusing on compliance and integration within existing financial systems. Meanwhile, the US has grappled with regulatory challenges as it seeks to balance innovation with investor protection. In this episode of The LathamTECH Podcast, Zachary Fallon and Gabriel Lakeman, Global Co-Chairs of Latham's Digital Assets & Web3 Practice, draw on their extensive experience advising companies on regulations and innovative financial technologies to explore these differing approaches to tokenization and what they mean for companies.   This podcast is provided as a service of Latham & Watkins LLP. Listening to this podcast does not create an attorney client relationship between you and Latham & Watkins LLP, and you should not send confidential information to Latham & Watkins LLP. While we make every effort to assure that the content of this podcast is accurate, comprehensive, and current, we do not warrant or guarantee any of those things and you may not rely on this podcast as a substitute for legal research and/or consulting a qualified attorney. Listening to this podcast is not a substitute for engaging a lawyer to advise on your individual needs. Should you require legal advice on the issues covered in this podcast, please consult a qualified attorney. Under New York's Code of Professional Responsibility, portions of this communication contain attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results depend upon a variety of factors unique to each representation. Please direct all inquiries regarding the conduct of Latham and Watkins attorneys under New York's Disciplinary Rules to Latham & Watkins LLP, 1271 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020, Phone: 1.212.906.1200

As the technology industry continues to evolve, acquihires have emerged as a strategic tool for companies seeking to acquire top talent without the complexities of traditional acquisitions. Like with any transaction model, however, acquihires come with their own set of challenges and potential pitfalls that companies must navigate to ensure successful outcomes. In this episode of The LathamTECH Podcast, Tessa Bernhardt, a partner in Latham's M&A and Private Equity practice, and Greg Roussel, a partner in the M&A and Emerging Companies & Growth practices who developed the acquihire process, explore how acquihires are reshaping the tech M&A landscape, and how companies can strategically acquire talent to advance their business goals.   This podcast is provided as a service of Latham & Watkins LLP. Listening to this podcast does not create an attorney client relationship between you and Latham & Watkins LLP, and you should not send confidential information to Latham & Watkins LLP. While we make every effort to assure that the content of this podcast is accurate, comprehensive, and current, we do not warrant or guarantee any of those things and you may not rely on this podcast as a substitute for legal research and/or consulting a qualified attorney. Listening to this podcast is not a substitute for engaging a lawyer to advise on your individual needs. Should you require legal advice on the issues covered in this podcast, please consult a qualified attorney. Under New York's Code of Professional Responsibility, portions of this communication contain attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results depend upon a variety of factors unique to each representation. Please direct all inquiries regarding the conduct of Latham and Watkins attorneys under New York's Disciplinary Rules to Latham & Watkins LLP, 1271 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020, Phone: 1.212.906.1200

The US has long been the focal point for tech companies that want to develop next-generation products — and attract the funding and talent needed for global success. Over the years though London has emerged as another leading global hub for emerging technologies, offering unique access to markets in Europe and the Middle East, and to expertise that tech companies require as they seek investments and user bases around the world. From AI and defense tech to fintech and video games, London continues to delivers top class talent, strategic partnerships, and market intelligence. In this episode of The LathamTECH Podcast, Shing Lo and Mike Turner, partners in Latham's emerging companies and growth practice, discuss how London has become  pivotal to success for the tech sector, and what opportunities lie ahead.   This podcast is provided as a service of Latham & Watkins LLP. Listening to this podcast does not create an attorney client relationship between you and Latham & Watkins LLP, and you should not send confidential information to Latham & Watkins LLP. While we make every effort to assure that the content of this podcast is accurate, comprehensive, and current, we do not warrant or guarantee any of those things and you may not rely on this podcast as a substitute for legal research and/or consulting a qualified attorney. Listening to this podcast is not a substitute for engaging a lawyer to advise on your individual needs. Should you require legal advice on the issues covered in this podcast, please consult a qualified attorney. Under New York's Code of Professional Responsibility, portions of this communication contain attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results depend upon a variety of factors unique to each representation. Please direct all inquiries regarding the conduct of Latham and Watkins attorneys under New York's Disciplinary Rules to Latham & Watkins LLP, 1271 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020, Phone: 1.212.906.1200

As 2025 began, the tech industry anticipated that regulators in the US, EU, and beyond may adopt a more business-friendly approach to antitrust, potentially easing the scrutiny on M&A activities. Opportunities certainly exist to get deals done, but antitrust remains a challenging and complex regulatory environment, for tech companies in particular. In this episode of The LathamTECH Podcast, Kelly Fayne and Tessa Bernhardt, partners in Latham's Antitrust and M&A practices, discuss the current and expected antitrust regulatory landscape, and how tech companies are working ahead to smooth the paths for their transactions.   This podcast is provided as a service of Latham & Watkins LLP. Listening to this podcast does not create an attorney client relationship between you and Latham & Watkins LLP, and you should not send confidential information to Latham & Watkins LLP. While we make every effort to assure that the content of this podcast is accurate, comprehensive, and current, we do not warrant or guarantee any of those things and you may not rely on this podcast as a substitute for legal research and/or consulting a qualified attorney. Listening to this podcast is not a substitute for engaging a lawyer to advise on your individual needs. Should you require legal advice on the issues covered in this podcast, please consult a qualified attorney. Under New York's Code of Professional Responsibility, portions of this communication contain attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results depend upon a variety of factors unique to each representation. Please direct all inquiries regarding the conduct of Latham and Watkins attorneys under New York's Disciplinary Rules to Latham & Watkins LLP, 1271 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020, Phone: 1.212.906.1200

The global fintech industry finds itself experiencing a sea change. The US seems on the cusp of regulatory changes, as the Securities and Exchange Commission shifts its attitude toward digital assets under a new administration; across the pond, the EU recently introduced its new Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation to streamline the adoption of blockchain technology. With different enforcement postures worldwide, many fintech companies remain in a holding pattern to see how these developments will shape the industry. In this episode of The LathamTECH Podcast, Stephen Wink and Stuart Davis, Co-Chairs of Latham's Fintech Industry Group, discuss the shifting crypto regulatory landscape across the US and Europe, and how tech companies can adapt to these developments.   This podcast is provided as a service of Latham & Watkins LLP. Listening to this podcast does not create an attorney client relationship between you and Latham & Watkins LLP, and you should not send confidential information to Latham & Watkins LLP. While we make every effort to assure that the content of this podcast is accurate, comprehensive, and current, we do not warrant or guarantee any of those things and you may not rely on this podcast as a substitute for legal research and/or consulting a qualified attorney. Listening to this podcast is not a substitute for engaging a lawyer to advise on your individual needs. Should you require legal advice on the issues covered in this podcast, please consult a qualified attorney. Under New York's Code of Professional Responsibility, portions of this communication contain attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results depend upon a variety of factors unique to each representation. Please direct all inquiries regarding the conduct of Latham and Watkins attorneys under New York's Disciplinary Rules to Latham & Watkins LLP, 1271 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020, Phone: 1.212.906.1200

The trend of RSU (Restricted Stock Units) participation in secondary markets is transforming how private tech companies manage employee equity. As companies remain private for longer, the need for employee liquidity options grows, prompting a focus on double trigger RSUs and their tax implications. This shift challenges companies to balance talent retention with legal and financial considerations, offering a glimpse into the future of employee equity and corporate growth strategies. In this episode of The LathamTECH Podcast, Seth Gottlieb, Global Vice Chair of Latham's Technology Industry Group, speaks to fellow partner Ashley Wagner to explore the evolving dynamics of tender offers and secondaries for tech companies. They also discuss the strategic implications of incorporating liquidity-contingent RSUs, and how these developments reshape employee equity and corporate strategies.    This podcast is provided as a service of Latham & Watkins LLP. Listening to this podcast does not create an attorney client relationship between you and Latham & Watkins LLP, and you should not send confidential information to Latham & Watkins LLP. While we make every effort to assure that the content of this podcast is accurate, comprehensive, and current, we do not warrant or guarantee any of those things and you may not rely on this podcast as a substitute for legal research and/or consulting a qualified attorney. Listening to this podcast is not a substitute for engaging a lawyer to advise on your individual needs. Should you require legal advice on the issues covered in this podcast, please consult a qualified attorney. Under New York's Code of Professional Responsibility, portions of this communication contain attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results depend upon a variety of factors unique to each representation. Please direct all inquiries regarding the conduct of Latham and Watkins attorneys under New York's Disciplinary Rules to Latham & Watkins LLP, 1271 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020, Phone: 1.212.906.1200