🚀 MDIA SME Series: Attracting UK & US Investment for Maltese Startups

26 November 2025

2:00 PM ”“ 5:00 PM (GMT+1)

DiHubMT, Twenty20 Business Centre, Birkirkara, Malta

Hosted by: Malta Digital Innovation Authority MDIA

Speakers from: Chetcuti Cauchi Advocates and MBM Commercial LLP (UK)

The Malta Digital Innovation Authority (MDIA) SME Series is an educational programme designed to help SMEs and startups navigate digital transformation, regulatory expectations and growth challenges. It aims to empower founders by giving them access to expert insights, sector-specific knowledge and practical tools for scaling sustainably within Malta and beyond.

This event focuses specifically on helping Maltese founders understand international investor expectations, with an emphasis on the UK and US - two of the world’s most active startup funding markets.

UK and US investors expect clarity, structure and professionalism from the startups they support. This seminar explores:

• The legal structures preferred by UK and US investors
• Investor expectations on governance, financials and compliance
• IP ownership and documentation standards
• Cross-border marketing considerations (UK FCA / US SEC)
• How to communicate traction and scalability credibly
• Practical pitfalls that discourage international investors

The session is designed to be actionable, giving founders specific steps to take before engaging with investors abroad.

Read more: Malta Startups: How to Attract UK and US Investors

Danielle Mercieca  Senior Associate, Chetcuti Cauchi Advocates

Danielle Mercieca is a Senior Associate within the firm’s corporate and commercial practice. She advises technology companies, scaling SMEs and international investors on corporate structuring, governance frameworks, commercial contracting and regulatory considerations.
Her experience spans complex cross-border transactions, startup advisory and investor-readiness projects for early-stage and growth-stage ventures. Danielle’s insights will focus on structuring Maltese startups for international investment, documentation standards, and the legal frameworks that UK and US investors expect.

Alexander Lamley  Partner, MBM Commercial (UK)

Alexander Lamley is a Partner at MBM Commercial, a leading UK law firm specialising in startups, venture capital transactions, high-growth companies and entrepreneurial advisory.
He advises founders, angel syndicates and VC funds on investment rounds, shareholder arrangements, equity structuring, commercial agreements and dispute avoidance.
Alexander will bring the UK investor perspective, highlighting what UK angels, VCs and private offices look for in foreign startups and the fundraising instruments commonly used in UK dealmaking.

Access to UK and US capital opens the door to:

• Larger funding rounds
• Access to global networks
• Expertise, mentoring and commercial partnerships
• Faster scaling pathways
• International market reach

However, to succeed in these markets, founders need a clear understanding of investor expectations — not just commercially, but legally and structurally. This seminar bridges that knowledge gap and equips Maltese founders to navigate it confidently.

Join the MDIA SME Series Session

>> REGISTER HERE <<

DiHubMT serves as a central hub for innovation, collaboration and digital transformation in Malta. As a dedicated environment for entrepreneurs, technologists and SMEs, DiHubMT provides workspace, community support and access to a nationwide ecosystem of partners. Its mission is to strengthen Malta’s innovation capacity by enabling knowledge exchange, facilitating industry”“academia collaboration, and supporting events that bring together practitioners, professionals and founders. As host of this session, DiHubMT provides an accessible setting for Malta’s startup community to learn, network and engage with industry experts.

The Malta Digital Innovation Authority (MDIA) is the Maltese national authority responsible for promoting, supporting and regulating technological innovation in Malta. Through initiatives such as the SME Series, MDIA provides practical tools, regulatory guidance and capability-building programmes that empower local startups and small businesses to innovate responsibly and grow sustainably. MDIA’s mandate includes fostering trust in digital technologies, supporting the adoption of emerging tech, and helping businesses navigate compliance, governance and operational challenges in an increasingly digital economy.

Our Startup Lawyers team supports founders and startups with:

• Investor-ready company structuring
• Shareholder agreements and governance frameworks
• IP assignment and protection
• SAFE / convertible note drafting under Maltese law
• Cross-border investment compliance
• Founder alignment and documentation preparation
• Contracting, data protection and market expansion strategies

We help Maltese startups prepare for conversations with UK and US investors by ensuring their legal groundwork aligns with international expectations.