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Legal Counsel

Defence Builder is a Ukrainian defence-tech ecosystem built on three integrated pillars: accelerator, early-stage VC fund, and capabilities unit — designed to serve every major stakeholder in the defence market through one entry point at the intersection of capital, expertise, and infrastructure. We're looking for the key Legal Counsel driving the full legal function of the Defence Builder ecosystem.

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This is a senior-level role with broad ownership over venture investments, accelerator operations, cross-border legal structures, fundraising, partnerships, and regulatory compliance. The position is remote-friendly within the Ukraine time zone ±2 hours and involves close collaboration with founders, investors, corporate partners, and legal advisors across the US, UK, Europe, and Ukraine.

 In this role, you will design and implement the legal frameworks that support Defence Builder’s accelerator programs, investment activities, strategic partnerships, and international expansion. You will work closely with early-stage defense-tech companies, help structure investment transactions, ensure compliance across multiple jurisdictions, and build scalable legal processes that enable the ecosystem to grow.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Draft, review, and negotiate commercial and operational agreements, including service agreements, partner contracts, vendor agreements, and NDAs

  • Structure and optimize all tax-related matters across the global and local entities, ensuring compliance and efficiency within the ecosystem.

  • Identify, secure, and maintain licenses, permits, and regulatory approvals required for defense-tech operations and international fund management

  • Provide legal guidance on export control regulations, dual-use risks, and defense-tech regulatory requirements relevant to the accelerator ecosystem

  • Structure venture investment deals and prepare documentation, including convertible notes, SAFEs, and equity financing agreements for defense-tech startups

  • Manage day-to-day corporate governance, compliance, and maintenance for a network of global entities, multiple Ukrainian LLCs, and defense venture funds

  • Oversee legal operations and compliance for the associated Ukrainian non-governmental / public organization

  • Provide basic legal advisory and corporate support to accelerator portfolio startups and handle investment-related legal due diligence.

  • Collaborate closely with leadership, finance, and operations teams to ensure legal risk is identified and managed proactively

 REQUIREMENTS:

  • 4+ years of experience in Venture Capital, Tech M&A, or as an In-house Counsel at a mature Tech or Defense company

  • Proven understanding of venture investments, venture fund structures, corporate law, and cross-border tech regulations

  • Strong knowledge of international corporate law (US / Delaware, UK, Europe) and Ukrainian corporate and tax legislation

  • Practical experience in structuring investment deals (VC / Angel rounds) and conducting legal due diligence

  • Experience working with corporate governance and maintenance for multi-entity international structures

  • Strong contract drafting and negotiation skills in English and Ukrainian

  • Fluent English and Ukrainian (both written and spoken)

  • High level of autonomy and ability to work in a fast-paced and sometimes stressful environment

  • Strong risk assessment skills and the ability to propose pragmatic, business-oriented solutions

  • Working availability within the Ukraine time zone ±2 hours

 PERSONAL PROFILE:

  • Proactive and hands-on mindset with readiness to “own” the legal function

  • Excellent communication skills and ability to explain complex legal concepts in simple terms

  • Comfortable working independently with distributed international teams

  • Detail-oriented, organized, and reliable in meeting deadlines

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