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Julien Barbey

Of Counsel

New York

Julien is a New York startup and venture capital lawyer who serves as outside general counsel to high-growth technology companies from formation through exit, with a particular focus on founders building across Europe and the United States. He guides companies through venture financings, corporate governance and strategic transactions, representing both early-stage founders and some of the most prominent technology and fintech companies in the market.

Julien advises companies at every stage, from newly formed startups raising their first seed rounds to late-stage market leaders, on venture financings, employee equity, corporate governance and M&A. His clients include Stripe, Polymarket, PostHog, Noveon Magnetics, Pure Interactive Entertainment, The Token Company, Architect Labs, Prahelika, Ghost, Omen and Long Horizon, as well as Gorgias, Auterion and Flo Health. His practice covers a variety of companies including AI, fintech, prediction markets, blockchain, SaaS, direct-to-consumer and life sciences.

Julien has built close relationships with founders from leading startup accelerators, including Y Combinator, The Residency, Gradient, E14, FR8 and Prod. Fluent in French, he is also a go-to advisor for European founders building U.S. companies. On that work he partners with Orrick teams in Paris, London and Germany on cross-border tax, equity compensation and employment issues. He also represents venture capital investors, including TQ Ventures and Bek Ventures.

  • Before focusing on emerging companies, Julien practiced M&A, which shapes how he positions clients for a successful exit. He also worked as an in-house attorney at a late-stage startup. Julien is also heavily involved with the Columbia University start-up ecosystem and is an advisor to founders and a frequent speaker at student organized groups and events.