US Scaleup Expansion Service
What is Project Frontier?
Project Frontier is Merton Lawyers' multi-year initiative connecting scaling Australian companies with America's leading venture-focused law firms - curating access to the strategic counsel and investor networks that power successful US expansion.
How did Project Frontier originate?
Merton Lawyers launched Project Frontier in 2021 after extensive research and consultation with Australian and American venture capitalists, limited partners, and government bodies to understand the critical barriers facing Australian companies seeking US expansion.
The insight was clear: access to top-tier US legal counsel is the requirement to successfully scale internationally, but often challenging without established networks.
The Project Frontier Solution?
Project Frontier connects scaling Australian companies with top-tier US law firms that form the legal backbone of Silicon Valley's venture ecosystem. Merton Lawyers provide curated introductions to the legal partners who structure venture deals and guide US market entry - opening the door to the strategic counsel and investor networks that power successful expansion.
Why Project Frontier?
Merton Lawyers has built deep relationships across Australia's startup ecosystem, advising founders, investors, and scaling companies at every stage of their journey - from idea to IPO. Project Frontier extends that commitment globally, leveraging our US relationships to provide Australian companies with curated access to top Silicon Valley's legal minds that founders often couldn't secure on their own.
Supported by
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"Thanks to Project Frontier, we entered the US market with more confidence. Merton’s unparalleled network with exceptional lawyers in Silicon Valley allowed us to quickly understand what our priorities are and minimise the chances of making costly mistakes. Also the program opened doors to a network of influential people from government, advisory and investment. Their service is a must for Australian founders."
Richard Li & Athan Didaskalou,
Co - Founders of July -
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"Merton Lawyers Project Frontier service was a game-changer for our company’s US expansion. Their partnership provided us access to world-class tech and VC lawyers, resulting in getting the most appropriate legal advice, the best commercial advice about expanding to the US, and invaluable introductions."
Alex Birch
Co - Founder & CEO of XY Sense -
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"We wanted to grow our business within the US market, but to do so we needed the connections and expertise to help us set up in the right way for long-term growth. Project Frontier provided us with an open door, enabling us to have easy conversations, with high quality contacts that have gone on to become trusted advisors. Merton Lawyers has taken the time to build a real network and they care about our business that’s what differentiates them and Project Frontier."
Sam Davy,
Founder of Park SSC -
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"I have been so impressed with Merton Lawyers and their Project Frontier program. Genuinely impressed. We have worked with Merton Lawyers for a number of years. We are doing frontier technology and Merton Lawyers was one of our earliest supporters- which takes courage. Through the Frontier program we always knew Merton are truly keeping an eye out for us, but their networking and introductions go a long way beyond most (or all) law firms. I’m forever thankful to Merton Lawyers for going the extra mile and I am looking forward to the day when I can pay it forwards."
Michael Read,
Founder of Skybase -
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"Merton Lawyers Project Frontier program has been a major assistance to Foodini as we have begun our process of expanding into the US market. To begin with, we received warm introductions to the top 2 US law firms who are experts in representing startups, and in particular startups who are entering the US market from abroad. They are also extremely well networked in the VC space with the ability to make intros to the top US VC firms. These are notoriously hard to get into, however following the warm introduction and an in person meeting, we received engagement letters from both. The Merton Lawyers team also provided introductions to top level executives in two of the largest hospitality groups in the US market, both of which resulted in in person meetings in NYC and which are progressing well. The general advice we received from the Merton Lawyers prior to flying to the US, both legal and practical, was also invaluable. And having trusted partners who have your back and will take a call to assist at any time is a rare commodity to have, and so I couldn't recommend this program highly enough."
Dylan McDonnell,
Founder & CEO of Foodini -
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"Through Frontier we’ve been able to get the best insight from the best tech lawyers in the world. We’ve also gained access to a who’s who of investors. It's allowed us to ensure we are making good decisions, expanding appropriately and protecting our investors."
Tommy Fraser,
Founder & CEO of Hood -
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"Merton Lawyers were instrumental in the early development of our start-up. Through Project Frontier, we have been able to gain access to their invaluable international connections which greatly facilitated our potential expansion to the USA. They arranged key meetings with expert legal firms, simplifying complex international legal matters and gaining access to knowledge that would have taken years to develop. Highly recommended for start-ups seeking comprehensive legal support."
Nadun Hennayaka,
Founder & CEO of Gaia Project Australia -
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" Merton Lawyers Project Frontier program is one of our key strategic plays for our US expansion. Merton Lawyers connections into the US opened doors to top-notch lawyers, government and partners, enabling us to make better decisions, get structured properly and establish crucial investor relationships."
Bevan Dooley,
Director of Janus Electric -
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"We have been lucky enough to be a part of the Project Frontier program with Merton Lawyers, they have been a huge support throughout our international expansion. The team has introduced us to 3 of the bigger law firms throughout the US which has led to building some networks we still connect with today. As we are about to launch in the US both online and through retailers we have met with multiple large VC's who we have met multiple times and hope to assist us with enormous growth. Another key introduction was to one of the largest Korean food and beverages companies who we look to work within a number of ways from manufacturing to distribution. Working alongside Anthony and his team has been extremely beneficial to our business but especially us as founders building our networks and allowing our business to grow rapidly. We are excited to continue working with Merton Lawyers and continue growing the brand into new markets around the globe."
Tim O'Sullivan,
Co - Founder & CEO of Bae Juice -
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"Merton Lawyers are the best advisors on the planet for Australian start-ups looking to expand into the USA. They have a wealth of experience, a network of contacts, and a passion for bridging the gap between the two countries. We couldn’t have done it without Merton Lawyers and Project Frontier. They are more than just advisors, they are partners and friends. They genuinely care about our success and our vision. They are the best in the business, and we highly recommend them to any Australian start-up looking to break into the USA market."
Alex Wilson & Amy Bett
Co Founders of Melo
How Project Frontier Works
Assess
Merton meets with your team to understand your US expansion goals and determine readiness
Connect
Curated introductions to leading Silicon Valley law firms, matched to your sector and stage
Meet
Direct conversations with each firm to explore strategic fit meets with each of the US law firms
Decide
Merton supports you selecting the right legal partner to power your US entry
Network
Strengthen your position locally and internationally through relationships that extend well beyond legal counsel the risk associated with expansion to the US
How Project Frontier Assists
Capital
Access pathways to US venture capital through the investor networks of Silicon Valley's most connected law firms the company to the US more quickly
Confidence
Reduce risk and uncertainty of US expansion with experienced partners who’ve guided 100’s of companies on the same capital access journey
Velocity
Accelerate your understanding of the US market with advisors embedded in Silicon Valley's ecosystem from day one local and international network