Pillsbury Emerging Companies and Venture Capital Expansion Continues with Addition of Austin-based Partner Valeska Pederson Hintz

Pederson Hintz’s arrival continues the significant, ongoing expansion of Pillsbury’s broad Tech and Life Sciences sector capabilities, particularly in connection with ECVC work. She is the tenth startup-focused lateral partner to join the team in just the past 24 months.

“Pillsbury is home to one of the world’s marquee Emerging Companies and Venture Capital practices, and the many impressive practitioners who have joined the group in recent months only reinforces that standout reputation,” said Firm Chair David Dekker. “Valeska’s arrival marks another significant addition to the team, further enhancing the technical sophistication, experience and market credibility we bring to bear for clients in Texas’ growing ECVC market and nationally.”

Pederson Hintz advises companies and investors on sophisticated transactions spanning the corporate life cycle, from minority investments to IPOs, tender offers, mergers and acquisitions, and other liquidity events. A trusted adviser to growth-stage companies, she works closely with management teams to establish corporate and governance frameworks that position their businesses for long-term growth. She also guides investors through complex investments and exits. With almost two decades of experience—including time as in-house counsel to a late-stage biotechnology company—she offers clients firsthand insight into the challenges and opportunities they face.

“Valeska is a known commodity with extensive connections to both the Austin and Silicon Valley technology ecosystems,” said Christina Pearson, the Global Co-Head of Pillsbury’s Corporate & Securities practice. “That broad network as well as her extensive experience in the defensetech, deeptech, energytech, AI, biotech and other high-growth industries enable her to serve as a critical bridge for those she represents. We are so excited to have her on board.”

“Texas is already home to a vibrant ecosystem of emerging companies, investors and innovators, and it just keeps growing,” added Steve Ryan, leader of Pillsbury’s Emerging Companies and Venture Capital practice. “Valeska’s arrival means we can keep pace with that growth. Together with Andy Smetana, Rita Kelrikh, Patrick Dolan and others, she further elevates Pillsbury’s standing within the local ECVC community.”

Pederson Hintz is the 50^thlateral partner to join Pillsbury since the beginning of 2025. Other prominent ECVC-focused additions to the firm in recent months include John Rockwell, Steven Green, Glenn Luinenburg and Todd Rumberger in Silicon Valley; Mike Flynn and Saarah Woodby in New York; Sarah Melaney in London; Scott Perlov in San Francisco; and Andy Smetana in Austin. In that span, Pillsbury also brought on VC-focused funds partners Eunice Choi in San Francisco and Silicon Valley and David Holland in Washington, D.C., and Technology Transactions partners Adam Chernichaw in New York and Daphne M. Higgs in Silicon Valley and London.

“With its market-leading startup capabilities, strong tech sector connections, broad global reach and renowned culture of collaboration, Pillsbury offers the perfect conditions to build and grow an ECVC practice,” Pederson Hintz said. “I’m thrilled for this opportunity and the impressive team I’ll get to work with, which includes a number of longtime friends and former colleagues who I deeply admire.”

Pillsbury’s Emerging Companies & Venture Capital team counsels high-growth enterprises and venture capital investors around the globe. The firm takes shoestring startups to market-leading positions, advising clients through venture financings, technology transactions and strategic partnerships, and helping clients navigate through exit strategies, including initial public offerings and strategic acquisitions.