Not many lawyers can say they had Ukrainian President Zelenskyy join one of their signing ceremonies, but it’s a claim that can be made by Stephenson Harwood funds partner Sarah de Ste Croix.
She led a team that oversaw Horizon Capital, a private-equity firm investing in high-growth tech businesses in Ukraine, raise $125m in the first close of its new growth fund. Working on the deal since 2021, the Stephenson Harwood partner and her team began fundraising for the Ukrainian fund just before Russia’s invasion. The war made this fund even more important for Ukraine, with de Ste Croix and the team all hands on deck to locate the capital. Back in September, the first phase closed after reaching 50 per cent of its $250m target. The Ukrainian President joined the signing ceremony via video link from his bunker, signalling how important the fund is to the country.
De Ste Croix also busies herself with her pro bono work, which includes volunteering at the Magistrates Court once or twice a month. She volunteers to act as a general counsel for the children’s charity Buttle UK, providing her time and skillset when the charity needs legal advice.