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Alexander Civetta

Partner
Boston
About
Alex focuses his practice on matters at the intersection of law and business, advising innovators and high-growth companies across industries, including biotechnology, software, energy transition, artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, consumer packaged goods, and sports and entertainment. He serves clients throughout the business lifecycle, including by negotiating complex financings, advising on technology transactions, and counseling first-time founders as they establish and grow their businesses. His experience includes private company financings across all stages and levels of complexity, as well as negotiating and advising on hundreds of technology, intellectual property (IP), and commercial contract matters each year. He works closely with clients to develop practical legal and business solutions aligned with their objectives.
Areas of FocusEmerging Growth and Venture CapitalTechnologyLife SciencesTechnology and Commercial TransactionsSustainabilityMedia Sports and EntertainmentMergers and Acquisitions
Bar admissionsMassachusetts
Alex is pragmatic and solution-oriented, and he always gets us what we need.
— Client, Chambers USA Review
Education
  • J.D., Harvard University
  • B.A., Yale University

EXPERIENCE

  • A USD134 million Series B financing for an energy technology company
  • A USD100 million Series A financing for a biotechnology company
  • Sale of a customer research platform company to a software company
  • A USD135 million collaboration agreement for a clinical-stage asset for a biotechnology company
  • A USD500 million, 25-year deal for a robotics and logistics company opposite a major grocery distributor
  • A USD11 million Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health subcontract arrangement for a biotechnology company opposite a top university medical school
  • A more than USD100 million exclusive licensing agreement opposite a major media company
  • A USD40 million sponsorship deal for a sportswear brand opposite a professional sports league
  • A USD14 million Series A financing for a land regeneration startup, including a side-by-side USD40 million commercial development deal with the lead investor
  • Simple Agreement for Future Equity and side-letter financings for multiple startups opposite incubator programs from venture firms
  • A USD30 million Series B financing for a software-as-a-service (SaaS) company, including a more than 30-transaction secondary sale
  • A USD20 million Series A financing for a digital health company, including strategic investors
  • A USD22 million convertible debt deal for a gene-editing company opposite a Singaporean government entity among other investors
  • A USD35 million Series A financing for a healthcare technology company, including a secondary sale
  • A USD12 million Series Seed financing for a synthetic biology company spun out of a leading research institution
  • A USD7 million Series A financing for a gut microbiome medical device company spun out of a leading research institution
  • A more than USD250 million long-term, cross-border supply and services agreement in wafer technology
  • A long-term strategic partnership and integration agreement for a loan trading platform opposite a large bank
  • A software development and SaaS integration agreement for AI-assisted tools opposite a Fortune 50 retailer
  • An out-license of platform technologies and patent portfolios from leading research institutions
  • A grant agreement and long-term IP-related partnership between a venture fund and a large research institution
  • A third-party logistics agreement for an ecommerce-based retailer
  • A strategic partnership and exclusive distribution agreement for a water filtration technology company
  • A development and distribution agreement for a smart-home technology provider opposite a major solar integrator

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

Chambers USA

  • Ranked, Band 5, Start Ups and Emerging Companies, 2026
  • Recognized, Up and Coming, Start Ups and Emerging Companies, 2022–2025

Best Lawyers

  • Recognized, Ones to Watch: Technology Law, 2024–2026
  • Recognized, Ones to Watch: Venture Capital Law, 2024–2026

Massachusetts Super Lawyers

  • Recognized, Rising Stars: Business/Corporate Transactions, 2025

Boston Magazine

  • Recognized, Top Lawyers - Corporate Law, 2021–2025

Massachusetts Super Lawyers

  • Recognized, Technology Transactions, 2023–2025

Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court

  • Named, Pro Bono Honor Roll, 2021

Seminars

  • Panelist, “How Innovation Ecosystems Change the Game: The Role of IP, Academic Institutions, and Startup Companies,” Navigating ROADMAP, December 2024
  • Panelist, “The Engine, Blueprint: Company Formation & Licensing,” The Engine, October 2023
  • Panelist, “University Licensing for Startups,” Nucleate Boston, April 2023
  • Panelist, “Startup Legal Basics,” SVB Hub Day, February 2023

Prior Experience

Alex has taught venture capital law at Boston University School of Law and negotiation at Harvard Law School and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Sloan School of Management. He has also taught in executive education programs through Harvard’s Program on Negotiation, helping business leaders and professionals strengthen their negotiation skills.

Additional Information

Alex is a Lawyer in Residence at Harvard Business School. He also regularly speaks at client training programs on topics including raising seed capital and negotiating significant collaboration agreements.

My latest insights

News
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DLA Piper strengthens Boston Corporate practice with leading Emerging Growth Partners Josh...

10 August 2026 .3 minute read

Connect

Phone

+1 617 406 6085
(Work, Boston)
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