Quick Take
- Cooley handled 114 AI venture deals worth $20.4B in Q2, ranking #1 per PitchBook
- Firm led company representations with 73 deals totaling $3.37B
- Notable wins include Meta’s Scale AI investment and Meter’s $170M Series C
- Q2 performance builds on 2024’s 450+ deals worth $17.7B in AI sector
Cooley has established itself as the leading player in artificial intelligence legal services, securing the biggest slice of Q2 venture deals with $20.4 billion in transaction value across 114 deals, PitchBook data reveals. The Silicon Valley-based firm’s wide-ranging strategy covers both company and investor work, placing it squarely at the heart of AI’s funding surge.
The firm’s Q2 numbers show record-breaking activity in AI legal work, mirroring the huge capital flowing into the sector. Cooley handled 41 investor representation deals worth close to $17 billion, alongside its company-side portfolio totaling more than $3.37 billion across 73 transactions.
Dual-Sided Market Strategy Drives Success
Cooley’s dominance comes from its complete coverage of AI deal flow. This comprehensive approach gives the firm special insight into funding patterns and company requirements, creating clear advantages in deal construction and market knowledge.
Major transactions demonstrate the firm’s role in shaping significant AI deals. Cooley represented Meter on its $170 million Series C financing round, backing the enterprise internet infrastructure company’s expansion strategy. The firm also scored a big win advising Meta Platforms on its investment in Scale AI, which reached a valuation exceeding $29 billion in 2025.
M&A Practice Strengthens Market Position
Merger and acquisition work offers another growth channel for Cooley’s AI operations. The firm shared first place with nine reported AI company deals in Q2, showing expertise that goes well beyond venture capital work.
These deals typically involve complicated technology transfers and intellectual property issues that demand specialized legal know-how. The firm’s M&A team manages strategic acquisitions that help AI companies expand their capabilities across different technology areas.
Building on Strong Foundation
Cooley’s Q2 leadership extends Cooley’s Q2 dominance builds on impressive 2024 performance. PitchBook reports that “In 2024, Cooley ranked second overall for venture capital transactions involving AI companies, working on over 450 reported deals totaling more than $17.7 billion.”
Key 2024 deals included representing Cribl on its $319 million Series E round and Abnormal Security on its $250 million Series D financing. These transactions showcase the firm’s capacity to manage large, complex deals across various AI sectors.
Comprehensive Ecosystem Coverage
The firm’s work extends throughout the AI ecosystem beyond venture funding. Cooley manages capital markets deals, private equity transactions, and sophisticated M&A work across technology sectors, delivering complete advisory services for companies and funds alike.
From startup venture financing to public market activities, Cooley offers legal support at every major corporate milestone. This extensive service range lets the firm maintain client relationships as companies grow and evolve.
Market Implications for AI Investment
AI investment shows no signs of slowing despite economic headwinds. Companies continue rushing to secure funding, build strategic partnerships, and acquire complementary technologies before competition gets even tougher.
Legal expertise becomes critical as deal structures get more complex and valuations hit new records. Regulatory oversight is growing across AI applications, making experienced legal counsel essential for successful deals.
Cooley’s market leadership mirrors broader patterns in AI investment activity. The firm’s established client relationships and track record position it well to benefit from continued AI deal growth through 2025.
