WELCOME TO SYNCHZIPPED
 
As we finish up 2021 and move forward into 2022, we are launching our new newsletter SynchZipped.
 
Since Synch was founded in 2014, we’ve met countless businesses, often startups and fast growing companies within tech.
 
If there’s anything I learned throughout the years, it is that everyone I meet has an interesting story to tell, either related to their business journey or related to what is happening in their specific industry.
 
My hope for this newsletter is that it can give the readers, our clients and friends of Synch, more insight on what is happening here at Synch. I also hope that it will contribute to insights on trends that we see in the field that we are in, both when it comes to law and when it comes to the tech- and startup scene.

It is brought to you in a "zipped" format where you can follow links to unzip more information should you find the content interesting.

 
Next time we are in contact, or the next time you visit our office, let me know if you have any comments and what you would like to read more about!
 
Jim
 
CUSTOMER HIGHLIGHTS
 

We have so many talented and leading edge customers with fantastic potential. We are proud of them and love to share their successes with you.
 
WINNERS
 

Investure was recognized by Mastercard Lighthouse MASSIV for their work to increase the flow of private and catalytic capital into development and impact projects via their Funding Platform.

Congratulations! 

If you want to learn more about the Mastercard Lighthouse Programme you can talk to Jim Runsten who is on the Advisory Board for this excellent programme. 
 
LEGAL WATCHOUT
 

Things are happening all the time. Legislators, courts and other relevant bodies are kept busy, so here are a few highlights of things you may want to know about.
 
INCREASED OPPORTUNITIES TO IMPLEMENT QUALIFIED EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTION

In the budget bill for 2022, the Swedish government proposes amendments to the regulations on taxation of employee stock options.

As of today, employee stock options have not been taxed as income of employment if certain requirements of the issuing company, and the employee, have been met. These so called qualified employee stock options are viewed as a favourable incentive program as taxation only occurs on the sales profit (if any).

With the proposed amendments to the exemption, the government aims to include more companies and thereby help young businesses attract and retain key personnel. The new proposal provides increased opportunities for companies to issue qualified employee stock options, although debate on whether the exemption should be even more inclusive continues. 

Read more
BLOCKCHAIN

More and more people are familiar with the term “blockchain” however, not everyone would claim that they get it or that they are sure what it is supposed to be used for.

This fantastic and sometimes mysterious invention has created a great deal of interest in the field of innovation among startups, cryptocurrency enthusiasts, governments, the arts, etc. As blockchain is a new phenomenon, it is still unregulated and the law around the area is difficult and uncertain.


To create more awareness on the subject, Synch's FinTech expert Johan Ragnar is bringing up the subject in a number of articles published on the legal knowledge site Lexiqon deal with blockchain, cryptocurrencies and so-called Non Fungible Tokens from a legal perspective where he starts with Blockchain. Upcoming articles will appear in SynchDeflate!

Read more
STANDARD CONTRACTUAL CLAUSES

As of September 27th, 2021, companies and organisations relying on Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) to transfers personal data outside the EU/EAA must use the new set of Standard Contractual Clauses (2021 SCCs) for all new contracts.

First of all, the 2021 SCCs introduces a modular approach meaning that some provisions are general to all transfers and others are specific to the applicable module.

Second of all, 2021 SCCs include provisions with regard to assessing the local law of third countries where personal data will be processed and how local government authorities may access personal data in the importing country.

Finally it introduces a docking clause which provides a mechanism enabling multi party agreements. This means that the contracting parties are required to assess and analyse all relevant aspects of the transfer and to apply supplement safeguards to ensure that the protection of natural persons is not undermined.


Read more
 
MEET THE TEAM
 

The world is constantly evolving and so are we. We hope that you will engage with us at the next opportunity so here is some info on our new team and where to met with us next.
SYNCH 4 DAYS

In January we welcome you back to our signature event, Synch 4 days!
 
During 4 days, from January 24th to January 27th, lawyers and experts from Synch, as well as guest speakers, will delve into topics such as law and legal tech.
 
Synch 4 days is a chance to listen in to interesting speakers, but also to discuss legal topics and have interesting conversations with people that are in the same, or related, fields.
 
Our vision for Synch 4 days is for it to be a platform for forward-looking conversations and inspirational discussions.
 
After having a digital version of the event last year we are now happy to welcome you back to our office at Birger Jarlsgatan 6. The event will be hybrid, and the amount of spots available at our office will be limited.
 
We will soon release the schedule and announce this year's speakers. So stay tuned for more information on the event, and how to register!
NEW COLLEGUES
 
 
Elisavet Dravalou
 
Elisavet is an Attorney-at-Law since 2015 in Greece, holder of 2 L.LMs in EU law, specialized in data protection.

She has been working exclusively with data protection, both in Stockholm and in the UK, the past 3.5 years. For her, GDPR is more of an enabler than a blocker for businesses, an approach she brings to work with clients.

The reason for choosing Synch was because of the modernity, transparency and fairness. The one thing she appreciated the most was the sense of inclusion and respect. Outside of Synch the appreciation lies in reading a nice book while travelling to another country where exploring different cultures and food with friends.
Olof Hultén
 
Olof has a master of laws from the University of Gothenburg, after having been on an exchange program in Singapore.

After three years of working in Gothenburg he wanted a change and moved to Stockholm and Synch, focusing on M&A and corporate law. He is happy ending up at Synch for the modernity, forward and up-to-speed mindset and technical solutions. He appreciates working in the field of M&A because of the extreme level of competence, the social environment and the to-the-point mindset.

Outside of Synch he likes to produce music, a nice way of putting your mind to something relaxing. Like all other millenials he also likes to cook.
 
GET SYNCHED
 

Innovation is at the core of our heart. We are trying to bring you new products and services for you to have peace of mind.

WESYNCH WHISTLE

On the 17th of December 2021, the new Swedish Act on Whistleblower Protection will enter into force. The Act sets extensive requirements on companies. As an example, organizations with 50 or more employees will have to establish internal whistleblowing systems and appoint a case manager.

Furthermore, all organizations will need to be able to ensure the protection of a whistleblower. As with the GDPR-stress in 2018, it may be challenging to know where to start. To simplify, Synch has created a new product, WeSynch Whistle, to help companies comply with the new Swedish Act on Whistleblower Protection.