Proptech, energytech and cleantech

Rapid advancements in property, energy, and clean technologies are reshaping industries, driven by global sustainability targets, digital transformation, and evolving consumer expectations. Those operating within proptech, energytech, and cleantech face significant opportunities, as well as regulatory complexities and technological challenges. At Penningtons Manches Cooper, we guide our clients through these dynamic markets, enabling them to leverage innovation effectively and sustainably.

Support for clients at the forefront of change

Our integrated team provides comprehensive legal and commercial advice to a diverse range of clients, from tech startups and entrepreneurs to large-scale investors, developers, utilities, and real estate businesses. Combining expertise from our construction, real estate, commercial, intellectual property, finance, and regulatory practices, we offer solutions tailored precisely to our clients’ distinct requirements, encouraging growth at every stage.

We assist clients with navigating the financing landscape, including structuring and managing green investments, funding rounds, joint ventures, and spin-out projects. Our experience of the procurement, development, and deployment of technology solutions ensures our clients’ projects align effectively with their business objectives, whether in renewable energy, clean technology infrastructure, or smart building systems.

Intellectual property rights are central to progress within these sectors. Our specialists help clients protect and enforce their technologies, securing maximum competitive advantage. Whether negotiating commercial agreements, handling licensing, collaboration and supply contracts, or advising on regulatory compliance and cybersecurity, our team gives robust and pragmatic support that addresses both current and future risks.

Environmental sustainability, net-zero targets, and ESG criteria increasingly define sector priorities. Our legal experts act for clients on complex land development agreements, leases, infrastructure projects, and compliance with evolving planning and environmental regulations. We assist with successfully integrating energy-efficient solutions, IoT infrastructure, EV charging networks, AI-driven predictive maintenance technologies, and data-driven management systems to enhance property portfolios. We also advise on public procurement aspects.

Penningtons Manches Cooper is recognised for its strength in the technology sector.

Data protection and privacy compliance are critical aspects across these technology-driven areas. We provide bespoke guidance to ensure clients effectively manage data-related risks, maintain regulatory compliance, and secure personal and proprietary information. Whether exploring IoT deployment, tenant portals, smart building systems, or AI technologies, we help implement strong frameworks to mitigate risk and safeguard operations.

We are dedicated to supporting clients at the forefront of advances in proptech, energytech and cleantech, ensuring that they are positioned to capitalise on transformative opportunities and approach sector-specific challenges with confidence and clarity.

How we help our clients

Financing, investments, and joint ventures, including green funding

Spin-outs, technology transfer, and commercialisation

Commercial agreements for R&D collaborations, supply chains, manufacturing, and licensing

Intellectual property protection, enforcement, and data licensing

Data protection, privacy compliance, and consumer law (including tenant portals)

IoT, smart buildings and cities, and property management technology

AI-driven solutions for predictive maintenance and energy efficiency

EV infrastructure, mobility solutions, drones, and robotics applications

Land development, leases, and real estate portfolio management

Infrastructure projects, procurement strategies, and project structuring

Regulatory compliance, cybersecurity, and risk management

Planning, environmental law, and ESG-related compliance

Useful resources

Beyond the code podcast: The legalities of AI

Digital shifts and legal turns podcast – Guiding your digital transformation journey

Recent work highlights

Large-scale photovoltaic panel installation

Advising a landowner in relation to the planning and implementation of photovoltaic panel solutions which were deployed across commercial premises, and the associated commercial arrangements.

EV charging network rollouts

Working with multiple electronic vehicle charging network providers to assist with their roll out across the UK market, drafting numerous scheme documents including framework agreements, licences and leases.

UK’s first operational data trust

Structuring the legal framework of the UK’s first fully functioning data trust, enabling it to act as a neutral steward for the ethical and fair sharing of data for multiple projects within the construction industry.

Smart energy and data solutions

Working with smart metering providers and a start-up domestic energy supply company in relation to energy solutions, including on contracts for the development, installation and maintenance of smart meters, and data protection matters.

Energy consumption tracking software

Advising an energy SaaS provider on a platform enabling investors and landlords to monitor and manage energy consumption across their building portfolio, increasing the visibility of environmental impacts and opportunities to reduce costs.

Radio access network joint venture

Acting for a telecommunications infrastructure outsourcer on a JV between mobile technology providers and network operators for the operation of its radio access tower network, including negotiating the master site service delivery agreement.

Social housing digital transformation

Assisting a large social housing provider with its digital transformation journey, including outsourced software development projects for the creation of a new platform to streamline responses to tenant issues.

Hyperscale data centre investment

Advising a leading technology infrastructure provider on the telecommunications regulatory and contractual aspects of its strategic investment into a hyperscale data centre.

Predictive maintenance technology deployment

Acting for an AI provider of predictive maintenance technology in its negotiations with an international automotive manufacturer, implementing this technology in several of its global factories.

Inertial fusion research financing

Representing First Light Fusion, a global leader in researching energy generation via inertial fusion, on the completion of its $45 million Series C financing round.

Hollow core fiber technology

Assisting a leading provider of hollow core fiber technology with corporate matters, commercial and R&D partnerships, including patent licensing, and on its eventual acquisition by Microsoft.

Fuel cell cleantech funding

Acting for Bramble Energy, a disruptor in the clean tech space offering revolutionary fuel cell technology, on the completion of its £35 million Series B financing round.