Saumya Manohar, General Counsel
Professional Overview
Saumya Manohar is an accomplished legal professional with extensive experience in the technology and startup industry. As the General Counsel at Public, she is responsible for providing strategic legal guidance, mitigating risks, and ensuring compliance across the organization. With a strong focus on the fintech sector, Saumya also serves as an Executive Board Member and Founding Member of TechGC, a leading professional network for in-house counsel.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the General Counsel at Public, Saumya is responsible for overseeing all legal matters, including contract negotiations, regulatory compliance, and corporate governance. She works closely with cross-functional teams to develop and implement effective legal strategies that support the company's growth and operations. Saumya's industry expertise and strategic thinking have been instrumental in navigating complex legal challenges and preserving Public's position as a leading fintech platform.
Career Progression
Prior to her current role, Saumya held several senior legal positions within the technology industry. She served as the General Counsel and Corporate Secretary at The Wing, a women-focused co-working and community space, where she led legal and compliance initiatives during a period of rapid expansion. Saumya also held the role of VP Legal at Casper, the innovative sleep-tech company, and Director of Business and Legal Affairs at betaworks, a venture capital and product development firm.
Saumya began her legal career as a Corporate Associate at Gunderson Dettmer and a Litigation Associate at Friedman Kaplan Seiler & Adelman LLP. She also had the opportunity to clerk for the Honorable Judge Betty Fletcher at the U.S. Courts of Appeals, where she gained valuable experience in the judicial system.
Academic Background
Saumya holds a Juris Doctor degree from a prestigious law school, where she graduated with distinction and served on the editorial board of the law review. She also earned a Bachelor's degree in Economics, magna cum laude, from a leading university.
Areas of Expertise
- Corporate governance and compliance
- Mergers, acquisitions, and strategic transactions
- Fintech and financial services regulations
- Intellectual property protection and licensing
- Commercial contract negotiations
- Litigation management and dispute resolution
Professional Impact
Throughout her career, Saumya has played a pivotal role in shaping the legal strategies of various technology companies. Her contributions have included leading the legal integration of high-profile mergers and acquisitions, developing industry-leading compliance programs, and advising on the launch of innovative fintech products.
Saumya's commitment to the legal community is further demonstrated by her active involvement in TechGC, where she has served as the Co-Chair of the Fintech Industry Group and a Founding Member. In these roles, she has shared her expertise, facilitated knowledge-sharing, and fostered collaboration among in-house counsel in the technology sector.
Conclusion
With her deep industry knowledge, strategic mindset, and proven track record of success, Saumya Manohar is a highly respected legal professional in the technology and startup ecosystem. As the General Counsel at Public, she continues to drive innovation, mitigate risks, and contribute to the growth and success of the company.
