ED GANDER has over 25 years of fundraising experience and, notably among legal funds practitioners, he was a founder and managing partner of his own private equity business, ViaNova Capital, between 2003 and 2006. His experience includes raising private equity, infrastructure, real estate, credit, and secondaries funds. He advises a wide range of global managers across strategies. Prior to joining Sidley in 2025, Ed served as the head of the London Private Funds group at another international law firm, a position he held since 2011.
“To sum up what Gander gives you throughout a fundraising—it’s leadership, insight, integrity and commitment. I trust Ed to go into a room on my behalf and get the job done.”
Sir Bob Geldof KBE, Chairman of 8 Miles Private Equity
Ed is consistently recognized as a leading private funds lawyer by industry publications, including:
- Legal 500 UK 2025 — Recognized in the “Hall of Fame” for Private Funds, where he is called out as “a ‘very impressive funds lawyer’ with over 25 years of fundraising experience and a stellar market reputation.”
- Chambers UK 2025 and Chambers Europe 2025 — Ranked for Investment Funds: Private Equity, where one source says that “Ed is incredibly responsive and available as partner. I trust him. I think he’s an exceptional lawyer.” He is also praised for having “an excellent mix of commercial acumen and experience” and for being “refreshingly direct and of high integrity.”
- Financial News — Named in the “Rising Stars Hall of Fame 2016.”
Ed is a trustee of the UK Infrastructure Industry Association, a charity which raises funds for worthy causes connected to the UK infrastructure industry.