About us

The regulatory partner built for AI.

Montaire & Co. helps AI companies expand into Europe — structuring each one in the right EU jurisdiction, headquartered in Luxembourg and operating across the EU. We combine cross-border legal depth with a founder's bias for speed.

Why we exist

Four regulations, one deadline, zero in-house expertise — that's the reality for most AI companies entering Europe. The EU AI Act, GDPR, MiCA and a patchwork of national rules all land at once, usually right as a US or international team is trying to close its first European deal. Traditional firms bill by the hour and speak in caveats, leaving founders guessing what actually matters.

We built Montaire to do the opposite: fixed scope, fixed price, plain language, and one team that owns the outcome from first call to full compliance. You know what we're doing, why it matters, and what it costs — before we start.

The focus is deliberate. We work only with AI and technology companies, on the questions that block European growth — entity and banking structure, cross-border data, AI Act classification, and the right EU jurisdiction for each company. Luxembourg, Ireland, the Netherlands and Estonia most often, anywhere in the EU when it fits — your entry point into Europe, with Luxembourg as home base.

Across 15+ years, our team has supported $3.4B+ in client deals and transactions and currently safeguards over $1B in client value under legal care.

“The only regulatory boutique built exclusively for AI companies expanding to Europe — so the regulation becomes our problem, and the market becomes your advantage.”
Our team

The people behind Montaire & Co.

Ivan Zakharko
Partner · Fintech & Regulatory Strategy
Ivan Zakharko

Fintech, AI, and regulated business strategy. Navigating complex regulatory environments. Governance, licensing, risk frameworks, and regulatory engagement. 15+ years of experience.

FintechLicensingAML / KYC

I advise fintech, AI, and regulated technology businesses on how to operate and scale in complex regulatory environments. Working with founders and leadership teams, I focus on regulatory strategy, licensing, and building compliant, scalable structures that can withstand scrutiny across jurisdictions.

With 15+ years of experience, my work centers on financial services regulation, governance, and risk frameworks across payments, fintech, and emerging technology models. This includes structuring licensing approaches, defining regulatory positioning, and engaging with regulators in key markets.

I am typically involved at critical points — market entry, new product launches, or periods of regulatory pressure — where legal and regulatory decisions directly shape the trajectory of the business. My approach is pragmatic and business-oriented.

I turn regulatory complexity into strategic choices and enable companies to move forward with confidence.

Education
  • Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology
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Mykola Vdovychenko
Partner · Corporate & Privacy Advisory
Mykola Vdovychenko

Investments, tax and structuring. GDPR and certified Data Protection Officer. Cap-table structuring, fundraising terms, work permits and cross-border employment. 15+ years of experience.

StructuringTaxGDPR / DPO

I help founders and international companies structure, protect, and scale their business across multiple jurisdictions - reducing risk and enabling faster growth. My practice is focused on helping technology-driven businesses operate safely and efficiently, with particular experience in the EU and a strong focus on internationally active companies in the US, Singapore, Dubai, and other major business hubs.

With 15+ years of experience, I have supported clients with contract drafting and negotiation, corporate governance, commercial agreements, Terms & Conditions, Privacy Policies, NDAs, service agreements, independent contractor agreements, and other business-critical documents. I also advise on data protection, GDPR, regulatory compliance, and legal issues connected to digital platforms, websites, SaaS products, mobile apps, and online business models.

My experience includes work with software, SaaS, fintech, crypto, gaming, and other digital businesses, as well as cross-border legal structuring, IP-related matters, domain name disputes, DMCA takedowns, AML/KYC/CFT compliance, and regulatory issues affecting online and international operations. I work in a practical, business-minded way and aim to provide clear legal solutions that help clients move forward with confidence.

I combine experience as external counsel, in-house legal advisor, and a certified Data Protection Officer to deliver practical, business-focused legal solutions. Clients usually come to me when they need legal support that is commercially sensible, technically sound, and tailored to fast-moving international businesses.

Education
  • University of London — LLB, English Law
  • University of London — BSc Computer Science (AI & Machine Learning)
  • Quantic School of Business and Technology — MBA
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Speaking & community

On stage, worldwide.

Active on stage and in the room across the global AI, crypto and finance-regulation community.

Speaker
WAIB Summit (Web3 & AI)
Monaco · June 2025Presentation + panel · crypto regulation (Mykola & Ivan)
Speaker
Intax Connect Conference
Cyprus · June 2025Speech + presentation (Mykola), panel (Ivan) · business & investment structuring
Speaker
Bosco Conference
Kazakhstan · May 2025Speech + presentation (Ivan), panel (Mykola)
Exhibitor
Bosco Conference
Dubai · February 2025Exhibitors (booth)
Attendee
Luxembourg Blockchain Week
Luxembourg · December 2024
Attendee
Tbilisi Silk Road Forum
Tbilisi, Georgia · October 2025
Attendee
Private Investment Event
Hong Kong · March 2024
Attendee
Nexus Luxembourg
Luxembourg · June 2026Europe's largest AI & tech summit
Speaker
Legal Nodes Conference
OnlineCompliance & finance for EU market entry
We build trust from day zero — and we treat regulation as leverage, not burden. In Europe, the companies that master the rules first are the ones that win the market.
Ivan ZakharkoPartner · Montaire & Co.
Recognition

Memberships & credentials.

AmCham Luxembourg
AmCham LuxembourgAmerican Chamber of Commerce
AIJA
AIJAInternational Association of Young Lawyers
LPEA
LPEALuxembourg Private Equity Assoc.
LHoFT
LHoFTLuxembourg House of Financial Technology
Education
Quantic
QuanticSchool of Business & Technology · MBA
Chicago-Kent College of Law
Chicago-Kent College of LawIllinois Institute of Technology
University of London
University of LondonLLB Law · BSc Computer Science
Reviews

Trusted by founders entering Europe.

87 completed projects · 5.0★ average ratingSee all reviews
Mykola has a brilliant mind. The best professionals are those that present you with not only the answer to the question you ask, but the answer that the question you should have asked.
AI Crypto company, Cyprus
Upwork verified review
Amazing experience! Mykola is very professional, always ready to help and a master of his field. He demystified GDPR for us and helped us in getting compliant. Highly recommended!
SaaS startup, San Francisco, US
Upwork verified review
The best you can find. Simply as that.
GDPR implementation, Singapore
Upwork verified review
Mykola is a highly skilled lawyer who can solve very complex legal matters. Working with Mykola is a great pleasure either on a retainer or hourly basis.
General Counsel engagement, London, UK
Upwork verified review
I highly recommend working with Mykola on any GDPR IT Law Project — he is reliable, concise, honest and the best consultant to work with here as his experience goes far.
Data protection project, New York, US
Upwork verified review
Great quality of work, very good communication and professionalism. I felt that I was in good hands and safe. Mykola is very knowledgeable, recommended!
SaaS platform, London, UK
Upwork verified review
Absolutely excellent! Have already referred him to others and will use him again on another contract.
Data-driven company, New York, US
Upwork verified review
Quality work with excellent communication.
Fintech startup, Singapore
Upwork verified review
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