A successful startup can make big waves in a fast-changing market. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Whether seeking investor capital or working out legal agreements with non-investor employees, startups need a firm with experience in venture capital law.
Business Entities
Founders must carefully consider the legal structure of their business. This will determine everything from how much they pay in taxes and registration fees to how much they could lose if the business fails. Choosing the proper entity structure can save entrepreneurs money. This is especially true if they are seeking venture capital funding. Investors will want to be sure that any IP contributed by founders or others is assigned to the startup. It is also important that the startup has IP assignment agreements with any employees, independent contractors, or other individuals who create work products for the startup. A law firm with experience in venture capital financing, mergers and acquisitions, securities law, and corporate governance will help protect investors. It will also make it easier to streamline the investor onboarding process.
Contractual Issues
All agreements must be written down if you seek investment capital – this promotes certainty. Also, investors often want to see their rights and obligations in contracts. Venture capital law encompasses legalities related to forming venture capital funds and other investments in emerging companies. This practice area can also involve complex securities issues and adherence to federal regulations such as the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Rule 505 exemptions. Choosing a business law firm like Linden Law Partners specializing in VC funding can ensure your startup’s success. This is because investors want to invest in successful startups, so ensuring you have the resources to grow and thrive is in their best interest.
Moreover, professional investors typically offer managerial support and expertise as an incentive for accepting their investment. Consequently, this adds a level of risk to the deal. It would help to have a business lawyer with industry experience and knowledge.
Venture Capital
Venture capital is a form of financing for startups and small businesses with the potential for extremely high returns. In addition to providing the startup with access to large sums of money, venture capital firms typically acquire a significant amount of shares in the company. When these companies go public or are acquired by another business, they often yield enormous profits for the investors in the firm. VC firms are involved in several activities that require strategic legal advice. Lawyers assist with selecting the appropriate startup entity to enable external VC investment, heeding intellectual property concerns, and establishing proper equity allocation among shareholders.
A VC job can be gratifying if you can work through the many ups and downs of this type of investing. It can also be highly stressful and require long hours, especially if you are investing in startups at an early growth stage and face significant challenges.
Intellectual Property
Intellectual property law protects intangible creations of the human mind — from novels to computer software, artworks to trademarks. Those protected assets can give businesses an edge by preventing others from using or implementing them without permission. Copyright, patents, and designs are the main types of intellectual property protection. A business law firm will help entrepreneurs understand these laws and how they may apply to their needs. A good business law firm will be as committed to a startup’s success as its investors are. The lawyer should have a track record of working with venture capital firms and other investors in the tech sector. They should be able to spot legal issues and intercept problems before they become costly. Trust, available experience, and an emphasis on long-term relationships are three simple requirements that every business owner should seek in a firm. These qualities can guide startups and their investors to a terrain of growth and symbiotic successes.
