The Hidden Cost Of Accelerators
December 6, 2018 | By Kevin Vela
Accelerators are popping up all over the place. And I’m not sure that this is a good thing. Typically, an accelerator provides a little cash for a little equity, and some guidance or advisory services for a little more equity. Some … Read More
Believe In The Value Of Your Product
December 6, 2018 | By Kevin Vela
I ran into a client this morning who told me about a difficult negotiation he’s currently having with a critical customer. The customer represents a significant portion of his startup’s revenues, but servicing the contract is so cumbersome that it … Read More
Beware Of Your First Investor
November 20, 2018 | By Kevin Vela
We’re well aware of how critical it is for a startup to raise capital. I’ve yet to see a startup that can generate revenues without raising capital. This is the same for just about all small businesses besides service businesses. … Read More
Restricted Equity v. Options & 83(b) Elections
November 7, 2018 | By Nic O'Brien
Recently formed companies often issue restricted equity to stakeholders, but once the companies close a funding round or achieve significant revenue, restricted equity is inappropriate. Instead, the company needs an option plan and to issue options. This blog will answer, … Read More
Incentive Stock Options v. Non-Qualified Stock Options
November 7, 2018 | By Nic O'Brien
For cash-starved startups, compensating employees with options can be a great way for founders to motivate the employees to increase the company’s worth, and to remain with the company. However, the differing vehicles to issue options can be confusing. Often, … Read More
Bringing Startup Culture To Law In Brazil
October 29, 2018 | By Vela Wood
For the second year in a row, our firm participated in the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Professional Fellow Program. YLAI seeks to empower entrepreneurs from Latin America and the Caribbean to launch and advance their entrepreneurial ideas in order to contribute to … Read More
How Much Equity Should We Get?
October 12, 2018 | By Kevin Vela
From time to time we’ll get a client who asks us to help determine the equity split between co-founders. As attorneys to the company, it’s not our place to say who should get how much equity. But we can help … Read More
How to Angel Invest: The Process
October 1, 2018 | By Vela Wood
After you’ve determined whether you’re accredited, discussed angel investing with your investment advisor, created systematic deal flow, and put your expectations in check, it’s finally time to begin the process. Here is an outline of what that looks like. Once … Read More
Understanding Basic Contracts: The (Ir)Relevant Title
September 18, 2018 | By Kevin Vela
A client reached out yesterday to ask what the difference was between an independent contractor agreement and a master services agreement. He had two sitting in his inbox – different titles, though they were for the same project. At their … Read More
How to Angel Invest: How Much to Invest
September 14, 2018 | By Vela Wood
Disclaimer: This blog post should not be viewed as investment advice. Investors should speak to their investment advisor before making any investments. The ideas in this post are a summary of ideas presented by David Rose in his book, Angel Investing. … Read More
How to Angel Invest: Understanding Risk
September 7, 2018 | By Vela Wood
Before you begin throwing money at startups, it’s important to understand the risk involved with investing. Venture capitalist, Sammy Abdullah, believes “angel investing is the absolute hardest thing to do in investing.” Angel investing can be fun and exciting, but … Read More
How to Angel Invest: Where to Find Deals
August 30, 2018 | By Vela Wood
After confirming your accredited investor status, the next step is to find promising companies. Serendipity is definitely a factor; however, you can approach finding deals in a systematic way. Identify Local Angel Networks Local angel networks are the safest and … Read More
