Why You Should Be Anti Anti-Dilution
April 25, 2018 | By Kevin Vela
A client, who had already raised some money and thus had a few people on his cap table, came in recently with a term sheet whereby the prospective investor had requested “anti-dilution” protection. If you’re not familiar with anti-dilution, it … Read More
Silicon Valley Review S5, Ep4: Reddit, Dwight’s Brother & Sticky Bear
April 23, 2018 | By Vela Wood
In this episode, we review S5, Ep4: Tech Evangelist and discuss giving clear instructions, a benefit of being a small company, and transferring assets in a partnership. Read More
Silicon Valley Review S5, Ep3: Levels of Decision-Making & Employee Retention
April 16, 2018 | By Vela Wood
In this episode, we review S5, Ep3: Chief Operating Officer and discuss who makes day-to-day decisions v. strategic decisions v. fundamental decisions, enforcing non-competes, the three things to include in contractual agreements with your employees, and how to attract and retain great employees. Read More
Silicon Valley Review S5, Ep2: Tesla, Dead Pigs & Ira Glass
April 9, 2018 | By Vela Wood
In this episode, we review S5, Ep2: Reorientation and discuss where the Silicon Valley writers get their inspiration, the importance of growing as a leader, and how long founders usually remain the CEO. Read More
Silicon Valley Review S5, Ep1: Acquihires, Leadership & Terminating Employees
April 3, 2018 | By Vela Wood
In this episode, we discuss the point of acquihires, efficient use of office space, the difference between leadership and decision making, and terminating employees without cause. Read More
Preparing for Funding Ep7: Seed Round
April 2, 2018 | By Vela Wood
In this episode, we discuss what constitutes a seed round in Dallas and contrast the three potential structures of a seed round – equity, convertible note, and a SAFE. Read More
Finding a CPA
March 27, 2018 | By Kevin Vela
As I’ve discussed before, the four external pillars of any small business are a lawyer, a CPA, a banker, and an insurance broker. Each of these professionals will be critical to the growth and health of your business. The first … Read More
Design Is About Input
March 27, 2018 | By Kevin Vela
Between the law firm, other startups I’ve started, and advising clients, I’ve interacted with hundreds of designers and developers through the years. The most critical thing that I’ve learned is that design is about input, not output. Let me give … Read More
Working With Developers
March 26, 2018 | By Kevin Vela
Failure to have a clear written agreement with developers is the most frequent problem I see with early-stage companies. And one that is completely avoidable. Here are a few common issues. Read More
Preparing for Funding Ep6: Accelerators/Incubators
March 20, 2018 | By Vela Wood
In this episode, we discuss why we’re not big fans of accelerators, the types of accelerators we do think provide value and are worth participating in, and the clauses to watch out for in an accelerator’s program participation agreement. Read More
Preparing for Funding Ep5: Initial Sophisticated Investors
March 15, 2018 | By Vela Wood
In this episode, we discuss qualifications for accredited investors, how to find angel investors, how angel syndicates work, which metrics you need to know for a pitch meeting, and how to respond to getting a “no.” Read More
Forming an Entity (LLC v. C-Corp)
March 13, 2018 | By Kevin Vela
Okay – it’s time to actually form the business. You’ve built your pitch deck, received feedback from naysayers, visited with your attorney, and worked out the structure with your co-founders. The next step is to incorporate your company so that … Read More
