The founders of startups and emerging companies need a solid understanding of a wide range of issues their companies face every day. That's why we created this library of concise briefings. Produced by leading attorneys in an array of practice areas, these are designed for the busy executive who wants to cut to the chase. 

The Founder's Guide to Convertible Notes

Emerging Companies & Venture Capital Practice Chair Liz Sigety joins the Invisible Ink Podcast where she shares insights on startup funding, SAFE vs. convertible notes, legal structures, tax considerations and advice for women founders in STEM.

Essentials of the Corporate Transparency Act

A new law that took effect on January 1, 2024 imposes sweeping new reporting requirements that will affect founders and their businesses. This Q&A-style article explains what the CTA is, what businesses it applies to, the type of information that must be reported, and what founders need to do to ensure compliance.

Legal Considerations for Entrepreneurs

Before a company is launched, there are some key business considerations to discuss with experienced legal counsel so that the business can positioned for the greatest success.

Ten Legal Issues Founders Need to Know

Founders make countless decisions regarding their startup. This article covers 10 critical legal issues founders need to know.

Securities Commonly Used in Startups

What are the benefits and risks of the most common types of securities used to raise money for startups? How can entrepreneurs select the right security to offer to raise funds for their business?

How to Prepare for an Exit: Private M&A Transactions

Selling an emerging company through a private M&A transaction has unique benefits, but there are important steps founders and executive officers should take before moving forward.

Stock Options and Valuations

Stock options can provide a much-needed component of compensation for startup employees. Different types of equity compensation have different tax consequences with costs and benefits to the company and its employees. 

Equity Compensation in LLC Startups: A Guide to Profits Interests

Profits interests are a strategic alterative for providing equity compensation to service providers at startups structured as limited liability companies (LLCs).

Discrimination and Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

What are the elements of workplace discrimination and sexual harassment, and how can companies design and implement policies and procedures to comply with state and local laws and mitigate risk?

Immigration Considerations for Startups

Immigrant investors, entrepreneurs and foreign companies looking to enter the U.S. marketplace have a variety of visa options. This chart summarizes them all in a handy, at-a-glance format.

Using a Finder to Raise Capital

Raising capital is one of the greatest challenges entrepreneurs face. Finders often promise to "open their Rolodex" to find investors, but working with an unlicensed broker-dealer carries significant risk.

15 Privacy Tips for Startups

Entrepreneurs face a myriad of data privacy issues, many of which they don’t even know about. Here are 15 tips and pointers individuals and business should keep in mind.

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA): What You Need to Know

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), is a broad-based law protecting information that identifies California residents that took effect in January 2020, creating a host of new data privacy obligations for companies that do business in the state.

Does GDPR Apply to Me?

The European Union's General Data Protection Regulation aims to protect the integrity and privacy of data that identifies individuals by increasing transparency, improving accuracy, limiting collection and giving individuals expanded rights concerning their data. It also carries significant fines for violations. But does it apply to your company?

Negotiating Your First Office Lease

Startup companies often sign commercial lease agreements in their early stages. Here are seven tips for negotiating the business terms of your office lease.

Employee Handbooks: Why Do You Need Them and What Should They Include?

Many startup companies overlook basic labor and employment issues. One way to protect your business is to prepare and distribute an employee handbook.

What Every Startup Needs To Know Before Filing for a Patent

Startups often seek patents to protect proprietary technology and ideas. Get answers to the most common questions about patents, including what can be patented, what documentation is needed, what are the typical filing costs and who owns the patent?

What's an Accidental Franchise, and Could I Be One?

 Before licensing your business to others, learn what constitutes a franchise and how to avoid falling into the accidental franchise trap.