Legal Basics for Startups: A Practical Series for Founders

Early in a startup’s life, overlooking key legal details can have profound consequences for founders. In this series, an experienced business attorney outlines vital steps for founders to consider in the early stages of a startup.

Review these articles for legal solutions that help founders ensure their startup is positioned for growth, investment, and success.

Avoiding Common Legal Pitfalls for Startups: Lessons from the Trenches

Review this checklist to avoid five of the most common legal mistakes startup founders make.

The Founder’s Equity Dilemma: Vesting, Dead Equity, and Cap Table Health 

Get the early equity decisions right to set the table for scalable success.

Coming August 5

Convertible Notes and SAFEs: Fast Money, Hidden Costs  

Explore the opportunities and risks of these flexible agreements that do not require setting a price per share.

Coming August 12

Picking the Right Legal Structure for Your Startup: LLC, C-Corp, or Something Else?  

Consider the most common startup structures and the trade-offs related to long-term growth.

Coming August 19

Is Your IP Protected? A Startup Guide to Trademarks, Patents, and Trade Secrets  

Know who owns your startup’s valuable intellectual property—and explore practical ways to protect it.

Coming August 26

Term Sheets Decoded: What Founders Should Know Before Raising a Series A

Understand what founders need to know before starting seed round funding.

The articles in this series outline general best practices and are provided for informational purposes only. They do not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Readers should seek legal counsel before taking action relating to the subject matter of these articles. For more information, please visit our Terms of Use.

Contact your Nyemaster attorney for specific legal advice related to your startup.