Expert legal insights for founders navigating the complexities of building their dreams.

Muran Zhu Muran Zhu

How to Save Legal Costs for Equity Management on Carta

Managing equity is a pivotal part of a startup's development, ensuring that ownership and financial stakes are correctly allocated and maintained. Collaborating with a legal team is essential to navigate the complexities of equity management, but it can also be costly. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of equity management, the best time to onboard equity management platforms such as Carta, the role of your legal team, and some cost-saving tips to help you manage your equity more effectively.

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Muran Zhu Muran Zhu

How to Navigate Due Diligence: A Checklist for Startup Founders Seeking VC

As a founder, one of the most crucial phases in securing funding for your company is the due diligence process. This process allows investors to evaluate the financial, legal, and operational health of your business. To ensure a smooth and successful process, it's essential to be well-prepared and organized. In this blog post, we will discuss how to work with your company counsel to remediate any deficiencies and provide a list of typical documents requested by investors during due diligence.

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Muran Zhu Muran Zhu

Founder Vesting Clauses: What They Mean and How to Negotiate Them

Founder vesting clauses are an essential component of any startup's legal framework. In this blog post, we'll explore what founder vesting clauses are, why they're important, and how to negotiate them effectively in restricted stock purchase agreements (“RSPA”) and stock restriction agreements (“SRA”) for founders. By understanding the intricacies of founder vesting clauses, you can protect your interests and ensure the long-term success of your venture.

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Muran Zhu Muran Zhu

Overview of Convertible Note, SAFE and Equity Financing

Startups and businesses often need to raise funds to finance their operations, growth, and expansion. This blog post examines the key features of the three most common fundraising methods in startup finance: (1) Convertible Notes, (2) Simple Agreements for Future Equity ("SAFEs"), and (3) Equity Financing, with a comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of each method.

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Muran Zhu Muran Zhu

Why You Should Hire Someone With M&A Experience to Be Your Startup Lawyer

Are you a startup entrepreneur with a bold vision? You've brought your idea to life, and now you're on a mission to make it a success. But as you navigate the complex landscape of startup growth, there's one decision that could make or break your dreams: hiring a lawyer to protect your interests. So why should you choose a lawyer with M&A experience to be your startup's legal champion? Does it sound like an overkill when you are bootstrapping your startup? Let's explore the reasons why this could be the smartest move you make.

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