Business Services
Capital Raising & Investment
Seed rounds, series funding, ESOPs, and investor negotiations. Legal support for companies seeking growth capital.
The Approach
Founder-Focused Capital Strategy
Raising capital is a defining moment for growing companies. The terms you accept today affect your control, economics, and options for years to come. Attorneys help founders understand the implications of investment terms and negotiate for favorable outcomes.
From early angel investments to institutional Series rounds, the legal support provided helps you raise capital on terms that serve your long-term interests.
Services
Capital Raising Services
Seed & Angel Investment
Early-stage funding requires proper documentation. Attorneys prepare SAFE agreements, convertible notes, and seed equity rounds that protect founders while being acceptable to investors.
- SAFE agreements
- Convertible notes
- Cap table management
- Founder protections
Series Funding Rounds
Priced equity rounds involve complex negotiations and extensive documentation. Your attorney handles term sheets, stock purchase agreements, voting agreements, and investor rights.
- Term sheet negotiation
- Stock purchase agreements
- Voting agreements
- Investor rights
ESOP Structuring
Employee Stock Ownership Plans align employee and company interests. Attorneys structure ESOPs that comply with ERISA while achieving your objectives for employee ownership.
- Plan design
- ERISA compliance
- Valuation coordination
- Governance documents
Equity Compensation Plans
Stock options, RSUs, and other equity compensation attract and retain talent. Your attorney designs and implements equity plans with proper tax treatment and clear terms.
- Option plans
- RSU programs
- 409A compliance
- Vesting structures
Investor Negotiations
Fundraising negotiations balance company and investor interests. Attorneys represent founders in term sheet discussions, helping secure favorable terms while maintaining investor relationships.
- Term negotiations
- Valuation discussions
- Control provisions
- Protective provisions
Private Placements
Raising capital from private investors requires securities law compliance. Your attorney structures offerings under appropriate exemptions with proper documentation and disclosures.
- Regulation D compliance
- PPM preparation
- Subscription documents
- Blue sky filings
How It Works
The Process
Strategy Session
Your attorney discusses your funding goals, timeline, target investors, and company stage to develop an appropriate capital raising strategy.
60-90 minutes
Document Preparation
Term sheets, investment documents, disclosure materials, and corporate governance documents are prepared or reviewed.
1-3 weeks
Negotiation Support
Your attorney supports term sheet negotiations, responds to investor counsel comments, and works toward closing terms that meet your objectives.
Varies by round
Closing & Post-Close
The team coordinates closing logistics, ensures proper execution, updates corporate records, and handles any post-closing requirements.
1-2 weeks
Questions
Frequently Asked
At what stage should I engage counsel for fundraising?
Ideally before you receive a term sheet. Early engagement allows your attorney to help prepare your company for due diligence, clean up any corporate issues, and advise on deal terms before you're committed. That said, attorneys regularly help companies that come with a term sheet already in hand.
What is the difference between a SAFE and a convertible note?
Both delay valuation until a future priced round. Convertible notes are debt instruments with interest and maturity dates. SAFEs (Simple Agreement for Future Equity) are not debt, have no interest or maturity, and are generally simpler. Which is better depends on your specific situation.
How do you charge for fundraising work?
Most early-stage rounds are handled on a flat fee basis, giving you cost certainty. Larger or more complex rounds may be hourly or capped. Fee structures are discussed during the initial consultation with clear estimates provided before starting work.
Can you help with investor introductions?
The focus is on legal work rather than placement. However, attorneys work with many companies through the fundraising process and can sometimes provide informal introductions. For formal capital raising assistance, referrals to investment bankers or advisors can be provided.
What should I have ready before our first meeting?
If you have existing corporate documents, a current cap table, any prior investment documents, and information about your target raise amount and timeline, those are helpful. If you're just getting started, your attorney can help you organize everything.
Ready to Discuss Your Funding Round?
Schedule a consultation to discuss your capital raising strategy and legal needs.
Schedule Consultation