Your startup began as “four smart people with laptops and a vision.” Fast-forward a few years and it’s a bona fide business with investors, employees, and a snappy logo. Stay on this path, and signs are good that you’ll continue to grow. It’s easy and convenient to keep doing what you’ve been doing as you … Continue reading “Four Things Every Smart Startup Should Do as It Scales”
Author: Gary Schall
Gary Schall is a Partner at the law firm WilmerHale and a seasoned corporate lawyer whose practice is focused on representing entrepreneurs, emerging companies and venture capital funds. His clients are technology-based and span a broad range of industries, including e-commerce, mobile technologies, hardware, software, telecommunications and life sciences.
Why You’re Wiser with an Adviser
Long before Silicon Valley and tech accelerators, the Beatles knew a thing or two about finding the right startup adviser. Their 1965 hit said it all: “Help! I need somebody. Help! Not just anybody. Help! You know I need someone. He-el-elp…” Every founder, no matter how sharp or motivated, needs some help, and a great … Continue reading “Why You’re Wiser with an Adviser”
Want to Ruin Your Relationships? Ask Family and Friends to Fund Your Startup
When you need cash to fuel your startup, it’s tempting to “think local.” The people with the strongest ties to you—relatives, friends, college roommates, running buddies, and co-workers—are the ones who believe in you. You’d probably turn first to them for financial support. Capital fronted by these folks might be the quickest, easiest cash you’ll … Continue reading “Want to Ruin Your Relationships? Ask Family and Friends to Fund Your Startup”
Selling Your Company? Don’t Make These Five Common Mistakes
You always believed your startup would be a success. Now others are realizing it, too, and you’re fielding offers for an acquisition of your company. Before you ink any agreements, protect your company, your employees, and yourself by avoiding these five common mistakes. Rushing to sell. Take the case of a biotech startup CEO, who found himself literally … Continue reading “Selling Your Company? Don’t Make These Five Common Mistakes”
Three Funding Terms Every Startup Should Understand
We’ve seen tremendous growth in the number of new startups in recent years, but the pool of VC funding is not keeping pace with this growth. This can put cash-starved startups at a disadvantage when it comes to negotiating company-favorable investment terms from VCs. But regardless of how eager founders may be to secure the … Continue reading “Three Funding Terms Every Startup Should Understand”