Lifecycle of a Startup: Practical Guide

Attorneys are often asked to guide entrepreneurs through the high-stakes, fast-moving world of startups. This program offers a rare opportunity to walk through the entire lifecycle of a startup, from formation to exit, using a real-world case study. Attendees will gain practical insights into the legal and business issues that most commonly shape, and sometimes derail, emerging companies.

Attendees will learn how to structure entity formation and founder agreements to avoid common disputes, adopt best practices for protecting intellectual property from day one, and address key considerations in structuring seed and Series A financing rounds. They will also explore legal strategies for scaling a startup, including employment law, contracts, and regulatory compliance, and examine exit options (M&A, IPO) and how to prepare clients for diligence and deal execution. Throughout, they will gain practical, business-focused counseling techniques for startup clients at every stage.

This program is designed for corporate attorneys representing startups, small businesses, or venture investors; in-house counsel at early-stage or growth-stage companies; attorneys seeking a practical framework to advise clients navigating startup growth and risk management; and practitioners interested in learning through case study analysis and real-world examples.

This course is especially valuable for attorneys at the introductory and intermediate stages of practice.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify the critical legal considerations at each stage of a startup’s lifecycle, including formation, financing, scaling, and exit.
2. Draft and evaluate founder agreements, entity structures, and IP protection strategies that minimize disputes and align with business goals.
3. Explain the structure and key terms of seed and Series A financing rounds, and advise clients on negotiation strategies.
4. Assess employment, compensation, and compliance issues that arise as a startup scales.
5. Compare exit options (M&A vs. IPO) and advise clients on preparing for diligence, documentation, and deal execution.
6. Apply practical, business-oriented counseling techniques learned from the case study to real-world client scenarios.