SAFE valuation cap mechanics, conversion pricing at Series A, and how caps affect founder dilution across cap table scenarios.
How acquihire transactions are structured, how employee equity is handled, and negotiating leverage for founders and employees.
Federal Section 1202 QSBS exclusion mechanics and why California's non-conformity creates a materially different tax result.
Legal cleanup, corporate governance, and documentation that institutional investors require before a Series A closes.
CFIUS jurisdiction over AI startups with foreign investors — TID US business triggers, mandatory vs voluntary filings, and mitigation.
RBI and FEMA requirements for Indian founders raising US venture capital or issuing equity to US investors.
Side-by-side comparison of convertible notes and SAFEs across interest, maturity, conversion triggers, and investor protections.
When a 409A valuation is required, how it is conducted, and how it sets the exercise price for stock options under IRC Section 409A.
How pre-money option pool expansion shifts dilution onto founders before a Series A closes, and how to model and negotiate it.
Broad-based weighted average vs. full ratchet anti-dilution mechanics and their quantitative impact in a down round scenario.
When dual representation of founders and the company creates conflicts, and the professional responsibility framework for managing them.
Legal options and leverage available to founders facing board-driven removal from the company they built.
Recent Delaware legislative amendments and their effect on startup governance, stockholder agreements, and investor rights.
Emerging patterns in startup-related securities fraud and investor litigation — case types, claims, and defense strategies.
How California's no-contact rule applies when investor counsel contacts represented founders or company employees during a financing.
Key provisions in a Series Seed term sheet, what is negotiable, and how each term sets precedent for subsequent rounds.
Step-by-step breakdown of YC post-money SAFE conversion at a priced round, including SAFE stacking and pro rata rights.
How liquidation preferences stack across multiple financing rounds and how the waterfall determines distribution in an exit.
What happens to unvested options, RSUs, and common stock when a startup is acquired, including acceleration provisions.