Founders of fast and/or high growth startups encounter unique issues that other entrepreneurs rarely encounter. This includes specifics like cap tables, and more general issues such as negotiating terms with funders like VCs or Angels, and ensuring that the founders are prepared for all of the eventualities that may arise, so that, if something unexpected, and potentially harmful, does occur, everyone is prepared for it well ahead of time, and the business can continue on unscathed.

Are you a budding entrepreneur with a brilliant business idea, but feeling overwhelmed by all the legal complexities of getting your startup off the ground? Look no further – I’m here to be your trusted legal partner and guide you through every step of the journey.

My name is David Bass, and I’m a specialized startup lawyer dedicated to helping visionary founders like you navigate the treacherous waters of business formation, fundraising, liability, intellectual property protection, and everything in between. I know firsthand how daunting the legal side of entrepreneurship can be – which is why I’ve made it my mission to simplify the process and give you the personalized support you need to turn your dream into a thriving reality.

Unlike traditional law firms that treat startups as just another client, I take a uniquely entrepreneurial approach. I see myself as an extension of your founding team, working hand-in-hand with you to anticipate obstacles, mitigate risks, and ensure your company is built on a rock-solid legal foundation from day one. No generic templates, no one-size-fits-all solutions – just tailored, pragmatic guidance to fit the unique needs of your business.

Here’s how I can help you succeed:

Secure Your Startup’s Future with Airtight Founding Agreements

The first and most critical step in launching a startup is getting your founding team’s legal relationships in order. This means solidifying the equity split, decision-making structure, profit distribution, and exit strategies in a comprehensive founders’ agreement.

Too often, I see naive entrepreneurs try to wing it with a simple, one-page document they found online. Big mistake. Without careful planning upfront, you’re setting yourself up for disastrous power struggles, bitter disputes, and potential company-destroying lawsuits down the line.

I’ll work closely with you and your co-founders to hammer out every last detail, leaving no stone unturned. We’ll thoughtfully define roles and responsibilities, install robust tiebreaker clauses to prevent deadlocks, and construct ironclad intellectual property protections – all with an eye towards your long-term vision and success.

The end result? A watertight founders’ agreement that aligns incentives, clarifies expectations, and gives you the peace of mind to focus on building your business.

Raise Capital the Right Way with Savvy Funding Strategies

Securing that crucial first round of funding is make-or-break for any startup. But negotiating with deep-pocketed venture capitalists or angel investors can feel like navigating a minefield if you don’t know the ropes.

I’ve been in the trenches, advising clients on everything from convertible notes and SAFEs to Series A term sheets. I know how to spot the hidden gotchas, counter lopsided demands, and structure deals that maximize your leverage – all while maintaining control and protecting your long-term interests.

Whether you’re bootstrapping with friends and family, crowdfunding on Kickstarter, or wooing Silicon Valley VCsfor their money, I’ll be right by your side. Together, we’ll develop a strategic fundraising game plan, analyze the pros and cons of different financing options, and negotiate the most founder-friendly terms possible. My goal is to help you raise the capital you need without sacrificing your equity, autonomy, or future upside.

Safeguard Your Intellectual Property

Your innovative ideas, proprietary technology, and unique branding are the lifeblood of your startup. Fail to protect them, and you risk getting swiftly outmaneuvered by deep-pocketed competitors.

I’ll conduct a comprehensive IP audit to identify all your valuable assets – from patents and trademarks to trade secrets and copyrights. Then, I’ll spearhead the registration process, handle all the tedious paperwork, and make sure everything is properly documented and defended.

But my IP protection services go far beyond just filing the forms. I’ll also equip you with robust non-disclosure agreements, employee invention assignment clauses, and other critical legal safeguards to plug any potential leaks. And if you do ever find yourself in an IP dispute, I’ll be ready to spring into action and aggressively defend your rights.

The bottom line? With me as your legal wingman, you can rest assured that your breakthrough innovations will stay in your hands – not your competitors’.

Navigate Tricky Employment and Contractor Relationships

As your startup scales, you’ll need to start assembling a talented team. But onboarding employees and independent contractors comes with a whole host of thorny legal considerations – from contractor classification and equity compensation to non-compete clauses and termination procedures.

I’ll make sure you get it all right from the start. I’ll draft air-tight employment agreements, ensure compliance with labor laws, and design fair, transparent equity incentive plans to attract and retain top-tier talent. And if you ever need to part ways with an underperforming worker, I’ll guide you through the process seamlessly while mitigating your legal exposure.

Beyond that, I can also help you establish robust HR policies, build an inclusive and equitable company culture, and generally keep your workforce happy, engaged, and productive. Because let’s face it – your people are your most valuable asset. Protecting them protects your business.

Stay Compliant and Audit-Ready

As a startup founder, you’re already juggling a million priorities. The last thing you need is to get blindsided by unexpected regulatory hurdles or surprise audits.

That’s where I come in. I’ll conduct regular compliance checkups to ensure you’re meeting all the legal, tax, and reporting requirements for your business entity, industry, and growth stage. From obtaining the necessary business licenses and permits to keeping meticulous records and filings, I’ll make sure your house is always in order.

Think of me as your personal compliance concierge. Whenever a new regulation pops up or an audit looms, I’ll be there to interpret the legalese, handle the paperwork, and keep you 100% audit-ready. That way, you can stay focused on scaling your business, secure in the knowledge that the legal side is being expertly managed.

Strategize for a Seamless Exit

For many founders, the ultimate goal is to build a company with significant long-term value – whether that means taking it public, selling to a larger competitor, or passing it down to the next generation. But getting to that promised land requires careful, strategic planning.

I’ll work with you to map out your optimal exit scenario and reverse-engineer the necessary legal framework. We’ll ensure your equity structure, investor agreements, and IP protections are all structured to maximize your options and value down the line. And if and when that coveted acquisition offer or IPO opportunity materializes, I’ll be there to negotiate the terms, facilitate the transaction, and keep the process as smooth and lucrative as possible.

The bottom line? Hiring me as your legal partner, you’ll never have to worry about your startup’s future. I’ll be there to protect your interests, keep you compliant, and position you for a triumphant exit when the time is right.

Why Choose Me as Your Startup Lawyer?

I know you have lots of options when it comes to professional legal representation. So why should you choose me to be your trusted advisor?

Here’s what sets me apart:

Entrepreneurial Mindset: Unlike most traditional law firms, I don’t see you as just another client. I’m an entrepreneur at heart, and I approach every startup engagement with the same passion, creativity, and business-savvy as I would my own venture. My goal isn’t to simply provide legal services – it’s to be a true growth partner and do whatever it takes to help you succeed.

Specialized Expertise: I’ve spent my career specializing in the unique legal needs of startups and high-growth companies. I intimately understand the challenges you face, the risks you need to mitigate, and the strategic opportunities you should be seizing. This deep domain expertise allows me to anticipate issues before they arise and tailor my advice accordingly.

Lean, Agile Approach: I know startup founders and owners don’t have time for bloated, bureaucratic legal processes. That’s why I’ve designed my practice to be lean, responsive, and hyper-efficient. You’ll never get lost in the shuffle or have to wait weeks for a simple answer. Instead, you’ll enjoy direct, on-demand access to me – the person actually doing the work.

Founder-Friendly Fees: I also recognize that cash flow is critical in the early stages of a startup. That’s why I offer flexible, founder-friendly fee structures that align with your growth, from flat-rate packages to creative equity-based compensation models. My aim is to be a true financial partner, not a source of financial stress.

Passion for Your Success: At the end of the day, I’m not just here to provide legal services. I’m here because I genuinely believe in your vision and want to see you achieve it. I’ll bring the same high-octane enthusiasm, out-of-the-box thinking, and relentless determination to your startup that I would to my own business. Your wins are my wins.

So if you’re ready to build a company that changes the world, I’m ready to be your legal co-pilot. Let’s chat about how I can help turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality.

Schedule a Consultation

Ready to get your startup on the fast track to success? Click the site button below to schedule a complimentary consultation. During our call, we’ll discuss your business goals, identify your most pressing legal needs, and explore how I can best support you on your journey.

Don’t let the legal side of entrepreneurship hold you back any longer. Book your consultation today and let’s get started!