Launching A Venture: Ten Tips For Entrepreneurs

Below are ten tips for entrepreneurs who are launching a startup that will seek venture capital (“VC”) financing.

1.  Protect Yourself from Personal Liability.  The entrepreneur’s first step in connection with launching a startup should be to form an entity that will protect against personal liability.  As discussed below, a Delaware C-corporation is generally the recommended choice; however, in certain rare circumstances, it may be prudent for the entrepreneur to form an S-corporation or a limited liability company to obtain “pass-through” tax treatment (and then convert the entity to a C-corporation down the road, if necessary).  The bottom line is that the entrepreneur should seek the advice of corporate and tax counsel in connection with the formation of any business organization (e.g., shareholders in S-corporations — as opposed to C-corporations — are not eligible for the “qualified small business stock” capital gains tax break; and losses in C-corporations may be deductible up to $50,000/yr. or $100,000/yr. on a joint return with respect to “Section 1244 stock”). (more…)

Tags: entrepreneurs, intellectual property, Rule 506, Rule 701, securities laws, startup, stock option, venture, venture capital, vesting
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