In this “ChalkTalk” session, David Willbrand will demystify the jargon while unpacking and sharing everything that you need to know about fundraising for your early-stage startup.
He explains in accessible language what a cap table is, how it comes together, how it evolves and – most importantly – how startups raise money! If you are a founder or entrepreneur (or thinking about making that leap), chances are you are a world-class expert in certain areas of your startup (e.g., intellectual property, product development), and have a passing familiarity with other areas (e.g., marketing, human resources). Where you likely have little-to-no experience is all the legal stuff – particularly all the factors involved in organizing, capitalizing and financing a startup.
Basic highlights:
- Balance Sheets and M&A
- Cap Tables
- Founders Stock
- Preferred Stock
- Convertible Notes
- SAFEs
About the Speaker:
David is Chair of the Early Stage & Emerging Company practice group at Thompson Hine LLP (and a Harvard alum). He’s practiced in the space for 25 years, and along the way has also launched 2 venture-backed startups. He teaches Startup and Venture Capital law at the Syracuse and Cincinnati Law Schools, and teaches M&A at the University of Michigan Law School. He specializes in the following areas:
- Entrepreneurs and emerging companies
- Accelerators and incubators
- Early-stage investors and venture capital funds
- Research institutions and corporate innovation teams
