At Vela Wood, we’re pleased to offer our private equity clients a full suite of services. Our attorneys can help you navigate the complex regulatory environment surrounding fund formation, offering documentation, investor sourcing, capital deployment, and exit strategies.

Vela Wood draws on the firm’s startup, corporate M&A, and real estate practices, as well as its deep connections with the Dallas venture capital investor market, to assist its clients in finding the right vehicle for raising a fund. Because we represent a number of small and growing businesses, we are in a unique position to advise our private equity clients on issues that matter most to their potential portfolio companies. Let our experience work for you.

Vela Wood is recognized by Chambers, a globally renowned legal ranking publication, in its 2025 Chambers USA Regional Spotlight Guide as a leading small to medium-sized law firm in Texas for our corporate practice.

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  • Represent multiple venture funds ranging from $30M AUM to $500M AUM
  • Represent multiple Texas-based independent sponsors, each of which the firm has represented in 10+ SPV vehicles
  • Provide US investment guidance for multiple overseas investment funds
  • Represent multiple Texas-based ultra-high net worth family offices ($1B+ in assets) in fund and venture related activities

Resources
Resources
Select Offerings Exemption Chart

Identify some of the requirements, limitations, and advantages of a few federal exemptions available to small businesses raising capital.

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Recent Blog Posts
Funding & Capital Raising
QSBS Planning for S Corps Under Section 1202

Many early-stage companies elect S corporation status to take advantage of the favorable tax treatment. However, as companies scale and plan for funding or an eventual exit, they often convert to a C corporation to qualify for the QSBS exclusion under Section 1202. This article explains the challenges S corporations face when looking to convert, and outlines the strategies that can help founders satisfy the requirements under Section 1202 and preserve eligibility for the tax exclusion at exit.

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Sports & Gaming
The Future of DFS in California After the State Declares Paid Contests Illegal

On July 3, 2025, the California Attorney General issued an advisory opinion declaring all paid daily fantasy sports (DFS) contests illegal under California law. This ruling puts the future of DFS in California—one of the nation’s largest markets—in jeopardy and raises concerns about potential ripple effects in other states. While some states have issued similar negative opinions, their impact has varied, with courts or legislatures sometimes overturning or clarifying DFS legality.

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Funding & Capital Raising
Preferred Economics in Venture Transactions

Venture financing isn’t just about valuation—it’s about how the deal is structured. Liquidation preferences and participation rights can dramatically impact founder payouts and investor returns in an exit. This article breaks down the most common preference structures, from 1x non-participating to capped participation, and explores how seniority and stacking work across multiple rounds.

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Lead Attorneys

“Vela, stop shooting so much.”

– Coach Cranfill

Kevin Vela Partner

“The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.”

— Marcus Aurelius

Radney Wood Partner

“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”

– Anonymous

Carr Staley Partner

“Fall seven times. Stand up eight.”

– Japanese Proverb

Zach Jones Partner

“Just keep swimming.”

– Dory

Rebecca Carpenter Senior Attorney


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