VW Blog

Advising on deals, investments, or market trends—even informally—can trigger investment adviser rules if you’re compensated in any way. Securities laws focus on conduct, not titles. If your guidance on securities is part of your business, registration or an exemption may be required.

QSBS offers major tax savings, but eligibility under Section 1202 is complex. This article highlights key risks—from stock issuance and asset limits to redemptions and transfers—that can jeopardize the exclusion.

Pay-to-play rounds are becoming more common as startups deal with inflated past valuations and a tougher funding climate. Some structures penalize investors who don’t reinvest, others reward those who do, and hybrids combine both. Whether it’s a stick, a carrot, or a mix, these terms are reshaping cap tables and investor relationships across the venture landscape.

AI tools like ChatGPT can be useful for legal research and brainstorming, but they often generate inaccurate or misleading information. When non-lawyers solely rely on these tools for legal decisions, the consequences can be costly.

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.

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.

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.

In March 2025, Delaware overhauled its General Corporation Law, introducing major changes that impact how companies handle conflicted transactions, board approvals, and stockholder rights. These updates aim to reduce legal uncertainty and bring clearer standards for directors, officers, and controlling stockholders. Here’s a quick look at what’s changed—and why it matters.