Rebecca Carpenter graduated cum laude from SMU Dedman School of Law in Dallas, Texas. While in law school, Rebecca was an articles editor for the prestigious SMU Law Review Association and a teaching assistant for the Legal Research, Writing and Advocacy Program. Also while in law school, she was able to serve the underprivileged Dallas community in the Federal Tax Clinic. Prior to law school, Rebecca graduated magna cum laude from Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas.

Prior to joining Vela Wood, Rebecca worked at both a large Texas-based law firm and a boutique Dallas law firm, which focused on representing investment managers.

Rebecca was born and raised in Dallas, where she continues to reside with her husband and two young children. She is active in her East Dallas community and her church. She enjoys traveling, cooking, and being outside whenever possible.

Select Transactions

  • Routinely represents private fund and venture capital fund managers in fund formation, ranging in size from $1M-$150M
  • Routinely advises fund managers in forming special purpose vehicles to invest in venture capital companies and analyzing such investments
  • Consistently provides advise regarding federal securities matters involving the Investment Company Act of 1940, Investment Advisers Act of 1940, the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Fun Facts:

  • Owned and operated a small monogramming business during her tenure as an associate at
    a large law firm
  • An iced latte is her drink of choice even in freezing temperatures
  • She has never broken a bone

Education:

  • Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law, J.D., Cum Laude
  • Texas A&M University, B.A., Magna Cum Laude

Rebecca Carpenter's Recent Blog Posts
Funding & Capital Raising
The Changing Landscape of Private Fund Investing

Ten years ago, private fund terms were relatively standard. That is no longer the case. Not only have things changed greatly from what we saw a decade ago; but now, there is considerable variety between private funds.


Funding & Capital Raising
Private Fund Related Exemptions – An Overview

In order to launch a private fund, you must ensure that you have qualifying exemptions for both (1) the offering of interests of your private fund entity and (2) the making of investment decisions for compensation on behalf of the private fund.