VW Blog Articles by Bobby Gojuangco

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.

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.

Warrants are a common feature in venture financings, offering investors additional upside while impacting founder dilution and control. In this blog, VW attorney Bobby Gojuangco breaks down key warrant terms and explains why understanding them is critical to protecting your company’s long-term capitalization strategy.

Startup founders, early employees, and investors may be missing out on a major tax advantage. Thanks to the Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) federal income tax exclusion, eligible stockholders can potentially exclude up to 100% of capital gains upon an exit—saving millions in federal taxes. Understanding the key requirements and potential pitfalls of QSBS can make a significant impact on your financial outcome. Here’s what you need to know to maximize this powerful tax benefit.

This blog focuses on understanding the conversion mechanics of Safes versus Convertible Notes, which is essential for founders navigating pre-seed financing, as they differ in their treatment of shares outstanding and impact the equity distribution among stakeholders.

In this blog, we explain the key similarities and differences between convertible notes and post-money Safes so you can understand the nuances between convertible instruments before you get to the negotiation table.