Understanding 83(b) Elections: A Crucial Step for Startup Founders and Employees
If you’re a founder or an early employee at a startup, equity compensation is likely a significant part of your financial upside. However, the promise of equity can come with a maze of tax implications. Enter the 83(b) election: a relatively simple IRS filing that can save you thousands (or even millions) in taxes down the road. Despite its importance, many people overlook it—sometimes to their detriment.
Venture in the Middle: Bridge Rounds in a Down Funding Environment
Venture financings are at a two-year low, which is predictable given the current state of the economy. But startups need capital even during downtimes, so bridge rounds tend to increase. Here are a few tips for navigating bridge rounds in a down funding environment.
Comparing Convertible Instruments
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.
What We Learned From A Month Working Abroad
Over half the firm and their families traveled to Lisbon, Portugal for Vela Wood’s first VW Abroad trip, and it was an astounding success. In this blog, we walk through the logistics of the trip as well as what went well and what we’ll do differently next time.
Why the Venture Capital Operating Company Exemption Matters (and how a Management Rights Letter helps)
If a venture capital fund plans to take money from an employee benefit fund and does not want to be subject to ERISA, it is imperative to always obtain a management rights letter that provides opportunities to exercise control and actually exercise those rights during the annual valuation period.
The Unintended Consequences of Too Many New Venture Funds
Venture capital activity is hotter than ever, which has led to more available capital and fueled the growth of many exciting companies. From 2020 to 2021, the aggregate deal value of VC investments in the U.S. increased from $167B to […]
Let’s All Use Lego® Bricks.
Venture financing rounds need to be constructed so that they can stack neatly on top of each other. Angel on top of Friends & Family, Series Seed on top of Angel, Series A on top of Series Seed, Series B on top of Series A, and so on.
Series A is Closed. Now what?
There are a number of post-funding boxes to check off and the purpose of this blog is to give founders a starting point for next steps after completing a Series A financing.
Equity Crowdfunding
Equity crowdfunding is a way for private businesses to raise capital from multiple investors via online platforms.
SEC Amends 506(c) Accredited Investor Verification
One of the recent SEC amendments updated the accredited investor verification requirements under Rule 506(c), which is a common federal exemption utilized by startups to broadly solicit capital from accredited investors.