Blockchain
Bitcoin’s Solution To The Double Spend Problem

Until blockchain technology, an electronic currency was a dream beyond reality because no system could prevent a holder from spending her coin twice.


Funding & Capital Raising
Keep Your Investors Updated (Part II)

A few years ago I wrote a blog about how important it is to keep your investors updated. That is as true today as it was then, but I want to highlight another benefit that I neglected to point out then: […]


Funding & Capital Raising
The Hidden Cost Of Accelerators

Accelerators are popping up all over the place. And I’m not sure that this is a good thing. Typically, an accelerator provides a little cash for a little equity, and some guidance or advisory services for a little more equity. Some […]


Funding & Capital Raising
Beware Of Your First Investor

This blog was originally published in November of 2018 but was revised in March of 2025 and is still accurate. We’re well aware of how critical it is for a startup to raise capital. I’ve yet to see a startup […]


Funding & Capital Raising
Restricted Equity v. Options & 83(b) Elections

Recently formed companies often issue restricted equity to stakeholders, but once the companies close a funding round or achieve significant revenue, restricted equity is inappropriate. Instead, the company needs an option plan and to issue options. This blog will answer, […]


Funding & Capital Raising
Incentive Stock Options v. Non-Qualified Stock Options

For cash-starved startups, compensating employees with options can be a great way for founders to motivate the employees to increase the company’s worth, and to remain with the company. However, the differing vehicles to issue options can be confusing. Often, […]


VW Abroad
Bringing Startup Culture To Law In Brazil

A Q&A with our 2018 YLAI Fellow Fabio Cendão, an attorney and entrepreneur from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, regarding his fellowship, his work in Brazil, and his time at Vela Wood and in Dallas.


Funding & Capital Raising
How Much Equity Should We Get?

From time to time we’ll get a client who asks us to help determine the equity split between co-founders. As attorneys to the company, it’s not our place to say who should get how much equity. But we can help […]