General Business
The Four External Pillars of a Small Business

Starting a business is hard work. There are lots of pitfalls to navigate, and some are impossible to avoid. But it’s not as hard to get help as you may think. Every small business (and this includes startups) should have […]


Funding & Capital Raising
Securities Straight Talk Vol. 3: Keeping it Local—Changes to the Rule 147 Intrastate Offering Exemption

The SEC, wishing to facilitate capital formation by smaller companies, amended Rule 147 and adopted Rule 147A to modernize the intrastate offering exemption. These changes have liberalized the Rule 147 safe harbor and expanded the exemptions available for local securities offerings. The amended Rule 147 and new Rule 147A are largely identical, except for a few distinct differences.


Funding & Capital Raising
Securities Straight Talk Vol. 2: Out With the Old (Rule 505), In With the New (Rule 504) 

The SEC released its final ruling that amends Rule 504 and repeals Rule 505, altering Reg D as we know it. In a nutshell, the SEC has combined the best of Rule 504 (unlimited investors, no accredited investor requirement, no burdensome disclosures) with the best of Rule 505 (a $5,000,000 offering limit).


Funding & Capital Raising
Securities Straight Talk Vol. 1: Securities Laws Matter To Startups (Yes, Yours Too) 

So, what exactly is a security, and how does it relate to my startup? In this blog series, we will provide the straight talk on federal and state securities laws to help you navigate the web of regulation.


General Business
Business Judgment Rule: Having Poor Business Judgment Isn’t A Tort

The rationale behind the rule is to shield those individuals that owe fiduciary duties to a Company (directors, officers, executives) from fear of a lawsuit each time they make a decision that in hindsight might end up being bad for the company.


Pitching/Decks
Who’s Drafting Your Pitch Deck?

The following thoughts and links should provide some basic insight into how to produce an effective pitch deck that cleanly and accurately reflects your company and its potential.


Entity Type
B-Corps v. Public Benefit Corporations

One of the many inside jokes at Vela Wood is that Kevin is a Capitalist, while I’m a Socialist (bleeding heart and all). Kevin usually busts out some form of this joke at company gatherings when I’m showing pictures of my […]


Franchise Taxes
HB32 Changes The Texas Franchise Tax (In A Pro-Business Way!)

If your business pays a franchise tax in Texas, this is for you. Whom it concerns Texas companies or companies doing business in Texas. If your business pays a franchise tax in Texas, listen up. Changes affect taxable entities organized […]