A trained attorney and legal analyst with experience working in venture capital. Andre has interests in startup law, enjoys the business/transactional side of things, and is passionate about helping underrepresented individuals.
Whether you're a founder or not, he's here to answer your questions, so.... ask him anything (in the comments)!
Mar 31, 2021Liked by Garry Johnson III, Abu Kamara
Hey everyone! Thanks for having me. I'm grateful for the opportunity to interact with and share knowledge with you whether you're a founder, entrepreneur, or just a person with an idea. I have experience in VC, Corporate law, and Start up law, so I'll do my best to share anything I know. Also I like motorcycles, fitness, and the Philadelphia 76ers, so I'm always willing to talk about all of the above!
Hi Andre, thank you for your time - we are trying to set up an asset-backed securities start-up; we need legal advise on best ways to structure the company
Hi! I would recommend that you sit down with a startup attorney. Each corporate structure has its own unique advantages and disadvantages, and it would take a deeper look at your team and your goals for the business to really determine what structure works best for you. Depending on where you are, I may be able to recommend an attorney that would suit your needs.
Unfortunately I don't personally know anyone currently practicing startup law in Delaware, however the Delaware State Bar Association may be a good place to start your search!
Hi Marlon, great question! The most important thing investors want to see is a detailed balance sheet. They need to know how you're spending/making money, how much you're spending/making, and what your plans are for the future. Capitalization tables are also helpful as they can show how much money the company has raised and how much equity has been issued. Founders agreements and formation documents are important as well as investors want to know what the structure of the company is, who is making the decisions, and how decisions are made.
Andre, congratulations on all of your accomplishments. My question: In terms of venture capital, the raising of this type of capital, would you say it's better to establish as a C-corp, or is an LLC fine? Is it harder to transition to a C-corp later?
Thank you! The short answer is, if you want to raise VC type money, they're gonna want you to be a C-corp. This allows investors the benefits of qualified small business stock (QSBS), which essentially equates to favorable capital gains treatment.
Hey everyone! Thanks for having me. I'm grateful for the opportunity to interact with and share knowledge with you whether you're a founder, entrepreneur, or just a person with an idea. I have experience in VC, Corporate law, and Start up law, so I'll do my best to share anything I know. Also I like motorcycles, fitness, and the Philadelphia 76ers, so I'm always willing to talk about all of the above!
Hi Andre, thank you for your time - we are trying to set up an asset-backed securities start-up; we need legal advise on best ways to structure the company
Hi! I would recommend that you sit down with a startup attorney. Each corporate structure has its own unique advantages and disadvantages, and it would take a deeper look at your team and your goals for the business to really determine what structure works best for you. Depending on where you are, I may be able to recommend an attorney that would suit your needs.
Thank you
I am in Newark, Delaware...kindly provide some recommendations as suggested
Unfortunately I don't personally know anyone currently practicing startup law in Delaware, however the Delaware State Bar Association may be a good place to start your search!
Hi Andre, thank you for your time! My team and I want to know what documents investors expect from startups before doing business?
Hi Marlon, great question! The most important thing investors want to see is a detailed balance sheet. They need to know how you're spending/making money, how much you're spending/making, and what your plans are for the future. Capitalization tables are also helpful as they can show how much money the company has raised and how much equity has been issued. Founders agreements and formation documents are important as well as investors want to know what the structure of the company is, who is making the decisions, and how decisions are made.
Andre, congratulations on all of your accomplishments. My question: In terms of venture capital, the raising of this type of capital, would you say it's better to establish as a C-corp, or is an LLC fine? Is it harder to transition to a C-corp later?
Thank you! The short answer is, if you want to raise VC type money, they're gonna want you to be a C-corp. This allows investors the benefits of qualified small business stock (QSBS), which essentially equates to favorable capital gains treatment.