Fundraising

Our Fundraising Services

Raise capital with confidence. We guide startups through SAFEs, convertible notes, term sheets, and venture rounds—helping you protect ownership, align with investors, and secure the funding you need to grow.

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Services

Fundraising Services we offer

Raise capital with confidence. From SAFEs to Series B, we structure deals, protect ownership, and guide you through each stage of fundraising.
Fundraising
Raise capital with confidence. Meet your investors with corporate sophistication and satisfy their discerning counsel.  
Resources
SAFE
$3,500
20% off
Fundraising

SAFE

$3,500
$3,500
$3,500
20% off
Included
$3,500
$3,500
Included
$3,500
$3,500
Included
Raise early-stage capital efficiently with clear, compliant documentation.

We prepare customized Simple Agreements for Future Equity (SAFEs) that balance investor interests with your company’s long-term goals. Each agreement is tailored to your fundraising structure and valuation terms, ensuring your raise is compliant, investor-focused, and ready for execution. We also assist with investor communications/negotiations and deployment through cap table software like Carta, as needed.

Scope of Work
  • Draft SAFE Agreement customized to Client’s fundraising structure, valuation cap, and discount terms
  • Consultation with Client via phone/email to address relevant investor communications, execution logistics, and compliance considerations
  • Negotiate with investors
  • Coordinate deployment and record-keeping via Carta or other cap table management platforms, as applicable
  • Finalize SAFE Agreement for execution and closing

Both are common at the earliest stages. SAFEs are simpler and don’t carry interest or maturity dates, making them easier for founders. Convertible notes function as short-term debt and may be preferred by some investors who want added protection. Either way, model the impact on dilution before signing.

Yes. Issuing SAFEs at different caps can lead to more dilution than founders expect when they all convert. Careful modeling is important.

Not always. Some SAFEs are uncapped, though most include either a cap, a discount, or both to reward early investors.

Convertible Note
$3,500
20% off
Fundraising

Convertible Note

$3,500
$3,500
$3,500
20% off
Included
$3,500
$3,500
Included
$3,500
$3,500
Included
Bridge capital confidently with a straightforward yet sophisticated convertible note.

We prepare customized Convertible Note Agreements designed to document early-stage financing rounds with clarity and compliance. Each note is structured to balance company flexibility and investor protection while maintaining alignment with future equity conversion. We also assist with investor communications/negotiations and deployment through cap table software such as Carta to ensure seamless execution and tracking.

Scope of Work
  • Draft Convertible Promissory Note and related closing documentation
  • Consultation with Client via phone/email to address financing terms, conversion mechanics, and investor communication strategy
  • Negotiate with investors
  • Coordinate execution and cap table deployment via Carta or other equity management platforms, as applicable
  • Finalize Convertible Note for execution and closing

They are most useful at the pre-seed and seed stage, or as bridge financing between rounds, when valuations are difficult to set and speed of funding is important.

Most notes are designed to convert, but if no qualifying financing occurs by maturity, the company may need to repay the note or negotiate an extension.

A convertible note is debt that converts into equity with interest and maturity terms. A SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity) is not debt and has no maturity or interest, making it simpler but sometimes less investor-friendly.

Subscription Agreement
$2,500
Flat fee
Flat fee
Flat fee
Fundraising

Subscription Agreement

$2,500
$2,500
$2,500
Flat fee
Included
$2,500
$2,500
Flat fee
Included
$2,500
$2,500
Flat fee
Included
Close your private offering confidently with clear, compliant investor agreements.

We prepare Subscription Agreements that work in conjunction with your Private Placement Memorandum (PPM) to document investor participation and ensure your raise is fully compliant. Each agreement formalizes investor commitments, representations, and suitability disclosures—providing the necessary legal backbone to accept funds and issue equity or convertible instruments with confidence.

Scope of Work
  • Draft Subscription Agreement tailored to Client’s fundraising structure, securities type, and applicable exemptions
  • Integrate Subscription Agreement with the corresponding Private Placement Memorandum for a cohesive offering package
  • Consultation with Client via phone/email to address investor execution process, fund acceptance, and compliance considerations
  • Coordinate execution and cap table deployment via Carta or other equity management platforms, as applicable
  • Finalize Subscription Agreement for distribution to investors and closing

Templates are a useful starting point, but rarely sufficient on their own. Every deal has unique elements - scope, payment, IP, liability - that need tailoring. Using a template without legal review risks leaving out critical protections or including terms that don’t fit your situation.

Yes. Trust is important, but contracts provide clarity and prevent misunderstandings. Even well-intentioned partners can recall terms differently months later. A contract protects both sides and preserves the relationship by setting expectations upfront.

Promissory Note (Secured)
$3,000
Flat fee
Flat fee
Flat fee
Fundraising

Promissory Note (Secured)

$3,000
$3,000
$3,000
Flat fee
Included
$3,000
$3,000
Flat fee
Included
$3,000
$3,000
Flat fee
Included
Document your loan or financing arrangement with clear, enforceable terms.

We prepare customized Promissory Notes and accompanying Security Agreements to formalize financing arrangements and protect both borrower and lender interests. This service ensures your loan documentation clearly defines repayment terms, interest rates, and collateral obligations while maintaining full compliance with applicable lending and security laws. Whether raising bridge financing or structuring an internal loan between stakeholders, we deliver clarity, compliance, and peace of mind.

Scope of Work
  • Draft Term Sheet outlining key loan terms and collateral structure
  • Draft Promissory Note and Note Purchase Agreement tailored to Client’s financing goals
  • Draft Security Agreement establishing lien or collateral protection
  • Consultation with Client via phone/email to address repayment terms, interest, collateral, and closing logistics
  • Finalize all documents for execution and circulation for e-signature
Term Sheet
$3,500
Flat fee
Flat fee
Flat fee
Fundraising

Term Sheet

$3,500
$3,500
$3,500
Flat fee
Included
$3,500
$3,500
Flat fee
Included
$3,500
$3,500
Flat fee
Included
Lay the groundwork for successful negotiations with a clear, investor-ready term sheet.

We prepare customized Term Sheets that define the key economic and governance terms of your financing—covering valuation, ownership, investor rights, and critical deal provisions. This service helps you set expectations early, avoid unnecessary friction in later-stage negotiations, and ensure all terms align with your business goals and compliance requirements.

Scope of Work
  • Draft Term Sheet reflecting Client’s valuation, capitalization, and investment structure
  • Consultation with Client via phone/email to discuss key provisions, negotiation strategy, and investor alignment
  • Collaborate with investors or counsel to refine terms and address points of negotiation
  • Finalize Term Sheet for circulation and execution

The term sheet is a non-binding summary of key deal points. The SPA is the binding agreement that formalizes the transaction and contains detailed legal terms.

PPM
$7,500
Flat fee
Flat fee
Flat fee
Fundraising

Private Placement Memorandum (PPM)

$7,500
$7,500
$7,500
Flat fee
Included
$7,500
$7,500
Flat fee
Included
$7,500
$7,500
Flat fee
Included
Raise capital confidently with a compliant, investor-ready Private Placement Memorandum.

We prepare comprehensive Private Placement Memorandums (PPMs) that disclose key details about your offering, company, and risk profile—ensuring compliance with applicable securities laws. The PPM works hand-in-hand with a Subscription Agreement to provide investors with full transparency before investing, protecting your company by documenting disclosures and investor acknowledgments in a single, cohesive offering package.

Scope of Work
  • Draft Private Placement Memorandum tailored to Client’s fundraising structure, investor type, and applicable securities exemptions
  • Coordinate integration with the corresponding Subscription Agreement to ensure consistency across offering materials
  • Review and incorporate key company and offering details, including capitalization, risk factors, and use of proceeds
  • Consultation with Client via phone/email to address disclosure requirements, investor communications, and compliance considerations
  • Coordinate integration with cap table management software (e.g., Carta) for investor tracking and issuance, as applicable
  • Finalize Private Placement Memorandum for investor distribution and closing

Templates are a useful starting point, but rarely sufficient on their own. Every deal has unique elements - scope, payment, IP, liability - that need tailoring. Using a template without legal review risks leaving out critical protections or including terms that don’t fit your situation.

Yes. Trust is important, but contracts provide clarity and prevent misunderstandings. Even well-intentioned partners can recall terms differently months later. A contract protects both sides and preserves the relationship by setting expectations upfront.

Bridge / Hybrid Financing
$18,000
Flat fee
Flat fee
Flat fee
Fundraising

Bridge / Hybrid Financing

$18,000
$18,000
$18,000
Flat fee
Included
$18,000
$18,000
Flat fee
Included
$18,000
$18,000
Flat fee
Included
Secure short-term capital with flexible, investor-aligned financing documentation.

We help companies raise bridge or hybrid rounds using convertible or preferred-equity structures designed to balance investor expectations with your company’s long-term capitalization goals. This service covers everything from drafting and negotiating bridge notes or hybrid instruments to coordinating closing logistics and cap table updates on Carta. The result: a seamless, compliant financing that positions you for your next major round.

Scope of Work
  • Draft and negotiate bridge or hybrid financing documents, including Convertible Notes, SAFEs, or Preferred Bridge Agreements as applicable
  • Build and refine Pro Forma Cap Table, incorporating bridge and conversion modeling using Carta round-modeling tools
  • Prepare governance and compliance documentation, including Board and Stockholder Consents, Management Rights Letters, and Closing Checklists
  • Consultation with Client via phone/email to address structure, investor expectations, conversion mechanics, and closing logistics
  • Coordinate with investors, counsel, and cap table platforms (e.g., Carta) to manage e-signatures, funds flow, and closing documentation
  • Finalize financing documents for execution and ensure post-closing compliance
Hourly

Due to the unpredictable nature and complexity of financings, we traditionally operate on an hourly basis, making it easy to get started with a $5,000 replenishing retainer. While total costs vary by scope and diligence, most bridge financings range between $15,000–$25,000.

Flat Fee Payment Terms

This structure provides predictable pricing with payments aligned to project milestones:

  • 50% payable upon engagement
  • 50% payable within five (5) business days of transaction close, or 25% in the event of "no close"*

*No Close: In the event the fundraise does not come to a close, the second payment installment shall be reduced to $4,000 and payable within five (5) business days of the good faith determination of "no close."

Flat Fee Total Project Hours

Capped at 36 hours of total Firm billable time with 25% flexibility adjustment**

**Flexibility Adjustment:

If the Scope of Work exceeds the Total Project Hours by 25% (i.e., >45 hours of total firm billable time), additional work will be billed at our standard hourly rates and payable in addition to the second installment of 50% of the flat fee upon close.

If the Scope of Work is completed before exceeding the Total Project Hours less 25% (i.e., <27 hours of total Firm billable time), Client shall be entitled to a pro-rated adjustment of the second installment of 50% of the flat fee upon close.

This structure allows clients to budget confidently while securing the resources necessary to complete complex financings efficiently and effectively.

You’re ready to raise when you have clear evidence of progress — whether that’s a working MVP, early customer traction, or revenue growth. Raising too early, without proof points, often leads to rejection or unfavorable terms.

Yes. Investors prefer simplicity and transparency. Complex or founder-heavy structures may deter investment unless clearly justified and carefully limited.

Investors who feel informed and engaged are more likely to participate in follow-on rounds and make introductions to new investors.

Pre-Seed / Seed
$25,000
Flat fee
Flat fee
Flat fee
Fundraising

Pre-Seed / Seed

$25,000
$25,000
$25,000
Flat fee
Included
$25,000
$25,000
Flat fee
Included
$25,000
$25,000
Flat fee
Included
Position your startup for growth with investor-ready documentation and guidance.

We help early-stage companies navigate the complexities of their first equity financing rounds with clear, comprehensive legal support. This service includes drafting and negotiating key financing documents, leveraging National Venture Capital Association (NVCA) model forms to ensure efficiency, alignment with investor expectations, and long-term scalability. We also prepare detailed cap tables and filings to maintain compliance and readiness for future rounds.

As a Carta Certified Experts, we also assist with Carta round-modeling tools and cap table deployment to ensure your equity records and investor communications remain accurate and integrated throughout the transaction.

Scope of Work
  • Draft and negotiate key financing documents, including Term Sheet, Stock Purchase Agreement, and ancillary agreements (Investor Rights, Voting, and ROFR/Co-Sale)
  • Build and refine Pro Forma Cap Table, including modeling investment scenarios using Carta round-modeling tools
  • Draft governance and compliance documentation, including Restated Certificate of Incorporation, Stockholder and Board Consents, and Management Rights Letter
  • Prepare supporting agreements and closing deliverables, such as Indemnification Agreements, Closing Checklist, and SEC filings under applicable exemptions
  • Consultation with Client via phone/email to address structure, investor expectations, and closing logistics
  • Coordinate with investors, counsel, and platforms (Carta or equivalent) to finalize documents, manage e-signatures, and oversee funds flow and closing
Hourly

Due to the unpredictable nature and complexity of financings, we traditionally operate on an hourly basis, making it easy to get started with a $5,000 replenishing retainer. While total costs vary by scope and diligence, most pre-seed/seed financings range between $20,000–$30,000.

Flat Fee Payment Terms

This structure provides predictable pricing with payments aligned to project milestones:

  • 50% payable upon engagement
  • 50% payable within five (5) business days of transaction close, or 25% in the event of "no close"*

*No Close: In the event the fundraise does not come to a close, the second payment installment shall be reduced to $6,250 and payable within five (5) business days of the good faith determination of "no close."

Flat Fee Total Project Hours

Capped at 50 hours of total Firm billable time with 25% flexibility adjustment**

**Flexibility Adjustment:

If the Scope of Work exceeds the Total Project Hours by 25% (i.e., >62.5 hours of total firm billable time), additional work will be billed at our standard hourly rates and payable in addition to the second installment of 50% of the flat fee upon close.

If the Scope of Work is completed before exceeding the Total Project Hours less 25% (i.e., <37.5 hours of total Firm billable time), Client shall be entitled to a pro-rated adjustment of the second installment of 50% of the flat fee upon close.

This structure allows clients to budget confidently while securing the resources necessary to complete complex financings efficiently and effectively.

Pre-seed supports MVP development and early testing, while seed funding typically backs a product already showing customer traction and involves formal equity.

You’re ready to raise when you have clear evidence of progress — whether that’s a working MVP, early customer traction, or revenue growth. Raising too early, without proof points, often leads to rejection or unfavorable terms.

Investors who feel informed and engaged are more likely to participate in follow-on rounds and make introductions to new investors.

Series A
$50,000
Flat fee
Flat fee
Flat fee
Fundraising

Series A

$50,000
$50,000
$50,000
Flat fee
Included
$50,000
$50,000
Flat fee
Included
$50,000
$50,000
Flat fee
Included
Secure institutional investment with clarity, confidence, and investor-grade documentation.

We guide growth-stage companies through their Series A round, drafting and negotiating all principal financing documents and coordinating among investors, counsel, and platforms like Carta to ensure an efficient close. Using National Venture Capital Association (NVCA) model forms as a foundation, we tailor each agreement to your capitalization structure, investor mix, and governance requirements—helping you achieve a clean, compliant, and future-ready financing.

Scope of Work
  • Draft and negotiate all primary and ancillary financing documents, including Term Sheet, Stock Purchase Agreement, and investor rights agreements (Investor Rights, Voting, ROFR/Co-Sale, Indemnification, Management Rights)
  • Build and refine detailed Pro Forma Cap Table, including scenario modeling and deployment via Carta’s financing tools
  • Prepare governance documentation (Restated Certificate of Incorporation, Board and Stockholder Consents) and closing materials (Closing Checklist, SEC filings, wire instructions, signature coordination)
  • Consultation with Client via phone/email to address structure, investor expectations, and closing logistics
  • Coordinate closing mechanics, execution, and post-closing compliance steps across all parties and platform
Hourly

Due to the unpredictable nature and complexity of financings, we traditionally operate on an hourly basis, making it easy to get started with a $5,000 replenishing retainer. While total costs vary by scope and diligence, most Series A financings range between $40,000–$60,000.

Flat Fee Payment Terms

This structure provides predictable pricing with payments aligned to project milestones:

  • 50% payable upon engagement
  • 50% payable within five (5) business days of transaction close, or 25% in the event of "no close"*

*No Close: In the event the fundraise does not come to a close, the second payment installment shall be reduced to $12,500 and payable within five (5) business days of the good faith determination of "no close."

Flat Fee Total Project Hours

Capped at 100 hours of total Firm billable time with 25% flexibility adjustment**

**Flexibility Adjustment:

If the Scope of Work exceeds the Total Project Hours by 25% (i.e., >125 hours of total firm billable time), additional work will be billed at our standard hourly rates and payable in addition to the second installment of 50% of the flat fee upon close.

If the Scope of Work is completed before exceeding the Total Project Hours less 25% (i.e., <75 hours of total Firm billable time), Client shall be entitled to a pro-rated adjustment of the second installment of 50% of the flat fee upon close.

This structure allows clients to budget confidently while securing the resources necessary to complete complex financings efficiently and effectively.

Most companies pursue Series A once they can show consistent product-market fit, revenue growth, and a scalable business model.

Yes. Investors prefer simplicity and transparency. Complex or founder-heavy structures may deter investment unless clearly justified and carefully limited.

Investors who feel informed and engaged are more likely to participate in follow-on rounds and make introductions to new investors.

Series B
$80,000
Flat fee
Flat fee
Flat fee
Fundraising

Series B

$80,000
$80,000
$80,000
Flat fee
Included
$80,000
$80,000
Flat fee
Included
$80,000
$80,000
Flat fee
Included
Navigate your next growth round with experienced counsel and investor-grade documentation.

We guide companies through Series B and later-stage financings, where the stakes—and the scrutiny—rise. This service includes drafting and negotiating all principal financing and governance documents, coordinating among multiple investors, lead counsel, and platforms like Carta to manage closing efficiently. Leveraging NVCA model forms and years of deal experience, we help ensure your financing aligns with market standards, investor expectations, and your long-term capitalization strategy.

Scope of Work
  • Draft and negotiate primary and ancillary financing documents, including Stock Purchase Agreement, Investor Rights Agreement, Voting Agreement, and related NVCA-standard forms
  • Build and refine Pro Forma Cap Table, incorporating multi-round ownership structures and scenario modeling via Carta’s financing tools
  • Prepare governance and compliance documentation, including Restated Certificate of Incorporation, Board and Stockholder Consents, and Management Rights Letters
  • Coordinate diligence, disclosure schedules, and closing deliverables, including wire instructions, signature packets, and post-closing obligations
  • Consultation with Client via phone/email to address structure, investor expectations, and closing logistics
  • Manage all closing mechanics, execution, and post-closing compliance across parties and platforms
Hourly

Due to the unpredictable nature and complexity of financings, we traditionally operate on an hourly basis, making it easy to get started with a $5,000 replenishing retainer. While total costs vary by scope and diligence, most Series B financings range between $70,000–$90,000.

Flat Fee Payment Terms

This structure provides predictable pricing with payments aligned to project milestones:

  • 50% payable upon engagement
  • 50% payable within five (5) business days of transaction close, or 25% in the event of "no close"*

*No Close: In the event the fundraise does not come to a close, the second payment installment shall be reduced to $20,000 and payable within five (5) business days of the good faith determination of "no close."

Flat Fee Total Project Hours

Capped at 160 hours of total Firm billable time with 25% flexibility adjustment**

**Flexibility Adjustment:

If the Scope of Work exceeds the Total Project Hours by 25% (i.e., >200 hours of total firm billable time), additional work will be billed at our standard hourly rates and payable in addition to the second installment of 50% of the flat fee upon close.

If the Scope of Work is completed before exceeding the Total Project Hours less 25% (i.e., <120 hours of total Firm billable time), Client shall be entitled to a pro-rated adjustment of the second installment of 50% of the flat fee upon close.

This structure allows clients to budget confidently while securing the resources necessary to complete complex financings efficiently and effectively.

You’re ready to raise when you have clear evidence of progress — whether that’s a working MVP, early customer traction, or revenue growth. Raising too early, without proof points, often leads to rejection or unfavorable terms.

Yes. Investors prefer simplicity and transparency. Complex or founder-heavy structures may deter investment unless clearly justified and carefully limited.

Investors who feel informed and engaged are more likely to participate in follow-on rounds and make introductions to new investors.

Our Fundraising Offerings Guide

Discover how we structure fundraising rounds, from SAFEs to Series B. Get expert guidance on investor terms, cap tables, and compliance so you can raise with confidence.
SAFE Agreement Signed
Attached: Investor agreement recorded in fundraising docs.
Investor Pitch Prep Meeting
11:00 EST – Thursday
Slack Message
Thanks for reviewing our term sheet — investors said it’s the cleanest they’ve seen.

Related Resources

Management Rights Letter: Granting Institutional Investors Oversight Access

When startups take money from venture capital funds subject to ERISA or similar regulations, those funds need a special document: the Management Rights Letter (MRL). This short but powerful agreement ensures the investor has sufficient rights to “manage” their investment, helping them comply with legal requirements.

Indemnification Agreement: Personal Protection for Startup Directors and Officers

When startup leaders make tough calls - hiring, spending, pivoting - they expose themselves to personal liability. The Indemnification Agreement serves as a legal shield, protecting directors and officers against lawsuits, claims, and costs incurred while serving the company.

ROFR and Co-Sale Agreement: Managing Share Transfers While Preserving Cap Table Control

In venture-backed startups, control of the cap table is critical. The Right of First Refusal and Co-Sale Agreement (ROFR/Co-Sale) helps founders and investors maintain that control by regulating how shares are transferred - particularly when founders, early employees, or other major holders want to sell.

Voting Agreement: Aligning Shareholder Power in Key Company Decisions

While founders often assume they’ll control their company post-funding, the Voting Agreement tells a more nuanced story. This document outlines how shareholders agree to vote their shares on critical company matters, including board elections and future financing approvals.

Investor Rights Agreement: The Post-Investment Playbook for Governance and Growth

Once a startup closes a priced equity round, investors want more than just shares - they want visibility, influence, and information.

Stock Purchase Agreement (SPA): The Core Deal Document That Governs Startup Fundraising Transactions

When startups raise a priced equity financing - often at the seed or Series A stage - the Stock Purchase Agreement (SPA) becomes the central contract that governs the investment

Valuation Caps in Convertible Instruments: Anchoring Investor Economics in Early-Stage Rounds

Early-stage startups often raise capital through convertible instruments like SAFEs or convertible notes - structures designed to delay valuation discussions until a priced equity round.

Right of First Refusal (ROFR): A Critical Tool for Ownership Control in Private Companies

As startups grow and equity stakes shift, controlling who owns shares becomes increasingly important. One of the most effective tools for managing this is the Right of First Refusal (ROFR).

Drag-Along Rights in Startup Financing: Streamlining Exits While Balancing Stakeholder Interests

When negotiating startup financing, founders often focus on valuation, equity splits, and immediate ownership. But long-term provisions in term sheets can be just as important, especially when it comes to company exits. One of the most impactful is the drag-along right.

Anti-Dilution Rights in Startup Funding: The Price Protection Mechanisms That Safeguard Investor Value

When structuring venture capital deals, founders often focus on valuation, investment size, and ownership splits. But within preferred stock agreements are provisions that can significantly reshape economics if future fundraising happens at lower valuations. Chief among these are anti-dilution protections.

Liquidation Preferences in Startup Funding: Critical Terms That Shape Exit Outcomes

When negotiating startup financing rounds, founders often focus on valuation, investment size, and ownership percentages. However, hidden within term sheets are provisions that can dramatically impact how exit proceeds are distributed. One of the most important of these provisions is the liquidation preference.

SAFEs: Streamlining Early-Stage Startup Investments

In today’s fast-moving startup ecosystem, the Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE) has reshaped how early-stage companies raise capital. Introduced by Y Combinator in 2013, SAFEs were created to simplify fundraising while balancing the needs of both founders and investors.

Convertible Notes: Bridging the Gap Between Debt and Equity

In the early stages of startup funding, traditional equity rounds can be difficult because of valuation uncertainty and the high legal costs involved.

Down Rounds in Startup Funding: Navigating Valuation Challenges

In the dynamic world of startup financing, not every funding round represents an upward trajectory. While founders and investors alike prefer to see steadily increasing valuations, market realities sometimes necessitate a different path.

Startup Due Diligence: Essential Preparation for Funding and Growth

In the startup journey, few processes are as critical - or as intimidating - as due diligence. Whether you’re raising venture funding, preparing for acquisition, or negotiating a strategic partnership, how well you handle due diligence can directly affect your valuation, deal terms, and long-term growth trajectory.

Raising Money From Non-Accredited Investors: Expanding Your Funding Options

Traditional startup funding often relies on accredited angels and venture capitalists. But thanks to regulatory changes, startups can now raise capital from a much wider group - non-accredited investors. This shift opens up new possibilities for founders to access funding, turn customers into stakeholders, and build brand communities.

Types of Investors in Startups: Choosing the Right Financial Partners

Securing funding is one of the most important steps in building a startup. But capital is only part of the equation - different investor types bring distinct benefits such as mentorship, networks, and operational expertise. Understanding the funding landscape helps founders target the right partners at the right time.

Understanding the Funding Journey: A Guide to Startup Capital Rounds

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Navigating Startup Funding: The Venture Capital Question

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Crowdfunding: Fueling Your Startup's Growth

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Understanding Term Sheets

Navigating a venture capital term sheet is crucial for startup founders. This guide explains key terms like valuation, board composition, investors' rights, liquidation preferences, and anti-dilution provisions to help secure favorable investment deals.

Understanding Startup Financing: A Guide to SAFEs

SAFEs offer startups a way to secure funding by providing investors future equity rights, not immediate shares or debt, fostering early growth.

The Current Fundraising and Venture Capital Climate

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“@VC came in at a really critical time.

They actually ended up serving as a role of sales enablement by being a partner that can react quickly and get us the right kind of agreements in place with big enterprises.”  

Trevor Foster
CEO
Trevor Foster

Bench Talent Cloud needed a legal partner that could keep up with its pivots, product advancements, and enterprise deal flow without slowing the business down. @VirtualCounsel stepped in as fractional General Counsel, handling SaaS agreements, MSA/SOWs, fundraising, cap table management, and even enabling enterprise sales by getting the right agreements in place fast.

@VC also represented Fulcrum Workforce Solutions (our original client) through a strategic merger with Open Assembly to create the technological powerhouse that is Bench Talent Cloud. Today, Bench has a seasoned legal team in its corner and a business that continues to grow.

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“@VC came in at a really critical time.

They actually ended up serving as a role of sales enablement by being a partner that can react quickly and get us the right kind of agreements in place with big enterprises.”  

Trevor Foster
Trevor Foster
CEO

“They’re incredible people, very relatable, but also just really good at what they do. They're also incredibly cost-effective. @VirtualCounsel is also strategic in terms of helping us to think about our risks in a different way, and some of those other things that I may not think of as someone who is more of a business development-led CEO, e.g., they help me manage downside, think through things in detail, manage things with employees/team, and structure everything in smart and effective way. ”

"Answered all my questions and provided a good agreement based on our discussion. Will definitely consider doing business again later."

Eric Zhang
Eric Zhang

"Very informative and helpful in my situation"

"It was fantastic working with Daniel and Quin! Thanks guys!!"

Sean Sweet
Sean Sweet

"I think the most important thing is that I felt like I had counsel. I had someone that I could rely on regularly, whenever I had a concern. They mapped out everything I needed to do for the weeks and months ahead in order to keep my company compliant, stable, and secure so that I had the space to go out and do my work and do my business."

Rudhir Krishtel
Rudhir Krishtel
CEO

“I came to @VirtualCounsel because I wanted to make my business official and I didn't really know where to start. They helped me come up with my Terms of Services, my Service Agreements, my Privacy Policy… They also gave me a whole month of access to them to ask any questions that I needed to after the submission of the paperwork.”

Kim Roach
Founder

"Working with Mr. Goodrich and his team has been a real pleasure. They provided everything I needed from the beginning to the end of my case. Always willing to find the perfect solution to problems. Looking forward to work again together"

Massimo Caramel
Massimo Caramel

"Absolutely incredible experience from start to finish!!!! Would give 10 stars if I could!!!!"

Stephen Torres

"Helpful with streamlined service for corporate setup"

Will Lin

"Great work from the initial call to the final advice and resolution. Thank you!"

"With other people I’ve worked with in the legal space – I send an email and I may not get a response for a month, or I have to follow up 3-5 times. With Danny and the team, I do it once and everything’s fixed."

Arron Bennett
Arron Bennett
CEO

"I like that Daniel's team kept reminding me to attend to the foundational signatures required to keep the process moving. As a founder, I'm constantly getting my attention pulled away from the priorities -- and getting this corporation formed and initial stock allocated, was a priority (that I was inclined to drag my feet on)."

Robert Rolnik
Robert Rolnik

"Before working with @VC we had a pretty significant legal structural change to navigate. Certainly not something that I wanted to navigate by myself. It’s fairly intricate to do a conversion of an entity, and to navigate that properly, such that we were able to retain important information. @VC made it really smooth for us. "

CFO

"Looking forward to working with Daniel on future projects!"

Cameron Robertson

“With any other legal team, I’ve already had the experience that it’s going to be more expensive, more difficult, and just cause me heartache. Working with @VirtualCounsel is a HUGE difference – I tell everyone I can about how great @VirtualCounsel is, and I recommend them to anyone with a start-up or growing business. They've helped me with almost every single legal aspect of my business you can think of."

Brendan Kennedy
Brendan Kennedy
Founder & CEO

"Daniel's whole team (including Quin) was very responsive and efficient even during a busy holiday season."

Brian Vickery

"Love working with the team!"

Alyson Schill
Alyson Schill

"I actually ENJOY talking with my legal team! They do everything so fast. The communication is so fast, you’re not calling a secretary, you’re not waiting. It’s all online where you can chat very very quickly with @VirtualCounsel in Slack and get your questions answered and then, if needed, you can hop on a quick call with them and go over what you actually need to do.”

Michael Supina
Michael Supina
CEO

"Would recommend"

Chris Martin

“We're a tech startup, so we don't have the luxury of finding out what we owe in legal fees at the end of the month based on an email or phone call we didn't know about. So having a consistent retainer that we can really trust in, depend on, and make budgeting decisions based off of is huge. I honestly have had the best experience working with @VirtualCounsel. Not just the predictability of payments, but more so the level of service has been above and beyond any service-based company I have ever worked with. "

Christian Chasmer
Christian Chasmer
Co-Founder & COO

"Fantastic experience working with Daniel E. Goodrich and the VirtualCounsel team. They have clear communication, vast knowledge, and supported me in handling investor’s questions and closing down my company. I highly recommend them."

Miguel Martinez

"Really quick response time, very fair pricing - my issue ended up being less intensive than we thought and they refunded part of my retainer, which I really appreciated. Very upfront, honest, and professional. Would absolutely recommend to family and friends and would definitely use again if needed!"

“We’re really grateful that @VirtualCounsel has been alongside us for our whole journey. Scrapping together legal documents is a bad idea, so we’re really glad we’ve had @VirtualCounsel from the beginning because those early decisions are impacting things we’re dealing with today and we’re really glad we had the whole professional structure set up.”  

Mathew Geller
Mathew Geller
Co-Founder & CEO

Digital is our default

We know that today's clients are technologically sophisticated and expect the same from their service providers. We leverage technology to streamline communication, keep projects organized and make our workflow as efficient as possible.
Loom
Slack
Google Drive
Gusto
Google Meet
Basecamp
Zoom
Carta
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Google Drive
Gusto
Google Meet
Basecamp
Zoom
Carta
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Google Drive
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Basecamp
Zoom
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FAQs

Both are common at the earliest stages. SAFEs are simpler and don’t carry interest or maturity dates, making them easier for founders. Convertible notes function as short-term debt and may be preferred by some investors who want added protection. Either way, model the impact on dilution before signing.

  • Pre-money valuation: The company’s value before new capital is added.
  • Post-money valuation: The company’s value after adding new capital. For example, a $10M pre-money valuation with $2M raised results in a $12M post-money valuation. Ownership percentages are calculated using the post-money figure.

Enough to hit meaningful milestones that will position you for the next round. For most pre-seed and seed companies, that means 12–18 months of runway. Avoid raising “as much as possible” — overcapitalization leads to unnecessary dilution and pressure.

No. Many great businesses are bootstrapped or funded through revenue. Venture capital is best suited for companies chasing large markets and rapid growth. If your business can thrive without outside capital, you retain more control and ownership.

You’re ready to raise when you have clear evidence of progress — whether that’s a working MVP, early customer traction, or revenue growth. Raising too early, without proof points, often leads to rejection or unfavorable terms.

Yes, but selectively. While ROFR and co-sale rights are often more about governance than daily use, they remain an important safety net for investors.

Yes. Founders often negotiate carve-outs for estate planning transfers, gifts, or small private sales.

ROFR gives the company or investors the right to buy shares before outsiders. Co-sale rights let investors “tag along” and sell their shares alongside a selling shareholder.

Yes. They can include sunset provisions or be amended in later financing rounds to reflect shifts in ownership or company maturity.

Not always. Negotiated terms often leave founders with meaningful board representation, though investors usually gain at least one seat and sometimes an independent director.

Most founders find fundraising legally overwhelming.


You're deciphering SAFE notes, priced rounds, and investor rights without clear guidance.


You're concerned about term sheet negotiations, dilution, and maintaining control of your company.


You're worried that legal issues will derail your raise or scare off investors during due diligence.


We get it, which is why we make fundraising investor-ready so you can close with confidence.

Your Fundraising Advantage

Clear, Investor-Ready Docs

We draft and review SAFEs, notes, and term sheets so your deals move forward without costly delays.

Attract & Close Capital

Present polished, compliant agreements that give investors confidence and help you secure funding faster.

Strategic Growth Alignment

We structure your fundraising to match your long-term goals, so today’s round sets you up for tomorrow’s success.
Schedule a Consultation

What our clients are saying

Click any case study to hear more

“@VC came in at a really critical time.

They actually ended up serving as a role of sales enablement by being a partner that can react quickly and get us the right kind of agreements in place with big enterprises.”  

Trevor Foster
Trevor Foster
CEO
See Case Study

“@VC came in at a really critical time.

They actually ended up serving as a role of sales enablement by being a partner that can react quickly and get us the right kind of agreements in place with big enterprises.”  

Trevor Foster
CEO
Trevor Foster

Bench Talent Cloud needed a legal partner that could keep up with its pivots, product advancements, and enterprise deal flow without slowing the business down. @VirtualCounsel stepped in as fractional General Counsel, handling SaaS agreements, MSA/SOWs, fundraising, cap table management, and even enabling enterprise sales by getting the right agreements in place fast.

@VC also represented Fulcrum Workforce Solutions (our original client) through a strategic merger with Open Assembly to create the technological powerhouse that is Bench Talent Cloud. Today, Bench has a seasoned legal team in its corner and a business that continues to grow.

Industry
Services
Subscription

"Answered all my questions and provided a good agreement based on our discussion. Will definitely consider doing business again later."

Eric Zhang
Eric Zhang

"Fantastic experience working with Daniel E. Goodrich and the VirtualCounsel team. They have clear communication, vast knowledge, and supported me in handling investor’s questions and closing down my company. I highly recommend them."

Miguel Martinez

“@VirtualCounsel helped me submit all of my paperwork to officially become an LLC...They made it super affordable and super easy and they did it in a quick manner as well. Thank you for making my life so much easier.”

Kim Roach
Founder

"It was fantastic working with Daniel and Quin! Thanks guys!!"

Sean Sweet
Sean Sweet

"Great work from the initial call to the final advice and resolution. Thank you!"

"Helpful with streamlined service for corporate setup"

Will Lin

“We're a tech startup, so we don't have the luxury of finding out what we owe in legal fees at the end of the month based on an email or phone call we didn't know about. So having a consistent retainer that we can really trust in, depend on, and make budgeting decisions based off of is huge. I honestly have had the best experience working with @VirtualCounsel. Not just the predictability of payments, but more so the level of service has been above and beyond any service-based company I have ever worked with. "

Christian Chasmer
Christian Chasmer
Co-Founder & COO

"Very informative and helpful in my situation"

"I actually ENJOY talking with my legal team! They do everything so fast. The communication is so fast, you’re not calling a secretary, you’re not waiting. It’s all online where you can chat very very quickly with @VirtualCounsel in Slack and get your questions answered and then, if needed, you can hop on a quick call with them and go over what you actually need to do.”

Michael Supina
Michael Supina
CEO

"Working with Mr. Goodrich and his team has been a real pleasure. They provided everything I needed from the beginning to the end of my case. Always willing to find the perfect solution to problems. Looking forward to work again together"

Massimo Caramel
Massimo Caramel

“With any other legal team, I’ve already had the experience that it’s going to be more expensive, more difficult, and just cause me heartache. Working with @VirtualCounsel is a HUGE difference – I tell everyone I can about how great @VirtualCounsel is, and I recommend them to anyone with a start-up or growing business. They've helped me with almost every single legal aspect of my business you can think of."

Brendan Kennedy
Brendan Kennedy
Founder & CEO

"Daniel helped a ton with our licensing contract. He and his partners were super professional and knowledgeable throughout the process."

Nicholas Canova
Nicholas Canova

“They’re incredible people, very relatable, but also just really good at what they do. They're also incredibly cost-effective. @VirtualCounsel is also strategic in terms of helping us to think about our risks in a different way, and some of those other things that I may not think of as someone who is more of a business development-led CEO, e.g., they help me manage downside, think through things in detail, manage things with employees/team, and structure everything in smart and effective way. ”

"Would recommend"

Chris Martin

"Really quick response time, very fair pricing - my issue ended up being less intensive than we thought and they refunded part of my retainer, which I really appreciated. Very upfront, honest, and professional. Would absolutely recommend to family and friends and would definitely use again if needed!"

"Before working with @VC we had a pretty significant legal structural change to navigate. Certainly not something that I wanted to navigate by myself. It’s fairly intricate to do a conversion of an entity, and to navigate that properly, such that we were able to retain important information. @VC made it really smooth for us. "

CFO

"Daniel is incredible to work with. He communicated clearly and delivered documents quickly. He made sure I understood the details of a contract and how it would impact me. I would highly recommend him."

Shay Pantano
Shay Pantano

"Fantastic help - quick, clear, and made it easy for me to understand."

Maggie Dumouchel
Maggie Dumouchel

“@VirtualCounsel helped me set up everything from the ground up to help my business grow.  @VirtualCounsel feels very modern for what you'd expect from a business attorney team. What I really like the most is the way I can communicate with them using modern technology, knowing that I'll get a response quickly and that my legal team is on top of it."

Sergio Maldonado
CEO

"Absolutely incredible experience from start to finish!!!! Would give 10 stars if I could!!!!"

Stephen Torres

“@VC came in at a really critical time.

They actually ended up serving as a role of sales enablement by being a partner that can react quickly and get us the right kind of agreements in place with big enterprises.”  

Trevor Foster
Trevor Foster
CEO

"With other people I’ve worked with in the legal space – I send an email and I may not get a response for a month, or I have to follow up 3-5 times. With Danny and the team, I do it once and everything’s fixed."

Arron Bennett
Arron Bennett
CEO

"Looking forward to working with Daniel on future projects!"

Cameron Robertson

"Love working with the team!"

Alyson Schill
Alyson Schill

"I like that Daniel's team kept reminding me to attend to the foundational signatures required to keep the process moving. As a founder, I'm constantly getting my attention pulled away from the priorities -- and getting this corporation formed and initial stock allocated, was a priority (that I was inclined to drag my feet on)."

Robert Rolnik
Robert Rolnik

"Daniel's whole team (including Quin) was very responsive and efficient even during a busy holiday season."

Brian Vickery

"Great communication throughout. Professional and personable."

Greg Albritton
Greg Albritton
Founder & CEO

“I came to @VirtualCounsel because I wanted to make my business official and I didn't really know where to start. They helped me come up with my Terms of Services, my Service Agreements, my Privacy Policy… They also gave me a whole month of access to them to ask any questions that I needed to after the submission of the paperwork.”

Kim Roach
Founder

“We’re really grateful that @VirtualCounsel has been alongside us for our whole journey. Scrapping together legal documents is a bad idea, so we’re really glad we’ve had @VirtualCounsel from the beginning because those early decisions are impacting things we’re dealing with today and we’re really glad we had the whole professional structure set up.”  

Mathew Geller
Mathew Geller
Co-Founder & CEO

"I think the most important thing is that I felt like I had counsel. I had someone that I could rely on regularly, whenever I had a concern. They mapped out everything I needed to do for the weeks and months ahead in order to keep my company compliant, stable, and secure so that I had the space to go out and do my work and do my business."

Rudhir Krishtel
Rudhir Krishtel
CEO

Digital is our default

We know that today's clients are technologically sophisticated and expect the same from their service providers. We leverage technology to streamline communication, keep projects organized and make our workflow as efficient as possible.
Loom
Slack
Google Drive
Gusto
Google Meet
Basecamp
Zoom
Carta
Loom
Slack
Google Drive
Gusto
Google Meet
Basecamp
Zoom
Carta
Loom
Slack
Google Drive
Gusto
Google Meet
Basecamp
Zoom
Carta

Raise Capital with Confidence

Partner with our fundraising experts to close rounds with confidence. From SAFEs and convertible notes to Series A and beyond, we’ll draft, review, and structure your deals to ensure compliance, clarity, and investor trust — so you can focus on growing your business.