Master the Fundraising Maze: Top Tips for Startup Founders

Business partner handling money

Raising capital can feel like navigating a maze of investor demands, legal terms, and financial trade-offs. This guide breaks down the startup fundraising process, helping you choose the right funding structure, build investor relationships, and protect your equity so you can raise with confidence and set your company up for long-term success.

How to Offer Equity Compensation to Employees at Your Startup

Legal court gavel on assorted cash

Offering equity compensation is a powerful way for startups to attract and retain top talent—but it comes with legal, tax, and compliance considerations. This guide explores the different types of equity, including stock options, RSAs, RSUs, and profit interests, and helps founders build compliant, strategic compensation plans that align with long-term growth.

SAFE vs. Convertible Note: A Startup Founder’s Guide

Smart law, legal advice icons and lawyer working tools in the lawyers office showing concept of digital law and online technology of savvy law and regulations . 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

When raising early-stage funding, startups often choose between two popular instruments: the SAFE and the Convertible Note. Learn how they differ in structure, risk, and legal implications—and how to pick the right one for your fundraising goals.

IP Strategy for Startups

Clipboard with words Intellectual Property Law and judge's gavel on wooden table, closeup

Whether you’re building a tech platform or launching a product, your intellectual property is one of your most valuable assets. Learn how a proactive IP strategy can protect your innovations, attract investors, and give your startup a lasting competitive edge.

Maintaining Founder Control

Justice and law concept.Male judge in a courtroom with the gavel, working with, computer and docking keyboard, eyeglasses, on table in morning light

A founder’s guide to negotiating VC term sheets without losing control. Learn key clauses, red flags, liquidation preferences, board composition, and how to protect your rights with expert legal tips from Faison Law Group.