Startup Center
Welcome to SPZ’s Startup Center, a set of articles covering common business law questions for startups and founders. We hope you find it helpful. Please browse the site to learn more about us, and contact us to find out how we can assist your business. Happy reading!
Formation
Corporation or LLC? Why should I form in Delaware? What’s a Benefit Corporation? We help you navigate these and other questions at the initial stage of your company. If you are going to seek venture capital, we will set up your company using best practices so you can pass investor due diligence down the road.
Formation Basics
Entity Types
Social Enterprises
- Should I Form a For-profit, Nonprofit or Hybrid?
- What is the Difference Between a Benefit Corporation and “B Corp”?
- What is the Difference Between a Benefit Corporation and Social Purpose Corporation?
- Benefit Corporations: Should I Incorporate in Delaware or California?
- Benefit Corporations: Benefit Report Requirements
Funding
Pre-seed and seed fundraising can be a challenge, especially for first-time founders. What’s the difference between convertible notes and preferred stock? What’s a SAFE? Our attorneys have worked on hundreds of early-stage investments and can help you with structuring and negotiating your fundraise, from term sheet to closing.
Funding Basics
Investment Vehicles
- How Do I Raise From Friends and Family?
- Should I Raise Using SAFEs, Convertible Notes or Preferred Stock?
- What is the difference between SAFEs and Convertible Notes?
- What Are the Key Terms When Negotiating Convertible Notes?
- Are Term Sheets Legally Binding?
- Should I Use Online Crowdfunding?
- Should I Raise Money From an Accredited Investor?
Hiring
From robust employment contracts to executive compensation structures and termination policies, we and our partner firms are committed to aligning your agreements with legal standards while empowering you to go above and beyond in fostering a supportive and incentivized workplace environment. Learn more about employment law.
Independent Contractors
IP Protection
For many startups, their intellectual property is one of the their most important assets. We help you protect your branding through trademark registration, and your information through confidentiality agreements with your employees, suppliers, and other partners.
Data Privacy
Data privacy laws are constantly changing around the world. If you collect, use and/or share data from individuals, you may be subject to one or more data privacy laws. From CCPA to GDPR and beyond, we help you stay compliant. We also help you with drafting privacy policies to communicate your data practices to your users and customers.
Data Privacy Basics
- What is Personally Identifiable Information, or PII?
- What Goes Into a Privacy Policy?
- Can I Use an Online Privacy Policy Generator or Just Use My Competitor’s Policy?
- What Do I Need to Do To Make My Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Legally Binding?
- Who is Responsible for Enforcing Data Privacy Laws in the U.S.?
Social Enterprises
Nonprofits are subject to a special set of rules under the U.S. tax laws. We help our clients form their nonprofit entities, obtain tax-exempt status from the IRS and stay compliant.
Hybrid Structures
Nonprofits