Emerging Companies & Venture Capital

EM³'s Emerging Companies and Venture Capital practice represents founders, startups, and investors across the full company lifecycle—from entity formation and initial fundraising through growth-stage operations and exit. The Firm combines corporate, securities, IP, and employment capabilities to serve as a single legal platform for high-growth companies and the investors who back them.

The Firm advises founders on entity formation and structuring, co-founder agreements, vesting arrangements, and equity incentive plans (stock options, restricted stock, RSUs). Our corporate attorneys guide companies through seed, Series A, and growth-stage financing rounds, including the negotiation of convertible notes, SAFEs, and priced equity rounds. The Firm drafts and negotiates term sheets, investor rights agreements, voting agreements, and rights of first refusal.

The Firm represents venture capital funds, angel investors, family offices, and institutional investors in startup investments. Our investor-side practice covers term sheet negotiation, investment due diligence, portfolio company governance, follow-on investment rights, and fund formation for emerging and established venture managers.

Beyond financing transactions, the Firm advises emerging companies on the strategic legal matters that arise as businesses scale. Our attorneys negotiate and document customer and vendor agreements, technology licensing arrangements, strategic partnerships, and IP protection programs. The Firm helps startups build the commercial contract infrastructure that supports revenue growth while protecting proprietary technology and competitive advantages.

As companies mature, governance structures, compliance obligations, and strategic options grow in complexity. The Firm advises growth-stage companies on board governance scaling, regulatory compliance frameworks, secondary transactions, and exit planning. Our attorneys help founders and investors align on exit strategy, negotiate transaction terms, and manage the legal workstreams that drive successful outcomes.

• Entity formation and co-founder agreements
• Equity incentive plans (options, restricted stock, RSUs)
• Seed, Series A, and growth-stage financing (convertible notes, SAFEs, priced rounds)
• Term sheet negotiation and investor rights agreements
• Venture fund formation and LP relations
• Technology licensing and IP protection for startups
• Commercial contracts and strategic partnerships
• Governance scaling and exit planning