California Venture Capital Lawyer

Is your startup on the verge of explosive growth, but in need of precious capital to take the next step? Or are you looking for high return investment opportunities? Venture capital (VC) is the missing piece, but navigating the legalities of securing VC funds requires an expert in your corner.

Powering the world's innovation comes at a price, and that's where venture capital comes into play. With millions of dollars at stake, it's essential for both startups and investors to find the right venture capital lawyer to guide them through the VC process.

At Silicon Valley Technology Law Advisors, we have the right industry experience and know-how to help both start up companies and investors complete complex venture capital transactions.

What is Venture Capital?

Venture capital is a specialized type of financing that raises money from investors to re-invest in startup companies - with potentially significant returns. Technology and healthcare startups often require vast amounts of money to develop their product, hire staff, and conduct operations - sums that traditional banks may be hesitant to lend, due to the inherent risk involved. VC firms step in to fulfill the financial needs of startups, with the promise of high return on their investments.

What is Venture Capital Law?

Venture capital law governs the financial transactions between startups and VC firms. Because of the sheer amount of money laid on the line by VC firms, there are many legal issues to take into account for a successful VC transaction to take place. That is where venture capital law firms come into play. Venture capital law firms deal with all the legal aspects of venture capital transactions between startups and VC firms including:

Investment Rounds - Venture capital lawyers must draft the legal documents that outline the investment agreements, including convertible debt or SAFE rounds, seed funding rounds, and Series A, B, and C etc. rounds.
Equity - Venture capital lawyers are essential to structuring stock option plans for attracting and retaining talent.
Regulatory Compliance - Venture capital lawyers are often tasked with making sure that startups are in compliance with securities laws, privacy laws, employment regulations and other industry regulations.
Exit Strategies - Venture capital lawyers must create a framework for a startup exiting the VC relationship when going public or being acquired by another company.

Why Do Startups Need a Venture Capital Attorney?

As a startup, securing funding is essential to getting your business off the ground and continuing to operate. Because the sums of money involved range from millions to hundreds of millions of dollars, the legal intricacies and negotiations are complex. It takes a venture capital attorney to help successfully navigate the pitfalls.

A venture capital attorney can help you:

Protect Your Interests

Who will actually control the company? The founders, or the financiers? A skilled venture capital attorney is essential to helping you keep a balance of power. A venture capital attorney can help you draw up agreements that dictate control rights, ownership stakes for the parties involved, as well as exit strategies. Attempting to negotiate these terms on your own can have dire consequences down the road.

Minimize Your Risk

Funding a startup is risky, for both the founders and the VC firms. A venture capital attorney can help you protect your intellectual property, as well as advise on potential pitfalls in agreements presented.

A Legal Expert on Your Side

Most VC firms will have their own legal teams to represent their interests. Without a venture capital attorney to have your back and ensure your deal is fair, you run the risk of falling victim to unfair terms.

Provide Peace of Mind

With the help of a venture capital attorney on your side, you can be sure that someone is not only advocating for your best interests, but also handling the multitude of legal hurdles with professionalism and experience.

Why Do Investors Need a Venture Capital Lawyer?

It's not only startup founders who need a trusted legal advisor. Investors seeking high growth opportunities can also benefit from having a venture capital lawyer trusted advisor familiar with the Silicon Valley startup scene.

SVT can help investors:

Conduct Due Diligence

We can review business plans, financial statements and intellectual property of your potential investments, so you can make an informed decision and minimize your risk.

Negotiate Favorable Deals

We will advocate for your interests to secure favorable returns on your investment, aligned with your tolerance for risk.

Handle Legal Documents

SVT has extensive experience negotiating term sheets, shareholder agreements and other legal documents needed to complete a successful venture capital transaction.

Negotiate Exit Strategies

SVT can prepare you in advance for a smooth transition when it is time to collect a return on your investment.

Why Choose SVT as Your Venture Capital Lawyer?

For over 25 years, SVT has worked alongside or as in-house counsel to some of the most recognized tech companies in the San Francisco Bay Area. We've served as in-house general counsel for 15 of these years for companies like Shutterfly, Actuate Corporation, Accela and ClearDATA Networks. We have also supported companies like Amazon (Alexa), Apple and Dolby in other in-house roles supporting product development/privacy/engineering and sales.

Now our expertise in venture capital law is available to your company. Our clients choose SVT because we deliver:

Silicon Valley Expertise

SVT has made Silicon Valley our home for over 25 years. We understand the complexities of negotiating with VC lawyers and the legal landscape of starting a new company in a highly competitive environment.

Personalized Solutions

Each startup has taken a unique journey to get to where they're at. As your venture capital lawyer, SVT is committed to understanding your unique business situation, and negotiating favorable terms that protect your interests and help you secure the funding you need to take your business to the next level.

Technology Industry Specific Expertise

We have seen it all in the tech industry. Our experience is your benefit, as we handle the intricacies of venture capital law for you. SVT specializes in negotiating favorable terms for our clients that protect their intellectual property.

Looking for a Venture Capital Law Firm Near You? Contact SVT Today

Whether you are looking to secure the financing you need to fund your startup, or are looking for high return investment opportunities, don't make the mistake of trying to navigate the legalities of venture capital funding alone.

By partnering with SVT as your VC lawyers, you will gain the experience of a highly experienced venture capital law firm that has helped numerous clients complete successful venture capital transactions.

SVT is here to help you reach your financial goals. Contact SVT today for a FREE consultation.