February 5, 2018

Initial Coin Offering (ICO) Security vs Utility Issuance - Vincent Molinari

February 5, 2018

SCN Corporate Connect's Jane Kings sits down with Vincent Molinari - CEO of Liquid M. Capital, to discuss the difference between Security and Utility tokens in ICOs.

Featured

Apr 17, 2019

The SEC Confirms the Limited Scope and Nature of Utility Tokens

Apr 17, 2019

By Marine Bouaziz and Daniel DeWolf

On April 3, 2019, Finhub, the SEC’s Strategic Hub for Innovation and Financial Technology, released the “Framework for ‘Investment Contract’ analysis of digital assets” (the “Framework”) providing principles for analyzing whether a digital asset[1] constitutes an investment contract, and thus a security. The same day, the SEC’s Division of Corporation Finance (the “Division”) published its first No-Action Letter on digital tokens. The No-Action Letter applies the Framework to a digital asset created by Turnkey Jet, Inc. (“Turnkey Jet”), a company that provides interstate air charter services.

Apr 17, 2019

Apr 10, 2019

Can I Raise Venture Capital as a Public Benefit Corporation?

Apr 10, 2019

By Ben Stone

As societies and markets increasingly insist that corporations generate positive social impact alongside profit, investors have taken notice. The global impact investing market alone, for instance, doubled from $114 billion in 2017 to $228 billion in 2018, and will almost certainly continue to accelerate.

Apr 10, 2019

Mar 26, 2019

10 Shortcuts Entrepreneurs Should Not Take When Starting a Company

Mar 26, 2019

By Robert Giachetti and Mark Higgins

Congratulations - you have done it! You had an idea, you built a product, you figured out how you want to go to market, and you created a company. With that tedious process complete, you are ready to find your first customer, iron the bugs out of your product, and start making money.

Mar 26, 2019

Feb 26, 2019

Is Your Commercial Co-Venture in Compliance in all 50 States?

Feb 26, 2019

By Kaitlin Zellner

Commercial co-venture arrangements are a great way to blend philanthropy and commercial activities, but the parties in such an arrangement need to be mindful of the rules in each of the 50 states that govern commercial co-venture arrangements.

Feb 26, 2019

Feb 19, 2019

Convertible Notes for Startups

Feb 19, 2019

Hear the emerging growth advisors and creators of Mintz Levin's MintzEdge program, Daniel DeWolf and Samuel Effron, discuss the ins and outs of convertible notes for startups, including the advantages and disadvantages from a legal and funding perspective.

Feb 19, 2019

Feb 12, 2019

How to Distribute Equity in Your Start-Up

Feb 12, 2019

By Patrick Elahmadie

One of the most difficult decisions entrepreneurs face when planning the growth of their start-up is determining how to distribute equity among the founders, the current (and/or future) management team and other employees and consultants. There is no one-size-fits-all model for determining to whom to give equity and how much to give them: this process requires an in-depth look at a number of factors pertaining to the company, generally, and the recipient of the equity, specifically.

Feb 12, 2019

Jan 2, 2019

CAUTION: Director Veto Rights in Financing Documents May Constitute “Disproportionate Voting”

Jan 2, 2019

By Lewis Geffen and Soobin Kim

Section 141(d) of the Delaware General Corporations Law (DGCL) allows the certificate of incorporation (COI) of a Delaware corporation to confer upon one or more directors voting powers greater than or less than those of other directors, thus resulting in “disproportionate voting” rights amongst the Directors. When VC funds, their portfolio companies and VC lawyers read or think about DGCL 141(d) and this disproportionate voting, they usually, and narrowly, have in mind only the question of whether certain directors may have more than or less than one vote per Director on matters voted on by the Board, or a committee of the Board.

Jan 2, 2019

Dec 5, 2018

How To Get Started: Dividing Equity, Getting Incorporated and Other Details When Beginning Your Business!

Dec 5, 2018

By Dinesh Melwani and Will Perkins

Posted on Medium (Nov. 8, 2018)

Just about every emerging business/start-up lawyer could write a book (and many have!) on the topics of equity division, incorporation and the innumerable ‘other details’ founders need to keep in mind when starting a business! We think you can only properly address these issues with any specificity in a face-to-face or phone-to-phone conversation and, with that in mind, this writing focuses instead on some high level concepts and discussion points to cover with fellow founders in advance of your first sit-down with corporate legal counsel — a meeting we strongly recommend (and which, dare I say, many firms (big and small) will offer at no charge)!

Dec 5, 2018

Nov 26, 2018

LLCs and Convertible Debt – Too Good to be True?

Nov 26, 2018

By Scott Pinarchick and Will Bussiere

Founders choosing a structure for their business are often drawn to the limited liability company, or LLC, for its overall flexibility in both taxation and governance matters. And founders seeking access to early capital, not to mention seed investors themselves, are often drawn to the convertible note as a simple, less expensive means to raise funds. But LLCs and convertible debt don’t always mix.

Nov 26, 2018

Nov 12, 2018

Digital Tokens: Rethinking the Term “Cryptocurrency”

Nov 12, 2018

By Daniel DeWolf, Rachel Gholston, and Marine Bouaziz

What are the similarities between a one dollar bill, a share of a company, and a pre-paid gift card? The answer is……..not so much! The same is true of the similarities between virtual currencies, security tokens, and utility tokens; in truth, not so much. Yet, if you follow the world of digital tokens in the media and popular press, you would think that virtual currencies, security tokens, and utility tokens are all very similar because they are often concurrently and interchangeably discussed under the topic of “cryptocurrency.”

Nov 12, 2018

Archive 3
- Feb 26, 2019 Is Your Commercial Co-Venture in Compliance in all 50 States? Feb 26, 2019
- Jun 7, 2017 The Gig Economy, Independent Contractors, and New York Law Jun 7, 2017
- Jan 7, 2016 FTC Takes Action Against Retail Tracking Start-Up Nomi Technologies Jan 7, 2016
Build Your Team 18
- Feb 12, 2019 How to Distribute Equity in Your Start-Up Feb 12, 2019
- Feb 14, 2018 New York City Bans Salary History Inquiries Feb 14, 2018
- Dec 18, 2017 Are You An Owner Or Employee? The Inflexibility of the Federal Tax Rules To Be Treated As Both. Dec 18, 2017
- Jun 8, 2017 Provide Transparency and Under-Commit/Over-Deliver with Your Board Jun 8, 2017
- Jun 8, 2017 Managing Expectations on a Board of Directors Jun 8, 2017
- Jun 8, 2017 Leadership Responsibility of the CEO on the Board of Directors Jun 8, 2017
- Jun 8, 2017 Building Great Companies is a “Team Sport” Jun 8, 2017
- Jun 8, 2017 Board Composition and the Fear of Losing Control of Your Company Jun 8, 2017
- Jun 8, 2017 The Importance of Team Dynamics on a Board of Directors Jun 8, 2017
- Jun 8, 2017 Treat Board Seats as Very Valuable Assets Jun 8, 2017
- Feb 28, 2017 Building a Startup Team - "Smartest Person in the Room" Syndrome Feb 28, 2017
- Jan 30, 2017 The Importance of Employment Agreements Jan 30, 2017
- Feb 24, 2016 Immigration Considerations for a Start-Up Company Feb 24, 2016
- Feb 17, 2016 H-1B Checklist for Start-Up Company Feb 17, 2016
- Feb 15, 2016 A Balanced Approach to Founder's Equity Feb 15, 2016
- Feb 1, 2016 Why You Should be Using a Board of Advisors and How to Get the Most Benefit From It Feb 1, 2016
- Jan 7, 2016 Why Does a Company Issue Stock Options? Jan 7, 2016
- Jan 1, 2016 Starting a startup as CTO / Head of Product Jan 1, 2016
Exits 3
- Jul 18, 2018 What to Do Now if You Want to Sell Your Company Jul 18, 2018
- Jan 7, 2016 Don’t Make These Ten Mistakes When Selling Your Business Jan 7, 2016
- Jan 6, 2016 Preparing to Sell a Privately-Held Business Jan 6, 2016
Form A Company 11
- Mar 26, 2019 10 Shortcuts Entrepreneurs Should Not Take When Starting a Company Mar 26, 2019
- Feb 12, 2019 How to Distribute Equity in Your Start-Up Feb 12, 2019
- Jan 2, 2019 CAUTION: Director Veto Rights in Financing Documents May Constitute “Disproportionate Voting” Jan 2, 2019
- Dec 5, 2018 How To Get Started: Dividing Equity, Getting Incorporated and Other Details When Beginning Your Business! Dec 5, 2018
- Oct 3, 2018 Founder’s Stock – a Legal Fiction Oct 3, 2018
- Sep 19, 2018 Liability Considerations for Delaware Public Benefit Corporations Sep 19, 2018
- Aug 27, 2018 The Form is Always Wrong Aug 27, 2018
- Oct 31, 2017 Is a Series LLC Right for Your Business? Oct 31, 2017
- Sep 11, 2017 Incorporating Your Company - Chat with Dan DeWolf Sep 11, 2017
- Jul 5, 2017 7 Step Process for Creating a Fundable Startup Jul 5, 2017
- Feb 15, 2016 A Balanced Approach to Founder's Equity Feb 15, 2016
Protect Your Data 7
- Mar 28, 2018 How to Leverage Privacy as a Key Competitive Advantage Mar 28, 2018
- Aug 23, 2017 The FTC’s Uber Consent Order: A Warning to Fast-Growing Companies Aug 23, 2017
- Aug 23, 2017 FTC Asked to Investigate Google’s Matching of “Bricks to Clicks” Aug 23, 2017
- Aug 2, 2017 Key Considerations for Adopting Ephemeral Communications Tools Aug 2, 2017
- Jan 7, 2016 What App Users Care About When Sharing Personal Data: Permissions Jan 7, 2016
- Jan 7, 2016 The (Best) Method to the Madness Behind Choosing a Company Name or Mark Jan 7, 2016
- Jan 7, 2016 Software Audits: Strategies for Licensees Jan 7, 2016
Protect Your Idea 12
- Mar 1, 2017 Software Is Still Patent Eligible Mar 1, 2017
- May 24, 2016 Protecting Intellectual Property in Your Startup with Patents and Trade Secrets May 24, 2016
- Mar 30, 2016 Non-Disclosure Agreements: What You Need To Know Mar 30, 2016
- Mar 23, 2016 Patents 101: Protecting Innovations Mar 23, 2016
- Mar 23, 2016 What is Intellectual Property, and Why is it Important? Mar 23, 2016
- Mar 23, 2016 Preparing Your Portfolio For Prime Time: IP Due Diligence Mar 23, 2016
- Mar 21, 2016 9 Reasons Your Start-Up Needs Patents Mar 21, 2016
- Feb 15, 2016 Top Ten Reasons Why U.S. Trademark Searches are Important to Every Business Feb 15, 2016
- Feb 8, 2016 Do You Really Own Your Employee's Knowledge? Feb 8, 2016
- Jan 18, 2016 Trademarks and Surnames: Why Can’t I Use My Own Name? Jan 18, 2016
- Jan 12, 2016 The Top 5 Reasons an Employer Will Enforce Your Non-Compete Agreement Jan 12, 2016
- Jan 8, 2016 When Can You Claim A Color As Your Trademark? Jan 8, 2016
Raise Capital 28
- Apr 17, 2019 The SEC Confirms the Limited Scope and Nature of Utility Tokens Apr 17, 2019
- Apr 10, 2019 Can I Raise Venture Capital as a Public Benefit Corporation? Apr 10, 2019
- Nov 26, 2018 LLCs and Convertible Debt – Too Good to be True? Nov 26, 2018
- Nov 12, 2018 Digital Tokens: Rethinking the Term “Cryptocurrency” Nov 12, 2018
- Nov 1, 2018 Issues in Chinese Foreign Direct Investment in U.S. Early Stage Biotechnology Companies Nov 1, 2018
- Jun 20, 2018 New Beneficial Owner Threshold Eases VC Fundraising Jun 20, 2018
- Oct 11, 2017 SAFEs: The (Not So) Simple Agreement for (Potential) Future Equity Oct 11, 2017
- Jun 8, 2017 Key Considerations Other Than Cash in Selecting Investors for Your Startup Jun 8, 2017
- Mar 1, 2017 Convertible Notes for Startups Mar 1, 2017
- Feb 28, 2017 Term Sheets For Startups - Why Term Sheets Change Everything Feb 28, 2017
- Feb 21, 2017 How to Raise Money Feb 21, 2017
- Jan 23, 2017 Various Ways to Raise Capital Jan 23, 2017
- Dec 27, 2016 Regulation Crowdfunding: A Six-Month Update Dec 27, 2016
- Dec 27, 2016 Revised Rule 504: Another Tool in the Toolkit to Raise Capital Dec 27, 2016
- Feb 22, 2016 No Action Letter On Behalf Of Citizen VC Feb 22, 2016
- Feb 15, 2016 Seniority Matters Feb 15, 2016
- Jan 23, 2016 What is Venture Capital? Jan 23, 2016
- Jan 15, 2016 What is a Term Sheet? Jan 15, 2016
- Jan 14, 2016 Negotiating Your Company's Valuation Jan 14, 2016
- Jan 14, 2016 What Makes a Good Business Plan? Jan 14, 2016
- Jan 12, 2016 IRS Tax Section 1202: Excluding Your Gains on Small Business Investments Jan 12, 2016
- Jan 8, 2016 The New Section 4(a)(7): More Than a Codification of Section “4(a)(1½)” Jan 8, 2016
- Jan 7, 2016 Your Executive Summary is the Key to Attracting the Attention of Investors Jan 7, 2016
- Jan 7, 2016 Why Does a Company Issue Stock Options? Jan 7, 2016
- Jan 7, 2016 The Transformation of the VC Business Model Jan 7, 2016
- Jan 7, 2016 The Shift to Angel Investors Jan 7, 2016
- Jan 7, 2016 Benefits of a Regulation A+ Offering Jan 7, 2016
- Jan 1, 2016 Peeling the Onion, or How Top Investors Value the Startups They Invest In Jan 1, 2016
Technology 2
- Oct 27, 2017 InsureTech Connect 2017 Panel Discussion: Maximizing Profits via Products and Alternative Business Model Innovation Oct 27, 2017
- Jul 5, 2017 InsureTech: Adapting to a New Way of Looking at Insurance Jul 5, 2017