Startups & Emerging Companies

The attorneys in our multidisciplinary Startups & Emerging Companies Practice provide practical and economically sensible advice to startups and high-growth companies at every stage of their evolution. Our team, which includes attorneys with advanced technical degrees, help companies from industries such as biotechnology, cleantech, digital media, health care, medical device, financial services, semiconductor, software, telecommunications, and advanced manufacturing.

Typically, we begin with a free consultation to assess a company’s legal needs, which may include corporate structuring, initial financing rounds, regulatory compliance, tax, employment, immigration, intellectual property, dispute resolution and other matters. We also use this time to determine how we might assist the startup by making useful introductions and facilitating networking opportunities with individuals in the business community.

When companies reach the appropriate stage of development, we represent them in their capital raising efforts through initial public and private offerings and loan transactions, exit strategies, acquisitions by strategic or financial buyers, mergers, restructuring, or growth opportunities.

Jumpstart Plan

As part of our commitment to the success of the new generation of innovators, and entrepreneurs, Hodgson Russ offers a proprietary Jumpstart Plan. After an initial free consultation to fully understand your startup's needs and objectives, our team will prepare a customized package of legal services, which will be provided to you at a special rate. Our Jumpstart Plan provides legal services including preparation and filing of documents and counsel in the following areas:

Incorporation and formation
Organization
Capitalization
Intellectual property
Licensing and technology agreements
Labor & Employment issues
Regulatory issues

Our plan is designed to help startups and entrepreneurs prepare for a successful launch while overcoming the challenges of limited resources, time, and funding.

Funding and Private Funds

Hodgson Russ attorneys also represent principals and investors in organizing and offering private funds (including private equity funds, venture capital funds and other investment pools) and in ensuring fund compliance with Investment Company Act and Investment Advisers Act regulations. Our attorneys counsel private fund sponsors in connection with investment advisor and broker-dealer registration and compliance issues. We represent private equity and venture capital firms on an ongoing basis, and regularly represent issuers in negotiating venture capital and private equity transactions.