In today’s competitive market, securing the right capital is more than just a financial milestone; it’s a strategic necessity. Whether you’re a startup seeking seed funding or venture capital, a growing business preparing for a Series A round, or an established company considering a public offering, the guidance of an experienced business attorney can be the key to unlocking lasting success.
Equity and outside financing are complex, high-stakes endeavors that demand legal precision, strategic foresight, and negotiation skill. Business attorney Brian A. Hatch brings over 30 years of experience to help you navigate the entire process while protecting your interests, maximizing value, and positioning your business for sustainable growth.
Strategic Equity Structuring
Bringing in outside investors means giving up a piece of your company, and how you structure that equity makes all the difference. At Brian Hatch Law, we help you assess which types of equity make the most sense, such as common stock, preferred shares, or SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity) agreements. Each has distinct implications for control, valuation, and exit opportunities.
There are multiple avenues for raising capital through equity financing. Here are four common funding sources:
- Equity Crowdfunding: Early-stage sale of shares to a pool of small investors through a crowdfunding platform.
- Angel Investment: Early-stage sale of shares to a private investor in return for financial backing and often mentorship support.
- Venture Capital: Sale of shares to a private investor (who recognizes the business’s high growth potential) in return for funding and strategic guidance.
- Initial Public Offering (IPO): Sale of shares on the stock exchange, for established companies meeting all SEC requirements.
Whichever approach you decide to take, we’ll work with you to prepare key documents like cap tables, term sheets, and shareholder agreements. These legal instruments need to be drafted with care to ensure clarity, avoid disputes, and protect founders’ control when it matters most.
Navigating Outside Financing
Equity isn’t the only route to outside capital. There are various financing options available, such as bank loans, lines of credit, peer-to-peer lending, and convertible debt. At Brian Hatch Law, we help you evaluate and negotiate the right deals for your stage of growth and risk profile.
From conducting due diligence to negotiating deal terms, we act as your trusted advocate, ensuring you understand every clause and condition. We can help you identify potential pitfalls, such as hidden fees, unfavorable repayment terms, or restrictive covenants that could hinder your freedom to operate.
Compliance and Risk Management
Taking on outside capital involves a host of regulatory and compliance obligations — especially when dealing with securities laws. At Brian Hatch Law, we work to ensure your financing efforts meet all legal requirements.
Our aim is not just to protect you from legal penalties but also to increase your credibility with investors. A professionally handled financing round sends a clear message: your business is built for transparency, sustainability, and long-term value creation.
Guidance As Your Business Grows
At its core, outside financing is about trust — trust between founders and investors, and trust that the legal foundation of your company can support its ambitions. With a dedicated business attorney guiding your equity and financing strategies, you don’t just raise capital — you build confidence, create opportunity, and ensure your business is equipped to thrive.
If you’re considering raising capital or want to revisit your current equity structure, we would love to help you. To get started, call our office at 480.654.9922 to schedule a consultation. Or request a consultation online, and we’ll contact you to set one up.
