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To be clear, if your attorney is paid by your company, their primary duty is to the company and its shareholders, not the founder. This creates a conflict of interest for the attorney when the founder's personal interests diverge from the company's, such as during financings, exits, or major transactions. The company’s lawyer is obligated to act in the best interest of the company, which may not align with the founder's individual needs or priorities. Read more about this, and other questions on my Substack, or contact me.

You’ll be juggling daily operations while making high-stakes decisions that can feel overwhelming. It’s emotional to give up control of your life’s work. Plus, everyone—from your CFO to your college roommate—has an opinion. So who do you trust? The key is preparing and managing the deal like a pro. For more insights, check out my Substack or get in touch.

Valuation gets all the attention but the partners’ relationship and terms will have more influence on your future success. Confirm alignment, or irreconcilable differences, on values, goals, and processes. Don’t assume shared expectations on anything. Have frank conversations, including the awkward ones like, how long you have to stay (or the expiration date on your job). Seek brutal honesty, and when in doubt make sure it’s written down. I share specific examples on my Substack.

Bargaining power disappears even before the ink is dry. For instance, if you don’t lock in limitations on how the trademark can be used, even if it’s your name, you’ll have no say afterward. The negotiation process is a narrow window when the founder can secure what’s important. Most founders miss out by being unprepared. Get strategic guidance through my Substack or let’s talk directly.