It seems that everywhere you look, a new start-up is trying to make it big with a game-changing
idea. But it’s only the ones that can turn that idea into reality that reach business success. Too
many start-ups fail to make the transition from idea to execution or encounter major setbacks
along the way. In the midst of developing your growing start-up, don’t make the common
mistake of disregarding tedious, but vital tasks such as making sure all your legal, insurance,
financial, and tax ducks are in a row.
Establishing a solid legal system can help you avoid costly mistakes and save time and stress
down the road. Many entrepreneurs struggle with developing such systems because they don’t
foresee the most common mistakes start-ups make. Avoiding these only takes a little self-
awareness and planning, so read on to learn how to sidestep the five biggest legal mistakes a
start-up can make.
1. Be strategic when creating your entity. Think about your long-term goals, and choose an
entity that matches up. Have your eye on major growth and raising capital? Consider a
Delaware C-Corporation, which could set you up for venture capital. Looking for tax
advantages? Look into the advantages of an S-Corporation structure that will allow you to
minimize your payroll taxes by splitting your personal pay between salary and distributions.
And, while you can always convert your entity, later on, doing it right the first time will save you
time and money. When you talk with a lawyer about the best form of entity, make sure your
lawyer doesn’t just suggest a one-size fits all solution, but actually understands the details of
your business now and where you want to grow in the future.
2. Be clear with co-founders. Don’t wait until your business begins to make a profit to begin
discussing what each founder is worth. Confront the elephant in the room (i.e. money and
position) and be clear on rights, decision-making authority, and equity from the get-go. A well-
drafted operating agreement or shareholder agreement is key here. The agreement process
itself can surface potential conflicts in advance, and confirm whether you and your co-founders
are truly in alignment before big investments of time and money are made.
3. Protect your intellectual property. It’s essential to establish ironclad protections for the
intellectual property that impacts your business’s future value. Think beyond just patents and trademarks; consider having founders, employees and third-party developers sign intellectual property rights agreements so you retain the value they may create while working for you.
4. Develop a robust set of contract templates. You will thank yourself later for establishing
clear guidelines and minimizing your liabilities in writing. Online legal document drafting
services are one size fits all; your business will be best served by developing a set of templates
that meets your business’s unique needs.
5. Don’t overlook the importance of working with a lawyer. Working with a trusted lawyer
can help you avoid all the mistakes above plus countless others you will likely make as you grow
your start-up. A lawyer who also works as a creative strategic advisor, as we do, will guide you
to not just avoid legal mistakes, but set your business up with the right legal, insurance,
financial, and tax systems for a lifetime of business success.
Just because you’re a start-up doesn’t mean you have to be naive. If you are serious about
developing a solid legal foundation for your start-up, begin by sitting down with us. As your
Family Business Lawyer®, we can help you identify your liabilities, mitigate any legal risks and
get you on the right track for success. This will allow you the freedom and energy to focus on
growing your business. Schedule your LIFT Strategy Session with me today to get started.
This article is a service of Lawan Law Group, Family Business Lawyer®. We offer a complete
spectrum of legal services for businesses and can help you make the wisest choices on how to
deal with your business throughout life and in the event of your death. We also offer a LIFT
Start-Up Session™ or a LIFT Audit for an ongoing business, which includes a review of all the
legal, financial, and tax systems you need for your business. Call us today to schedule.
