Aaron Cain will be presenting these tips for a solid legal foundation for startups and early-stage businesses. Find out what you need to know to set the stage for your business as you scale. Start right to finish strong: Avoid crippling mistakes that sink start-ups before (and even after) they find success Trust but verify: Use unvested “smart equity” with co-founders and other key contributors Finding investors…not an SEC subpoena: Avoid common securities laws missteps (ex. email blasts, web posts, “finders”) when locating investors Aaron Cain is a seasoned venture /M&A lawyer, active angel investor, third generation Arizona native, and Chandler resident. Aaron has helped clients close an extensive list of venture capital and sale of business transactions. In particular, his vast experience representing venture capital firms enables him to share valuable ideas and perspectives with early-stage companies. He advises promising entrepreneurs and start-ups on formational and other matters that are critical to a successful future, as well as more mature companies on various commercial transactions that mark key milestones in their development. Beyond his significant experience representing venture capital firms and family offices. Aaron’s investor insights are further informed by his own personal experience as an active angel investor, having numerous investments in technology companies ranging from Arizona to both coasts of the country. Aaron draws on this experience and network to provide strategic advice, mentoring and other assistance for clients and others in the startup ecosystem.