Expertise
Startup Law
Startup law covers the legal foundations every early-stage company needs: choosing the right entity structure, issuing equity, setting up founder agreements, protecting intellectual property, navigating fundraising, and staying compliant as you grow. Getting legal fundamentals right early prevents costly mistakes that are difficult and expensive to fix later.
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Who needs this
- Founders incorporating a company for the first time
- Co-founders who need a formal agreement before things get complicated
- Startups issuing equity to employees or early investors
- Companies preparing for a seed round, SAFE, or priced equity round
- Founders signing their first customer contracts or NDAs
How to evaluate an expert
Startup Law Experts
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about startup law.
When should a startup get a lawyer?
Earlier than most founders think. Before you incorporate, split equity with co-founders, sign any contracts, or accept money from investors. Many costly mistakes — like not filing an 83(b) election or issuing equity without a proper agreement — happen in the first 90 days and are hard to fix later.
Do I need a Delaware C-Corp or is an LLC fine?
If you plan to raise venture capital, a Delaware C-Corp is the standard — VCs typically won't invest in LLCs due to tax complications. If you're building a bootstrapped or lifestyle business with no plans to raise institutional capital, an LLC may be simpler and more tax-efficient.
What is an 83(b) election and why does it matter?
An 83(b) election lets founders pay taxes on their equity at its current (low) value rather than when it vests (potentially much higher). Missing the 30-day filing window can cost founders significantly in taxes later. It's one of the most time-sensitive early legal decisions.
What's a SAFE and how is it different from a convertible note?
Both are common early-stage fundraising instruments. A SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity) has no interest rate or maturity date — it converts to equity at the next priced round. A convertible note is a loan that converts to equity; it accrues interest and has a maturity date. SAFEs are simpler and now more common for pre-seed rounds.
How much does startup legal work cost?
On Expert Sapiens, startup legal consultations typically range from $150–$400 per session. For routine work (incorporation, standard equity documents), many lawyers offer flat-fee packages. More complex fundraising or M&A work is billed hourly. A single session to review your situation and prioritize next steps is a cost-effective starting point.