Startup & Business Law Attorneys

Launching a startup is exciting but also challenging and filled with critical decisions that will shape your company’s future. While you’re focused on developing your product or service, building your team, and finding market fit, legal issues cannot be overlooked. The legal decisions you make in your startup’s early stages can have lasting consequences that either support your growth or create obstacles down the road.

At Spengler & Agans, we understand the unique legal challenges Philadelphia startups face. Our startup attorneys have guided numerous entrepreneurs through the legal steps required to establish a successful business. We’re committed to providing strategic, cost-effective counsel that protects your interests without slowing your momentum.

Entity Formation and Structure

Choosing the proper business structure is one of your first and most important decisions. The answer depends on your growth plans, funding strategy, tax considerations, and long-term goals. We help you evaluate your options and establish an entity structure that provides liability protection, tax efficiency, and the flexibility you need as your business evolves. The correct entity allows you to launch your startup on the right foot.

Founder and Equity Agreements

Many startup failures stem not from market issues but from founder disputes. Clear founder agreements are essential to prevent conflicts over equity splits, roles and responsibilities, decision-making authority, and what happens if a founder leaves. We draft comprehensive founder agreements that address vesting schedules, intellectual property assignment, equity allocation, and exit scenarios.

We also help you establish equity incentive plans that enable you to attract and retain talented employees through stock options or equity awards, which can be crucial tools for startups competing for talent with limited financial resources.

Intellectual Property Protection

Your intellectual property, whether software code, proprietary processes, brand identity, or innovative products, is often your startup’s most valuable asset. We help you identify protectable IP, secure appropriate protections through trademarks, copyrights, and patents, ensure employees and contractors assign IP rights to the company, and implement confidentiality measures to protect trade secrets.

Fundraising and Investment Documents

Whether you’re raising a friends-and-family round, negotiating with angel investors, or pursuing venture capital, we structure investment transactions that bring in capital while protecting your interests. We prepare or review SAFEs, convertible notes, priced equity rounds, term sheets, and subscription agreements. Our goal is to help you secure funding on terms that support your vision and preserve appropriate founder control.

Contract Drafting and Review

Startups need solid contracts with customers, vendors, service providers, and partners. We draft and negotiate agreements that protect your interests, including customer agreements and terms of service, vendor and supplier contracts, partnership and collaboration agreements, employment and contractor agreements, and licensing arrangements.

Regulatory Compliance

Depending on your industry, your startup may face various regulatory requirements, including data privacy laws and industry-specific licensing. We help you understand applicable regulations and implement compliant practices, avoiding costly violations that can derail your progress.

Seek Our Practical Startup Counsel in Philadelphia

We know startups operate with limited resources and need legal counsel that’s both effective and efficient. Our approach focuses on addressing your most critical legal needs first, providing scalable solutions that grow with your business, and offering flexible fee structures that work with startup budgets.