the founder memo

So, you found a co-founder. Now what?

Make sure you talk about these tough but critical questions.

Jun 12, 2024 • 

Stepan Khzrtian

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May 2024

What's the deal with Delaware?

Besides, my accountant says I should set up a California corporation.

May 24, 2024 • 

Stepan Khzrtian

Safe round or priced round? That is the question.

Simple rules to help you make the call when raising a round.

May 10, 2024 • 

Stepan Khzrtian

1

April 2024

Don't give your investors common stock.

Keep it simple and separate – preferred stock for money, common stock for effort.

Apr 28, 2024 • 

Stepan Khzrtian

1

No IP assignment? No investment.

You can't touch it, you can't see it... but it's worth bajillions (potentially)

Apr 11, 2024 • 

Stepan Khzrtian

March 2024

Is it SAFE?

Sure, they're super-easy, but... what's the catch?

Mar 29, 2024 • 

Stepan Khzrtian

2

Unvested shares don't just "buy back" themselves

The hand that giveth must also taketh away.

Mar 14, 2024 • 

Stepan Khzrtian

1

February 2024

Dead equity makes your company uninvestable

Get this wrong, and you may be digging a grave on your cap table

Feb 29, 2024 • 

Stepan Khzrtian

2

Miss This Report, and Your Company Can Be "Canceled"

And no, you don't owe $85,165 in taxes

Feb 15, 2024 • 

Stepan Khzrtian

Beware the Liquidation Preference, the "Smooth Criminal"

Don't agree to anything other than 1x liquidation preference, non-participating.

Feb 1, 2024 • 

Stepan Khzrtian

3

January 2024

Your founder stock might not be yours.

Make sure you've hit all the points in purchasing your founder stock.

Jan 18, 2024 • 

Stepan Khzrtian

Welcome to The Founder Memo

Getting funded is a thrill. Legal is not.

Jan 11, 2024 • 

Stepan Khzrtian

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