by Traverse Legal, reviewed by Brian Hall - February 4, 2020 - Business Law
Venture capital, in its simplest form, is financing provided from investors to companies looking to grow. Investors come in the form of high net worth individuals (HNWIs), angels, accelerators/incubators, VC funds and financing institutions. Investors invest, oftentimes money, and/or expertise in return for ownership interests in the company, with the hope of an out-sized return (the proverbial home run). Companies, particularly early stage ones, do not have access to traditional financing given their limited history.
Each player within the venture capital ecosystem plays a role in what has become an explosive industry. Depending upon which bucket you fall into, your responsibilities and goals differ.
Regardless of where you fit, there are certain minimum requirements that require legal counsel to ensure that your interests are protected. Venture capital attorneys can assist with anything from due diligence to document creation to negotiation. Equally important, attorneys who are active in the VC space can provide perspective on what the market is and thus also serve as a valuable advisor.
Oftentimes, individuals cross-over amongst these various roles over the span of a career. Wherever you currently fit or may wish to fit within the venture capital ecosystem, it is important that you understand the motivations of those with whom you will be venturing.
As a founding partner of Traverse Legal, PLC, he has more than thirty years of experience as an attorney for both established companies and emerging start-ups. His extensive experience includes navigating technology law matters and complex litigation throughout the United States.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by attorney Enrico Schaefer, who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a practicing Business, IP, and Technology Law litigation attorney.