This page collects the most useful and current material on The Startup Law Blog.
It’s designed as a starting point for founders, investors, and startup employees looking for clear, practical guidance.
The blog spans many years; not everything is equally current. The links below highlight posts that are still relevant and that I would point someone to today.
Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) / Section 1202
Guidance on the federal QSBS exclusion, planning considerations, traps, and evolving state-level risks.
- What Is Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS)?
- Common QSBS Traps Founders Miss
- QSBS and Conversions, Reorganizations, and Recapitalizations
- Washington State and the Future of QSBS
- QSBS Planning for Founders and Early Investors
SAFEs, Convertible Notes & Startup Financings
How early-stage financings actually work, where documents go wrong, and what to watch for.
- SAFEs vs. Convertible Notes: Key Differences
- Post-Money SAFEs Explained
- Why “Standard” SAFE Terms Still Matter
- Convertible Notes: Valuation Caps, Discounts, and Pitfalls
- Financing Structures That Create Problems Later
Startup Formation & Corporate Governance
Entity formation, founder equity, board issues, and keeping the corporate record clean.
- Choosing Between an LLC and a C-Corporation
- Founder Stock: Vesting, Repurchase Rights, and Mistakes
- Why Corporate Hygiene Matters More Than Founders Think
- Board and Stockholder Approval Basics for Startups
- Cleaning Up Early-Stage Cap Table Problems
Equity Compensation (Options, RSUs, 409A)
Stock options, restricted stock, RSUs, and tax issues for founders and employees.
- Stock Options vs. Restricted Stock
- 83(b) Elections: What They Do and Why They Matter
- Understanding 409A Valuations
- Equity Compensation Mistakes That Get Expensive
- What Employees Should Know About Startup Equity
Washington Taxes & State-Level Developments
Analysis of Washington-specific tax and regulatory developments affecting founders and investors.
- Washington Capital Gains Tax Overview
- Legislative Updates Affecting Startup Founders
- How State Taxes Interact with QSBS
- Why State-Level Changes Matter More Than Expected
Exits, Liquidity & Secondary Sales
Selling stock, secondary transactions, and tax considerations around liquidity.
- Selling Founder Stock Before an Exit
- Secondary Sales: What Founders and Employees Miss
- Tax Issues in Startup Acquisitions
- QSBS and Exit Timing
A Note on Older Posts
Some older posts remain published for historical context.
Where the law has changed, newer posts generally reflect current thinking. If something is critical or time-sensitive, confirm it before relying on it.
If you’re a founder or investor dealing with one of these issues in real time, see How I Help.