Startups

Shipman is a leader in the start-up and emerging growth company space market and advises hundreds of early stage companies with respect to all matters of the business lifecycle, from formation to exit. We combine a practical and flexible approach to early stage companies with the experience and skills of seasoned business and finance, private equity, securities, internet-based business, intellectual property and mergers and acquisitions lawyers. Shipman’ s national network of influential contacts, including VCs, angels, corporate investors and thought leaders provides our clients access to intellectual capital and financial resources appropriate for their individual needs and goals.

Shipman serves clients in various industries, including life sciences and healthcare, information technology, Internet services and e-commerce, cybersecurity, consumer goods, energy and alternative energy, education, engineered materials, telecommunications and new media. We pride ourselves on our practical, cost-effective, business-oriented advice and our broad industry knowledge and experience.

As part of our commitment to the success of the new generation of innovators and entrepreneurs, Shipman offers a proprietary, alternative fee program called "Synergy" for qualified startups. For more information about our Synergy Program, click here or on the Synergy button at left. Our plan is designed to help startups and entrepreneurs prepare for a successful launch while overcoming the challenges of limited resources, time, and funding.

Our representation of clients includes:

• Organizational matters among founders - choice of entity and other structuring issues, equity issuances, shareholder and operating agreements
• Business advisory services - corporate governance, board of directors and shareholder matters, employee issues, tax strategies, intellectual property protections, and general contracting including the development of form agreements such as NDAs, Invention Assignment Agreements and Consulting Agreements
• Early-stage finance – priced equity rounds, convertible debt and SAFE financing, venture debt, and angel investments
• Equity compensation matters
• Commercialization of products and technology - licensing, product distribution, joint ventures, strategic alliances
• Technology development and licensing - technology transfer, R&D agreements, licensing
• Intellectual property protection - trade secrecy agreements, copyright, trademark and domain name protection, trademark prosecution and maintenance, intellectual property litigation
• Web site development, hosting and privacy policies;
• Business succession planning - estate and gift tax planning for entrepreneurs and their families.