High Tech Startup Packages
At the Copeland Law Firm, we love dealing with entrepreneurs and emerging growth companies, it is our passion. We have advised many entrepreneurs on the formation of new companies, capital structures, financing transactions, employment matters, intellectual property matters, as well as provided counseling on day-to-day legal issues that arise in startup companies. Our clients cover a wide range of industries including software, technology, energy, real estate, insurance, healthcare, manufacturing, construction, advertising & marketing, publishing, and retail.
We realize that not all startups are alike, therefore we offer a range of flat-fee packages and add-ons, so you only pay for what you need when you need it. We will help you figure out what is best for your individual company and we won’t sell you anything you don’t need.
Our most comprehensive startup package calls for the formation of a new Delaware corporation structured for a venture capital investment, registered to do business in the home state, and contains everything you see listed below. This comprehensive package is offered for an up-front fixed fee cost of $2,500 (plus out-of-pocket expenses, such as state filing fees in Delaware and the home state, if applicable). For an additional cost we can establish a payment plan or work out a deferred fee agreement.
- Our startup organization package consists of the following documents and services:
- Incorporation and Organization
- Founders Stock
- Stock Option/Stock Issuance Plan
- Employment and Consulting Matters
- Intellectual Property Matters
- Consultations
Incorporation and Organization
- Reservation of corporate name, if necessary
- Preparation and filing of Delaware Certificate of Incorporation
- Preparation of Bylaws and Certificate of Secretary
- Preparation of Action By Incorporator
- Preparation of Organizational Board Consent regarding the following matters:
- Ratify actions of Incorporator
- Approval of organization expenses
- Adoption of Bylaws
- Authorization of principal office, foreign qualification, fiscal year and Employer Identification Number
- Designation of the size of the board of directors and election of officers
- Designation of management powers
- Approval of issuance of Founder’s stock
- Approval of stock option grants to Founders, if applicable
- Approval of minutes books, corporate seal and stock certificates
- Approval of subchapter S election, if applicable
- Authorization to open bank accounts
- Approval of form of Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement
- Approval of form of Indemnification Agreement for officers and directors
- Approval of Stock Option/Stock Issuance Plan and forms of Option Agreements
- Preparation and filing of Form SS-4 Application for Employer Identification Number (and state tax application for the home state where the business is located)
- Preparation and filing for registration as a foreign corporation in the home state where the company is located, if applicable
- Preparation of corporate records book
- Preparation of Stockholder Consent regarding the following matters:
- Approval of form of Indemnification Agreement for officers and directors
- Approval of Stock Option/Stock Issuance Plan
- Preparation of form of Indemnification Agreement for officers and directors
Preparation and Issuance of Founder Stock
- Preparation of Founders’ Restricted Stock Purchase Agreements for up to four Founders (with standard vesting terms)
- Preparation of Stock Certificates and Receipts for up to four Founders
- Preparation of 83(b) Elections Memorandum for Founders
- Preparation and filing of state securities documents for stock issuances to Founders
Preparation of Employee Stock Option/Stock Issuance Plan
- Preparation of form of Early Exercise Stock Option Agreement
- Preparation of form of Standard Stock Option Agreement
- Preparation of form of Stock Issuance Agreement
- Preparation and filing of Form U-2 Uniform Consent to Service of Process (in connection with securities filings)
Employment and Consulting Matters
- Preparation of form of At-Will Employment Offer Letter
- Preparation of form of Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement
- Preparation of form of Independent Contractor Services Agreement
Intellectual Property Matters
- Preparation of form of Unilateral Nondisclosure Agreement
- Preparation of form of Mutual Nondisclosure Agreement
- Preparation of Assignment of intellectual property from Founders to the company
- Preparation of Memorandum re Trademark Matters for a new company
Consultations
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Up to five hours of consultation regarding all documents drafted as part of the package, to be allocated however you see fit but typically broken down as follows:
- One hour regarding Venture Capital, Angel funding, and Private Placement
- One hour regarding Founders’ Shares and Vesting
- One hour regarding Stock Options
- One hour regarding Intellectual Property
- One hour regarding Employment Matters
Justin Copeland is a startup lawyer who enjoys representing businesses and individuals in a variety of transactional matters. He can assist you in any stage of the process, from formation, seed and venture financing, franchising, mergers and acquisitions, to business purchase and sales transactions. He also advises clients on a broad range of business matters, including contracts, real estate transactions, employment matters, internet law, and intellectual property (copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets). His clients include companies in the software, technology, energy, real estate, insurance, healthcare, manufacturing, construction, advertising & marketing, and retail sectors. 
