A “startup” is a venture designed to investigate and develop a business model that can be easily copied and test those business models for new customers. Microsoft, Google, and Facebook are three well-known examples of startups.
These businesses typically create and test out new concepts and technologies before looking to expand sufficiently to go public or be acquired by a bigger business.
In order to expand, startups typically require collaborations with existing businesses or venture capital organizations. However, many firms are able to secure capital in exchange for goods or other benefits to original investors with the use of crowdfunding through websites like Kickstarter.
Essential Points Beginning a Startup
Although there is obviously no magic formula, the following five important considerations should always be made when launching a firm.
Contrary to popular assumption, your startup does not necessarily need to be built on a ground-breaking idea. In fact, advancing an existing technology or invention could be your ticket to a million dollars.
The Crew
It may sound great to start a business with your high school or college friend, but it might not be the best move for the enterprise. Consider these three things very carefully before hiring anyone:
- How arduous a worker is this person?
- How well does this person comprehend the business’s direction?
- Can I bear to be around and interact with this person frequently?
The final element could sound harsh, but it’s a basic fact that startups demand long hours and close collaboration among all parties.
The Customer
A successful startup depends on knowing who its customers are. For instance, we might not have the website we do today if Google focused on designing its search engine for engineers instead of the general public.
The Money
It may seem obvious, but knowing where your money will come from will be one of the deciding factors in everything from recruiting to ongoing research and development to a startup’s eventual success.
As a result, this should also be taken into account while hiring. It’s crucial to consider questions like “Can this person assist us in negotiating the deals we need” and “Who can we reach out to, and how can this person do that?”
The Ideal Team
Even if you have a great idea, a solid team, are familiar with your target market and have the funding to support your venture, leading a startup may not be the best course of action if your personality is not suitable for a high-risk business environment.
As an alternative, think about hiring a consultant or someone who would be more suited to the high levels of stress associated with these endeavors.
What Are a Few Actions to Take?
Below is a rudimentary list that, when taken into account with the factors above, may assist in preventing legal snares when launching a firm.
Make Contracts Clearly
Success depends on having a clear understanding with co-founders, investors, and any other person you can think of. Startups typically have little leverage with investors; however, when negotiating a transaction with the founding team, the following points need to be very clear:
- Ownership
- Responsibility
- Roles
- Stock Vesting and Voting Requirements
- Taking a Founder Out
Furthermore, when a firm expands, it becomes crucial to have reliable standard contracts that safeguard the business when recruiting new employees and entering into partnerships.
Implement Promptly and Correctly
Choosing the appropriate legal structure for the company is essential when factors like liability and tax are involved. Even while it is feasible to start out as a certain kind of partnership and later register as another kind of corporation, the fees and liabilities can be challenging. Getting things right from the start is preferable.
Adhere to Applicable Laws
Even though it might seem obvious, businesses frequently unintentionally break federal securities rules. Securities laws may call for mandated disclosures, filings, and specific forms. There may be serious penalties for breaking these laws, including jail time.
Accurately Classify and Record Everything
As the firm expands, the number of employees, shareholders, and corporate responsibilities may increase. Companies may miss the following issues before they give rise to a legal dispute or lawsuit:
- Options on stock
- Articles of incorporation and bylaws
- NDAs and non-compete agreements
- Letters of employment-at-will
- Forms for benefits, including those provided to employees’ families
Use Intellectual Property Carefully
The subject of intellectual property is fundamentally distinct and involves many intricate theories and factors. When it comes to startups, the only thing that matters is that your work is the foundation of your business; therefore, ensuring that it is fully safeguarded is crucial.
One of the worst errors a business can make is to select one or two intellectual property words, read over them quickly, and then make a judgment call.
Recognize Tax Implications
Taxes are a complicated topic that merits its own article, similar to concerns with intellectual property. Also, like intellectual property, if a startup doesn’t do things carefully in this area, they will pay for it afterward. Tax difficulties affecting almost every aspect of the business may be one reason they are not addressed.
Here are a few instances when tax legislation may have an impact on a startup:
- Choosing the corporate structure the startup will use to file its sales and payroll taxes
- Stock option compliance with IRS regulations
- Deciding when to declare the stock’s “income” for tax purposes
- Utilizing any tax incentives, such as those for renewable energy
Decide on a Location (Physical and Online)
Determine if renting or buying a property is best for you, whether you need to construct a manufacturing plant, set up an office, or open a storefront. A perk of owning your own home is that, in many circumstances, you can claim tax deductions for operating a business property. You can even rent it out to generate additional cash.
However, one reason new businesses initially lease is so they can put their money toward other areas of the business. Another less expensive option for getting your business in a desirable area is to lease. Remember that sudden increases in rent may occur, forcing you to move or increase your spending. Additionally, when leasing, you won’t accumulate any equity.
Establishing an online presence and an e-commerce platform in the digital world is crucial. In fact, without it, success won’t come easily. This is because more and more people are making purchases online and using Google to research your products.
Additionally, websites provide benefits like:
- Maintaining an open store throughout the weekend and on holidays, which boosts sales.
- Assisting you in reaching customers worldwide.
- Allowing customers to read product reviews can enhance your company’s trustworthiness.
Launching a blog may improve your web presence even further. You can do this to position yourself as an authority in your industry. Additionally, search engine optimization (SEO) can help your brand appear more frequently in Google searches. Additionally, posting on your audience’s social media sites is usually a good idea.
The Most Important Step for a Startup Is Choosing the Right Attorney
As you can see, startups have a wide range of intricate legal challenges. One way to guarantee your company is protected, and you can reap the rewards of your labor in full is to get the correct business attorney versed with your area’s laws.
