Build the legal foundation for a durable company.
From picking an entity to setting founder equity, start with a structure that will scale.
Focus
Kick off with formation choices, founder agreements, and early compliance. This stage is about building trust with future investors and avoiding expensive cleanups later.
Highlights
Featured
Featured guides for this stage
LLC vs. C-Corp: choosing for your next 18 months
A practical decision tree for entity choice based on fundraising plans.
Founder equity splits that survive growth
Why vesting matters and how to structure splits without resentment.
Top startup financial mistakes (and how to avoid them)
Burn rate, hiring pace, and pricing pitfalls—plus the legal and compliance steps Zecca Ross Law recommends.
Choosing the right cap table platform
How to evaluate cap table software for startups and keep your ownership data investor-ready.
Early exercisable stock options: what founders need to know
Tax timing, board approvals, and 83(b) elections explained with practical startup guidance.
When a key customer files bankruptcy: what to do
Protect cash flow, understand post‑petition payments, and confirm contract rights with counsel.
Opportunity Zones for startups: tax advantages and eligibility
How Qualified Opportunity Zones can attract capital and what startups must prove to qualify.
Choosing a business entity: C‑Corp, S‑Corp, LLC, or partnership
How entity choice impacts taxes, liability protection, fundraising, and equity incentives.
Is a Delaware Public Benefit Corporation right for your startup?
A founder checklist for PBC eligibility, reporting duties, and investor expectations.
Library
All articles in Start
90-day legal setup checklist
The essential tasks to complete before you ship or fundraise.
Founder IP assignment in plain language
Protect your product by assigning IP from day one.
Operating agreements that reduce conflict
The clauses founders thank you for later.
Cap table basics: what investors check first
Avoid common cap table errors and keep things clean.
Founder decision-making frameworks
How to balance speed with diligence in early choices.
Tax elections you cannot ignore
A quick guide to 83(b) and early election deadlines.