What is Venture Capital or M&A?

Understanding the ecosystem and how we can help

Venture Capital

Venture Capital

Venture capital is a form of private equity financing that provides funding to startups and early-stage companies with high growth potential. VC firms invest in exchange for equity, helping businesses scale while taking calculated risks for substantial returns.

Key Characteristics

  • Equity-based financing for high-growth companies
  • Active involvement from investors in business strategy
  • Focus on scalable business models
  • Long-term investment horizon (5-10 years)
  • Potential for significant returns on successful exits
Mergers & Acquisitions

Mergers & Acquisitions

Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) involve the fusion of companies to form a single business entity or one company taking over and absorbing another. M&A transactions help companies maximize profits, optimize productivity, expand operations, and create strategic value.

Key Characteristics

  • Strategic combinations to create value and scale
  • Asset or stock-based transaction structures
  • Due diligence to identify risks and opportunities
  • Regulatory compliance and antitrust considerations
  • Integration planning for successful post-transaction operations

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Affordable Venture Capital and M&A Services

Comprehensive legal support for For Founders, Investors and Foreign Lawyers

Fundraising & Term Sheets

Fundraising & Term Sheets

Draft and negotiate term sheets, SAFE agreements, convertible notes, and equity financing documents. We help you structure deals that align with your business goals.

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Due Diligence

Due Diligence

Comprehensive legal due diligence for investors and startups. We review corporate documents, contracts, IP, compliance, and identify potential risks before closing.

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Fund Formation

Fund Formation

Structure and form venture capital funds, including limited partnership agreements, operating agreements, and compliance with securities regulations.

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Securities Compliance

Securities Compliance

Navigate SEC regulations, exemptions, and state blue sky laws. We help ensure your fundraising and investment activities comply with all applicable securities laws.

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Exit Strategies

Exit Strategies

Plan and execute exit strategies including M&A transactions, IPOs, and secondary sales. We help maximize value while ensuring smooth transitions.

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Cross-Border Entity Formation

Cross-Border Entity Formation

Tax-efficient entity formation and company structures for portfolio companies. We design Corps/LLCs and multi-entity groups, plus ongoing support for corporate governance.

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WHO WE SERVE

Built for Sophisticated Counterparties

We focus on parties who treat legal work as a core part of value creation, not an afterthought:

Startups & Founders

Corps, LLCs, multi-entity groups, scaling from pre-seed through exit, equity incentives, and governance built to withstand institutional diligence.

Venture Capital, Family Offices & Private Investors

Structuring and negotiating SAFEs, convertible notes and preferred equity rounds; protecting investor rights while balancing founder relationships.

Foreign Lawyers & International Counsel

U.S. deal counsel that understands cross-border constraints, home-country tax rules, exchange controls and regulatory overlays, and collaborates seamlessly with local counsel.

Tax Professionals & Corporate Finance Advisors

Deal and entity structures that reflect tax, regulatory and accounting implications, working closely with your models and client objectives.

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Testimonials

What Our Clients Say

"I hired this firm to form my first corporation in the late 90's and have used them several times since for my businesses and family. They offered flat-rate incorporation before it was common. Today I learned they do much more than forming corporations! I definitely recommend them. Ask for Natalia Utrera — it was a pleasure speaking with her."

Alfredo D.
Over Two Decades of Excellent Service

"I went to Amerilawyer to start my business! I needed support for trademarks, entity formation, etc. After receiving all the deliverables, I continued working with them on more granular services for the business as it continued to develop."

Rodrigo
From Day 1 to Year 1

"Incredible people work at this office. They made starting my LLC simple and stress-free. Their team was professional, responsive, and explained every step clearly. They handled all the paperwork efficiently, saving me time and hassle. Highly recommend them for anyone looking to establish a business!"

Dominick Hidalgo
Amazing experience

"Alejandro Echeverria and his team were very helpful in helping me set up multiple LLCs. They were very thorough and communicative during the whole process and all for a fair price. I highly recommend using their services."

Nick Montalvo
Great work!

"The General Counsel Club is an amazing service I use for my business all the time. I like to pick the attorney's brains for strategy and advice. Recently, Alejandro from the Miami office helped me with amazing advice on a negotiation. This is a great law firm that doesn't rip you off."

Mark Vieth
Expert legal advice

"Amerilawyer helped me copyright the copy for my new book. Looked like a lot of the reviews were for more typical businesses but I recommend them for creatives and artists too."

Amada
Amerilawyer helped me

"We used AmeriLawyer for a trademark and they were extremely knowledgeable and finished all the necessary filings very quickly! Will definitely come back to them as we continue to grow our business."

Alexi B
Highly Recommend - Trademark service

"They made the process very easy and efficient. I would recommend them to anyone needing assistance."

Emily Roberts
Very easy process

"Here for starting YOUR OWN LLC and business ideas. If you want them to direct you then you are at the wrong company but if you want a solid low cost, no frills option at starting your business. Under a $300 investment for a lifetime of difference. They set me in the right direction to explore MY OWN idea of a business I wanted to build."

Mason Haralson
Here for starting YOUR OWN LLC

"Great organization, Lots of personnel ready to help you be successful with your business. They take the time to assist, return all phone calls and offer a special 800 number for their clients. Great prices they offer the 110% price guarantee. They always deliver what they promise."

Dennis Llvox
They will help you be a success
FAQ

Venture Capital FAQ

A term sheet is a non-binding document that outlines the key economic and governance terms of a venture capital investment. It serves as the roadmap for definitive agreements and addresses critical items such as valuation, equity percentage, liquidation preferences, board structure, investor rights, and protective provisions. Although non-binding, the term sheet sets negotiating expectations, establishes deal structure, and prevents misunderstandings before moving into detailed legal documentation.

A SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity) is a contract that converts to equity during a future priced round, typically without interest or a maturity date. Convertible notes are debt instruments that accrue interest and convert to equity, usually at a discount or valuation cap. Equity financing involves issuing actual shares immediately as part of a priced round. Each instrument has different implications for valuation, dilution, control, and tax treatment. We help you determine the best option based on your fundraising strategy and stage.

The core legal documents typically include: a term sheet, stock purchase agreement, amended and restated charter, investor rights agreement, voting agreement, right of first refusal and co-sale agreement, board consents, and ancillary corporate approvals. The exact package varies depending on round type (Seed, Series A, etc.), investor requirements, and company structure. We prepare, negotiate, and review all necessary documentation to ensure compliance and protect your long-term interests.

Due diligence is the process investors use to verify the legal, financial, operational, and technical condition of a company before investing. Founders should prepare corporate records (charter, bylaws, minutes), an accurate cap table, financial statements, material contracts, IP assignments, employment agreements, regulatory filings, tax records, and any documentation related to risk or liabilities. Being organized can significantly accelerate closing and improve investor confidence.

Yes. All fundraising activity must comply with federal securities laws (SEC regulations) and applicable state “blue sky” laws unless a valid exemption applies. Common exemptions include Regulation D (Rules 504, 506(b), and 506(c)) and Regulation S for offshore offerings. Non-compliance can lead to rescission rights, penalties, or enforcement actions. We help ensure your offering is structured and documented correctly under all applicable securities laws.

A venture capital fund is an investment vehicle that pools capital from limited partners (LPs) to invest in startups. Most VC funds are structured as limited partnerships, where the fund manager acts as the general partner (GP) and LPs provide capital and receive economic returns. The structure typically includes the fund entity, a GP entity, and often a management company entity. We help establish fund structures, draft partnership agreements, and ensure full compliance with securities and tax regulations.

Investors commonly negotiate rights such as board seats or observer rights, information rights, pro rata participation rights, liquidation preferences, anti-dilution protection, protective provisions, drag-along and tag-along rights, and registration rights for future public offerings. The scope of rights depends on negotiation dynamics, investor type, and round stage. We help founders and investors negotiate balanced structures aligned with long-term company goals.

A standard VC fundraising process runs 2–4 months, depending on investor interest and company preparedness. Typical stages include investor outreach (2–4 weeks), term sheet negotiation (1–2 weeks), due diligence (3–6 weeks), and legal documentation and closing (2–4 weeks). Having organized documents, a clean cap table, and updated financials can significantly reduce the overall timeline.

Valuation determines the company’s value for purposes of issuing new shares. Pre-money valuation is assessed before the investment; post-money valuation includes the new capital. Dilution occurs when new shares are issued, reducing existing shareholders’ ownership percentages. Terms such as option pool expansion, valuation caps, and anti-dilution protections can affect dilution. We help founders and investors understand and negotiate valuation mechanics to achieve fair outcomes.

Yes. We represent founders, startups, angel investors, venture capital funds, and family offices in a wide range of VC transactions. For startups, we assist with fundraising strategy, negotiations, and legal documentation. For investors, we conduct due diligence, negotiate protections, and ensure proper compliance. We maintain strict ethical walls and never represent both sides within the same transaction.
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