Lifecycle of a Technology Company

Founding and nurturing a technology startup through its growth to a successful IPO or sale requires an understanding of the business terms, customary contractual provisions, legal background, tax issues, and "how-to's" applicable to each stage. Legal and business issues are intertwined, and mistakes are costly. Part legal primer, part business primer, Lifecycle of a Technology Company provides comprehensive and understandable advice about the key legal and business issues that arise over the life of an emerging growth company.

This guide is full of practical, hands-on advice for:
- Entrepreneurs and executives who want an in-depth understanding of the legal milieu in which they operate
- Venture capital and other investment professionals who want to better understand the legal rationale behind their investment deals with portfolio companies, as well as key legal issues facing these portfolio companies
- Lawyers who would like to know, or need a refresher on, what they should be discussing with technology companies and other startup clients seeking advice on critical transactions
- International lawyers, entrepreneurs, and investors who want insight into the legal and business aspects of the U.S. technology revolution
- Law students who want to get a jump on real-world business law practice
- Business school students who want to level the playing field for their first encounters with business lawyers

Lifecycle of a Technology Company covers issues relating to:
- Choice of entity
- Arrangements among the founders concerning equity compensation
- Tricks and traps in venture financings and debt financings
- Basics of intellectual property protec-tion and license agreements
- How to conduct a private placement
- How to prepare for an IPO
- Fundamentals of public company regulation
- The acquisition process and key nego-tiating points for buyers and sellers

Appendices include model or sample documents for a number of common trans-actions, as well as additional materials.

A must-read for anyone associated with a technology company, from entrepreneurs and CEOs and CFOs to venture capitalists, as well as their legal and professional advisors, Lifecycle of a Technology Company will guide readers through the many challenges, opportunities, and legal and business pitfalls that arise at every stage of their business.