Practice Areas
Startup Advisory
Empowering Startups: Your Trusted Legal Partner in Business Success
The term “startup” refers to a company in the early stages of its operations. These companies generally launch with high costs and limited revenue, which is why they look for capital from a variety of sources such as angel investors and venture capitalists.
MNA can be considered by start-ups and early-stage venture capital firms for our prompt responses, taking care of minute details and business-oriented and practical approach. MNA can assist at all stages of the investment transaction lifecycle starting from preparation of term sheets, Founders Agreement, legal due diligence, preparation of transaction documents, negotiations and closing assistance.
MNA can also advise right structure & form of Organization and to be at best at their Governance Practices with ensuring flexibility in Business transaction. Our general corporate practice focuses on advising clients on legal aspects of incorporation of subsidiaries/special purpose vehicles, corporate governance, corporate secretarial assistance, DPIIT Registrations etc.
Services Offered
- Incorporation and Structuring
Assistance with choosing the right legal structure (e.g., LLC, corporation, partnership) and incorporating the business. This includes drafting and filing the necessary documents
- Intellectual Property Protection
Services to protect the startup’s intellectual property, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. This involves filing applications, conducting searches, and enforcing IP rights.
- Contract Drafting and Review
Preparation and review of various contracts such as employment agreements, vendor contracts, customer agreements, and partnership agreements to ensure they are legally sound and protect the startup’s interests.
- Compliance and Regulatory Advice
Guidance on complying with local, state, and federal regulations, including industry-specific regulations. This can also include assistance with obtaining necessary licenses and permits.
- Employment Law
Advising on employment law matters, including hiring practices, employee handbooks, non-compete agreements, and handling disputes with employees.
- Funding And Investment
Legal support for raising capital, including preparing term sheets, negotiating with investors, and drafting investment agreements. This also includes compliance with securities laws.
- Corporate Governance
Advising on best practices for corporate governance, including board structure, shareholder agreements, and compliance with corporate laws.
- Mergers and Acquisitions
Legal assistance with mergers, acquisitions, and other business transactions, including due diligence, negotiation, and drafting of transaction documents.
- Dispute Resolution
Representation in legal disputes, including litigation, arbitration, and mediation. This can also include pre-litigation advice to avoid potential conflicts.
- Data Privacy and Security
Advising on data privacy laws and regulations, including GDPR and CCPA compliance, and helping to implement data protection policies and practices.
FAQs/Knowledge Bank
Any new business that applies an innovative solution. The solution can be either technological or a unique business model” Another common definition comes from Investopedia as a “company that’s in the initial stages of business” At the risk of complicating things, startups can also be further categorized or defined by the number of employees, revenue and years of operation. Based on this, different entrepreneurs and business developers have proposed different criteria for when a startup ceases to be called a startup.
There are myriad reasons why startups fail and most of them can be prevented. The reason is simply that not all startups develop a product the market needs or wants to reward financially. We also see the same “traditional” problems affecting other businesses such as lack of money, ineffective team management, bad marketing, pricing or better competitors.
Venture capital is a type of private equity and one of the ways startups with good potential for growth can receive funding. Venture capitalists (VC’s) manage pools of money called funds and they don’t necessarily invest their own money. This is in contrast to angel investors where the capital is provided by a certain individual. VC’s may also require a more active role in the running of your business and key operations.
Startup India is a flagship initiative of the Government of India, intended to build a strong ecosystem that is conducive for the growth of startup businesses, to drive sustainable economic growth and generate large scale employment opportunities. The Government through this initiative aims to empower startups to grow through innovation and design.
Choosing the right legal structure depends on various factors such as the nature of your business, the number of founders, liability concerns, and tax implications. Common structures include sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), and corporation
Protecting your IP is crucial for safeguarding your business ideas and innovations. This can be done through patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. Consulting with an IP attorney can help you determine the best strategy for your specific needs.
Key contracts for startups include founders’ agreements, employment contracts, non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), vendor agreements, and customer contracts. These documents help define roles, responsibilities, and protect your business interests.
Compliance requirements vary by industry and location but generally include business licenses, tax registrations, employment laws, and industry-specific regulations. It’s important to stay informed and ensure your startup meets all legal obligations.
Raising capital involves complying with securities laws and regulations. This includes preparing term sheets, investment agreements, and ensuring proper disclosure to potential investors. Legal counsel can guide you through the process to avoid legal pitfalls.
An employee handbook should cover company policies, code of conduct, employment terms, benefits, and procedures for addressing grievances. It helps set clear expectations and ensures compliance with labor laws.
Legal disputes can arise from various sources such as contracts, employment issues, or intellectual property infringements. It’s important to have a dispute resolution strategy in place, which may include mediation, arbitration, or litigation.
Data privacy and security are critical for protecting customer information and complying with regulations such as GDPR and CCPA. Implementing robust data protection policies and practices, and seeking legal advice on compliance, can help safeguard your business.
Expanding internationally involves understanding and complying with the legal requirements of the target country. This includes business registration, tax obligations, employment laws, and trade regulations. Legal counsel with international expertise can provide valuable guidance.
Have any question?
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