Seattle Startup Attorneys, Emerging Companies Law, Ryan Swanson

Paul Meier

Chair & Member

Member

Attorney and CPA

Member

Partner

Member

Member

Member

Associate

Paralegal

LEADING STARTUPS FROM INCEPTION TO EXPANSION

Starting a new business is an exciting yet challenging journey, and preparing for rapid growth adds its own unique set of opportunities and obstacles. Our Startups and Emerging Companies Practice Group in Seattle is designed to meet your evolving needs, offering strategic guidance from the first spark of an idea to the successful sale or transition of your company. With decades of hands-on experience, we help businesses manage risk, overcome challenges, and position themselves for sustained success.

One of our greatest strengths is the stability we bring to the dynamic startup environment. With deep roots in the Pacific Northwest, our team provides clients with the resources of a large, full-service law firm while maintaining the personal attention and agility of a smaller practice. Our strong community relationships, availability, and breadth of services make us a trusted partner for startups and emerging companies alike.

SETTING THE STAGE FOR STARTUP SUCCESS

Launching a new business requires thoughtful planning and preparation. Our services for startups include:

Entity Formation: Guidance on personal asset protection, tax liability, funding and operational considerations, and selecting the best location for your entity.
Financing Structures: Assistance with sourcing financing, structuring funding rounds, and managing obligations tied to equity capital and borrowing.
Governing Documents: Drafting articles, bylaws, operating agreements, shareholder agreements, and maintaining corporate records.
Intellectual Property: Protecting trademarks, copyrights, and patents; drafting confidentiality agreements and IP assignment contracts.
Regulatory Compliance: Addressing federal and state requirements such as tax ID numbers, record-keeping, business licenses, permits, certifications, and insurance.
Employment Considerations: Preparing confidentiality agreements, employment policies and procedures, and contracts.
Estate Planning: Navigating IRS tax regulations and wealth planning issues.
Immigration: Creating compliant policies and programs to attract and retain talent globally

PREPARING EMERGING GROWTH COMPANIES FOR SUSTAINED GROWTH

As businesses grow, so do their challenges. We provide emerging companies with:

Financing: Structuring funding methods, navigating securities law, and understanding financial obligations.
Employment Solutions: Drafting non-compete agreements, employee handbooks, and compensation agreements; ensuring compliance with employment laws; and advising on hiring and firing strategies.
Immigration Support: Assisting with hiring foreign talent, preparing H-1B petitions, PERM applications, I-9 compliance, and advising foreign investors.
Business Agreements: Drafting and negotiating contracts, managing mergers and acquisitions, handling equity and asset sales, and advising on initial public offerings (IPOs).
Regulatory Guidance: Supporting compliance in regulated industries such as investment advising, insurance, and administration.
Litigation: Resolving ownership and employment disputes, addressing unfair business practices, protecting intellectual property, and handling contract disputes.
Business Exit Planning: Developing succession strategies, managing ownership transfers, and addressing estate and tax considerations.

Whether you’re launching a new venture or scaling an established business, we’re here to help you navigate the challenges and opportunities at every stage. Let us partner with you to build a strong foundation for long-term growth and success.