Resource Center

Stay in the know with the latest news and expert insights from StartSmart Counsel. Our dedicated team of advisors regularly shares valuable updates, industry trends, and business wisdom to help you navigate the entrepreneurial journey. Explore our curated collection of news articles and blog posts to gain valuable insights and stay ahead in your startup endeavors.

DeFi Lending vs. Traditional Banking: What Founders Should Understand Legally
Liz Komatsu Liz Komatsu

DeFi Lending vs. Traditional Banking: What Founders Should Understand Legally

In the evolving world of finance, decentralized lending (DeFi) protocols and traditional banks offer distinct pathways to mobilize capital—but they live under very different legal regimes. For founders building platforms, products, or services that straddle one or both models, understanding the legal fault lines is critical. Below is a roadmap to the key legal considerations that differentiate DeFi lending from traditional banking—and what your startup needs to navigate each safely.

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Use an NDA or Work-for-Hire Agreement to Protect Your IP
Liz Komatsu Liz Komatsu

Use an NDA or Work-for-Hire Agreement to Protect Your IP

In today’s innovation-driven economy, your intellectual property (IP)—from prototypes and designs to software code and marketing materials—is your startup’s most valuable asset. Yet without proper legal safeguards, you risk losing control over your creations. Two of the most effective tools in your contract toolbox are the Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) and the Work-for-Hire Agreement. Here’s how—and when—to use each to ensure your ideas stay yours.

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Compliance for the Solopreneur: Practical Compliance Management Habits and Hygiene
Jennifer Newton Jennifer Newton

Compliance for the Solopreneur: Practical Compliance Management Habits and Hygiene

Compliance may seem daunting to solopreneurs focused on growth, but establishing simple, recurring habits can ensure you stay ahead of legal, financial, and regulatory risks. By embedding compliance into your weekly and quarterly operations—especially with robust complaint management and email compliance testing—you protect your business, brand, and peace of mind.

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The SAFE Agreement: A Popular Fundraising Tool for Early-Stage Startups
Liz Komatsu Liz Komatsu

The SAFE Agreement: A Popular Fundraising Tool for Early-Stage Startups

In the fast‑moving world of startup financing, simplicity and speed can mean the difference between seizing opportunity—and watching it slip away. Enter the SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity): a streamlined fundraising instrument that lets early‑stage companies raise capital quickly, without the cost and complexity of a priced equity round. In this post, we’ll unpack the key features of SAFEs, explore why they’ve become a go‑to tool for founders and investors alike, and offer practical guidance on when and how to use them effectively.

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Managing Team Growth: Employment Contracts & Equity Planning
Liz Komatsu Liz Komatsu

Managing Team Growth: Employment Contracts & Equity Planning

Managing rapid team growth while preserving culture and aligning incentives is one of the most critical challenges for scaling startups. Two foundational pillars—rock‑solid employment contracts and thoughtful equity planning—can help you attract, retain, and motivate top talent without jeopardizing your company’s long‑term vision or financial health. This blog walks through the essential elements of employment agreements, explores equity‑allocation strategies, and offers practical tips for keeping your rollout both competitive and compliant.

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