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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.

How Crypto Can Be Used in Business and What Legal Risks to Watch
Liz Komatsu Liz Komatsu

How Crypto Can Be Used in Business and What Legal Risks to Watch

In the past decade, cryptocurrencies have moved beyond speculative trading to become powerful tools for businesses of all sizes. From streamlining cross-border payments to innovating loyalty programs, digital assets offer efficiency and new revenue streams. But along with these opportunities come legal and regulatory risks that can trip up even the savviest founders. Here’s how companies are putting crypto to work—and what you need to watch to stay on the right side of the law.

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Legal Agreements Every Startup Should Have with Advisors
Liz Komatsu Liz Komatsu

Legal Agreements Every Startup Should Have with Advisors

Advisors play a pivotal role in helping startups navigate critical early-stage decisions, providing mentorship, strategic direction, and access to valuable networks. However, the relationship between startups and their advisors must be clearly defined and legally documented to prevent misunderstandings and protect both parties.

This article outlines the key legal agreements every startup should have with its advisors to ensure alignment, accountability, and legal compliance.

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How to Protect Your Business from Holiday Season Chargebacks with Better Website Disclosures
Jennifer Newton Jennifer Newton

How to Protect Your Business from Holiday Season Chargebacks with Better Website Disclosures

As holiday sales surge, so do chargebacks—threatening your revenue and merchant account stability. This guide explains how ecommerce businesses can minimize risk with effective product descriptions, refund policies, and website disclosures. Learn practical strategies to ensure compliance, improve customer transparency, and safeguard your Q4 profits.

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Avoid Costly Legal Exposure in 2026 by Taking These Year-End Compliance Steps Now
Jennifer Newton Jennifer Newton

Avoid Costly Legal Exposure in 2026 by Taking These Year-End Compliance Steps Now

As 2025 ends, overlooked legal tasks can lead to penalties, tax issues, and compliance failures in the new year. This guide outlines essential steps for reviewing your company’s governance, contracts, employment policies, and regulatory filings. Prepare your business now to avoid costly setbacks and start 2026 with a strong legal foundation.

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Support with Fundraising: SAFE Notes, Convertible Notes & Term Sheets
Liz Komatsu Liz Komatsu

Support with Fundraising: SAFE Notes, Convertible Notes & Term Sheets

In the whirlwind of early‐stage fundraising, founders frequently turn to flexible, efficient instruments that defer valuation negotiations until a later round. SAFE notes, convertible notes, and term sheets each play a distinct role—and having the right legal and financial support can mean the difference between a smooth close and costly missteps. Here’s what you need to know about each, and how expert guidance can help you raise smarter.

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Why Every Startup Website Needs a Privacy Policy & Cookies Policy
Liz Komatsu Liz Komatsu

Why Every Startup Website Needs a Privacy Policy & Cookies Policy

In today’s digital-first world, nearly every startup operates online—collecting visitor data, tracking engagement, and optimizing experiences through cookies. But beneath the convenience and insight lies a critical responsibility: complying with privacy laws and building trust. Here’s why your startup website can’t afford to skip a Privacy Policy and a Cookies Policy.

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Why Smart Contract Governance Is Critical: Legal, Technical, and Compliance Imperatives for DeFi Startups
Jennifer Newton Jennifer Newton

Why Smart Contract Governance Is Critical: Legal, Technical, and Compliance Imperatives for DeFi Startups

As decentralized finance (DeFi) and Web3 ecosystems continue to mature, the role of smart contract governance has evolved from a technical implementation detail into a legal and regulatory focal point. Following recent remarks by SEC Chairman Paul S. Atkins on “Project Crypto,” the line between innovation and liability is clearer than ever: governance is no longer optional; it is foundational.

Atkins emphasized that investment contracts under the Howey test can end, but only if the protocol demonstrates genuine decentralization and functional autonomy. This includes the governance of the very code that defines the platform. For DeFi startups, that means smart contract governance must be designed with legal compliance, investor confidence, and operational resilience in mind.

This article explores why smart contract governance is essential, how token analysis at each lifecycle stage can mitigate regulatory exposure, and what practical steps startups must take to build trust with users, regulators, and capital partners.

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