Startup LAWnchpad Podcast Entrepreneurial Law Clinic at Fordham University School of Law

Startup LAWnchpad is the podcast that educates entrepreneurs about forming, growing and protecting a startup. Startup LAWnchpad is produced by the Entrepreneurial Law Clinic at Fordham University School of Law in New York City.
 
Episode Description: 
 
Jacob Shiffer (Fordham Law ‘23) is joined by David Connolly, Chief Legal Officer at Playfly Sports for a look at the  Multimedia Rights and NIL considerations for sports startups.  Together they discuss the legal considerations for entrepreneurs in the sports and media industry, including a history of Playfly Sports, initial legal issues for entrepreneurial companies in media, the advantages and disadvantages of a legal background and entrepreneurship, as well as NIL considerations. 
 
Episode Roadmap: [:30] Third-year Fordham law student Jacob Shiffer introduces David Connolly (Fordham Law ‘02).
[1:31] An overview of the mergers and acquisitions practice.
[3:05] Lessons David learned from his time with an M&A team.
[6:18] Forming the idea behind Playfly Sports.
[10:15] Legal considerations that are commonly overlooked by entrepreneurs.
[12:47] Considerations for entrepreneurs who need help raising capital.
[14:09] Advantages and disadvantages of David’s legal background.
[17:16] Changes resulting from NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) rule developments.
[21:36] The impact of NIL on startups and entrepreneurs.
[24:31] NIL issues entrepreneurs tend to overlook.
[27:16] The potential impact of entrepreneurs and startups in this industry.
[28:30] Fordham advice from a successful alumnus.
 
Tweetables: “People who were too concerned about risks may not be successful in the entrepreneurial side of the business.” - David Connolly
“The advice I would give entrepreneurs is to think about how you want your business to grow and who the partners are who are going to facilitate that growth.” - David Connolly
“If you’re bringing in an investor who can provide capital, you need to make sure you’ve got the right partner so they can help guide your growing business.” - David Connolly
“Know the boundaries of where your expertise ends and when to bring in people who really are experts.” - David Connolly
“NIL is all very new and people are trying to figure it out along the way.” - David Connolly
“Entrepreneurs need to know, and embrace the fact, that they’re going to make mistakes and then learn from those mistakes.” - David Connolly
 
Mentioned in This Episode:


Additional Resources:  Fordham’s Entrepreneurial Law Clinic
Follow us on Twitter @FordhamELC
 
Sponsors:  Nasdaq Educational Foundation
Fordham’s Entrepreneurial Law Advisory Council
 
Disclaimer:
The information contained in the Startup LAWnchpad podcast and any materials associated therewith (the “Podcast”) is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice or tax advice with respect to any particular circumstance. The Podcast is not a complete overview or analysis of the topics presented and may contain information that varies in different jurisdictions and is subject to revision, interpretation, or nullification after the date of recording. The transmission of information to you does not create a lawyer-client relationship between you and any host, guest, or their respective employer, including but not limited to Fordham University School of Law and Lincoln Square Legal Services, Inc. None of these parties shall be liable for any loss that may arise from any reliance on the Podcast. You should not rely upon the Podcast or treat it as a substitute for legal advice. You should consult a lawyer familiar with your particular circumstances and licensed in your jurisdiction for legal advice.
 

Startup LAWnchpad is the podcast that educates entrepreneurs about forming, growing, and protecting a startup. Startup LAWnchpad is produced by the Entrepreneurial Law Clinic at Fordham University School of Law in New York City.
Episode Description: 
Kimberly Fishman (Fordham Law ‘23) and Sydney Glazer (Fordham Law ‘23) welcome Theresa Mohan, Adjunct Professor at Fordham Law School for a discussion about the role of in-house counsel in the startup context. Together they examine the recommended timeline for securing in-house counsel, the benefits of utilizing external versus in-house counsel, and what entrepreneurs need to know when employing legal services at various stages of their start-up. 
Episode Roadmap:
[:30] Third-year Fordham law students Sydney Glazer and Kimberly Fishman introduce Professor Theresa Mohan.
[2:28] When should an entrepreneur hire in-house counsel?
[4:41] Employing external counsel as needed in early company stages.
[6:23] The recommended path for growing in-house counsel.
[8:13] Determining appropriate compensation for in-house counsel.
[11:50] Being king versus being rich- how successful founders make their decisions.
[14:55] Potential legal issues that lawyers of start-ups will face.
[17:15] The expansive and changing role of early-stage legal counsel.
[20:00] The standard inflection point of requiring greater legal counsel- going public.
[24:21] Raising capital advice can be provided by an outside law firm.
[26:45] Lessons learned from 20+ years of advising growing internal legal departments.
[29:02] Critical skills to look for when hiring in-house counsel.
[31:15] When to utilize outside versus in-house counsel.
[32:47] Advice for the entrepreneurial leader.
Tweetables:
“Hiring a lawyer too soon could inhibit a new company’s perspective or growth.” - Theresa Mohan
“The legal department takes its shape and its growth trajectory based on the business itself and the needs of that business.” - Theresa Mohan
“The most successful entrepreneurs understand that they are going to get more growth by sharing the potential upside.” - Theresa Mohan
“The needs of a company as it grows and expands are going to be keyed off of what that company is doing.” - Theresa Mohan
“Raising capital is something that an outside law firm can provide very good service on.” - Theresa Mohan
“There has to be alignment between the lawyer and the founder and leader of the company.” - Theresa Mohan
Mentioned in This Episode:

Additional Resources: 
Fordham’s Entrepreneurial Law Clinic
Follow us on Twitter @FordhamELC
Sponsors: 
Nasdaq Educational Foundation
Fordham’s Entrepreneurial Law Advisory Council
Disclaimer:
The information contained in the Startup LAWnchpad podcast and any materials associated therewith (the “Podcast”) is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice or tax advice with respect to any particular circumstance. The Podcast is not a complete overview or analysis of the topics presented and may contain information that varies in different jurisdictions and is subject to revision, interpretation, or nullification after the date of recording. The transmission of information to you does not create a lawyer-client relationship between you and any host, guest, or their respective employer, including but not limited to Fordham University School of Law and Lincoln Square Legal Services, Inc. None of these parties shall be liable for any loss that may arise from any reliance on the Podcast. You should not rely upon the Podcast or treat it as a substitute for legal advice. You should consult a lawyer familiar with your particular circumstances and licensed in your jurisdiction for legal advice.

Startup LAWnchpad is the podcast that educates entrepreneurs about forming, growing, and protecting a startup. Startup LAWnchpad is produced by the Entrepreneurial Law Clinic at Fordham University School of Law in New York City.
Episode Description: 
Sharon Yang (Fordham Law ‘23) is joined by Wenting Yu, Partner at O’Melveny & Myers LLP for a discussion about cryptocurrency, diversity, and law. Together they examine the details, deals, and legal underpinnings surrounding cryptocurrency; highlight the role that cryptocurrency plays in enhancing diversity; and discuss the steps that entrepreneurs and law students can take to get involved in the crypto space.
Episode Roadmap:
[:40] Sharon Yang introduces herself and guest Wenting Yu, and defines key cryptocurrency terms.
[5:00] An overview of various crypto deals and the importance of accurate legal advice.
[9:40] Insights into mining, data centers, and green costs.
[13:54] Cross-border crypto work and the typical transaction.
[16:05] Diversity advancements and advantages in the crypto industry.
[19:58] Wenting highlights the rewards and challenges of working in the crypto space.
[23:37] Key legal issues that crypto-startup entrepreneurs need to know.
[25:10] A look at the future of crypto in the wake of FTX.
[29:00] Wenting’s advice for students who are interested in pursuing a crypto transactional practice.
[31:58] Steps for getting connected and entering into the crypto space.
Tweetables:
“Legal advisors are working to make sure they’re conducting the business within the framework of the current legal market.” - Wenting Yu
“A lot of these companies are using renewable energy to first help their incentives.”- Wenting Yu
“The crypto world is somewhat permissionless and decentralized, and it definitely lowers the barriers to disadvantaged groups.” - Wenting Yu
“A lot of minorities and marginalized groups are turning to crypto as a tool and developing ways to use it.” - Wenting Yu
“I don’t think the direction is wrong.  It’s just how we get from where we are to the future and our vision there.” - Wenting Yu
“Get connected with people who are already in this space, and get involved however you can.” - Wenting Yu
Mentioned in This Episode:
O’Melveny & Myers LLP
Additional Resources: 
Fordham’s Entrepreneurial Law Clinic
Follow us on Twitter @FordhamELC
Sponsors: 
Nasdaq Educational Foundation
Fordham’s Entrepreneurial Law Advisory Council
Disclaimer:
The information contained in the Startup LAWnchpad podcast and any materials associated therewith (the “Podcast”) is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice or tax advice with respect to any particular circumstance. The Podcast is not a complete overview or analysis of the topics presented and may contain information that varies in different jurisdictions and is subject to revision, interpretation, or nullification after the date of recording. The transmission of information to you does not create a lawyer-client relationship between you and any host, guest, or their respective employer, including but not limited to Fordham University School of Law and Lincoln Square Legal Services, Inc. None of these parties shall be liable for any loss that may arise from any reliance on the Podcast. You should not rely upon the Podcast or treat it as a substitute for legal advice. You should consult a lawyer familiar with your particular circumstances and licensed in your jurisdiction for legal advice.

Alexa De Leon (Fordham Law ‘23) and Jordan Phelan (Fordham Law ‘23) interview Helene R. Banks, Partner at Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP, and co-chair of Cahill’s Mergers & Acquisitions and Corporate Advisory practice groups, about ESG — what it means, ESG considerations over the lifecycle of a business, and how entrepreneurs should approach disclosures regarding ESG.  They also discuss greenwashing and green claims.
 
Episode Roadmap: ●           [:40] Alexa De Leon introduces herself, Jordan Phelan and today’s guest Helene R. Banks.
●           [2:30] An overview of the three major components of ESG practices and how they work together.
●           [4:22] Main concerns regarding ESG for early stage entrepreneurs and startup companies.
●           [7:06] The impact of ESG on investor interest and an overview of the current value of impact investing.
●           [10:23] Diversity, transparency, and other critical features of ESG investing.
●           [12:58] NASDAQ disclosure requirements and the ESG requests of a reasonable investor.
●           [15:14] The role that strong ESG practices play in a company’s exit strategy.
●           [19:44] Key considerations for environmental, social, and governance practices in the early stages of a company.
●           [21:06] Greenwashing claims and how they can negatively affect a company.
●           [25:36] Helene’s advice for crafting organized efforts around ESG.
●           [28:45] A look at the future impact and role of ESG.
 
Tweetables: ●           “If you’re just starting out and you have a clear sense of your mission and purpose, it's a lot easier than having to figure it out later.” - Helene R. Banks
 
●           “ESG is really a key value point for investors.” - Helene R. Banks
 
●           “ESG is not a short-term value proposition.  It’s a significant long-term plan.” - Helene R. Banks
 
●           “When you are raising money in the private market, you have to discuss with your investment community what you’re doing.  And part of what you’re doing is regarding your ESG initiatives.” -Helene R. Banks
 
●           “There is a significant advantage to having your ESG bona fides in place before you try to exit.” -Helene R. Banks
 
●           “You have to be clear on the difference between what you actually have done and what you are aspiring to do.” - Helene R. Banks
 
●           “At some point, we won’t be talking about ESG because it will just be what companies do.” - Helene R. Banks
 
Mentioned in This Episode: ●           Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP
●           Helene R. Banks
 
Additional Resources: ●           Fordham’s Entrepreneurial Law Clinic
●           Follow us on Twitter @FordhamELC
 
Sponsors: ●           Nasdaq Educational Foundation
●           Fordham’s Entrepreneurial Law Advisory Council
 
Disclaimer:
The information contained in the Startup LAWnchpad podcast and any materials associated therewith (the “Podcast”) is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice or tax advice with respect to any particular circumstance. The Podcast is not a complete overview or analysis of the topics presented and may contain information that varies in different jurisdictions and is subject to revision, interpretation, or nullification after the date of recording. The transmission of information to you does not create a lawyer-client relationship between you and any host, guest, or their respective employer, including but not limited to Fordham University School of Law and Lincoln Square Legal Services, Inc. None of the

Startup LAWnchpad is the podcast that educates entrepreneurs about forming, growing and protecting a startup. Startup LAWnchpad is produced by the Entrepreneurial Law Clinic at Fordham University School of Law in New York City.
 
Episode Description: Julian Constain (Fordham Law ‘20) interviews Ana Demel, Vice-chair and Secretary of the Board of Directors of Pro Mujer, Inc. about the origins of this social enterprise, its history and current mission, and the legal matters that can arise out of such a unique corporate structure.
 
Episode Roadmap: [:30] Julian Constain introduces himself and Ana Demel, who shares the origin and mission of Pro Mujer as well as a snapshot of the successful organization, which helps poor women in Latin America. [7:03] An overview of the three-pronged empowerment mission of the company, including financial services, health, and training. [10:30] The complexities and strategic points of operating in six different countries throughout North and South America, and what it means to be a social enterprise. [14:25] The benefits of claiming 501(c)(3) federal tax exempt status and the ways in which profits of for-profit subsidiaries can be invested into the mission of a tax exempt organization. [21:37] Responding to regulatory changes and planning for the future with corporate restructuring, in order to maximize the organization’s mission. [23:13] Legal challenges that companies might face when meeting corporate governance regulations in the international finance and health sectors. [28:07] Examples of balancing Pro Mujer’s company vision while also complying with corporate governance. [34:25] The process of introducing Pro Mujer’s services into new countries and the challenge of moving capital from country to country. [40:16] A look at what’s next as Pro Mujer works to fulfill its mantra of empowering women in Latin America.  
Tweetables: “I realized that every improvement in how the organization was run meant an improvement in the way it could serve these women in Latin America.” — Ana Demel  
“Microfinance involves lending micro amounts, primarily to women, to help them in their businesses….You help them help themselves.” — Ana Demel  
“Three years ago we took a really hard look at what we were doing as an organization, and we came up with a strategic plan that envisions Pro Mujer as a platform for many different services.” — Ana Demel  
“We want to impact more women in a more impactful way, and it’s not just a matter of growing the number of our financial services clients. It’s knowing that we’re growing what we’re doing for all these clients.” — Ana Demel  
“The key to being tax-exempt is that all the work we do is for the purpose of furthering our charitable mission, which is to help women in Latin America.” — Ana Demel  
Mentioned in This Episode: Pro Mujer  
Additional Resources: Fordham’s Entrepreneurial Law Clinic Follow us on Twitter @FordhamELC  
Sponsors: Nasdaq Educational Foundation Fordham’s Entrepreneurial Law Advisory Council  
Disclaimer:
The information contained in the Startup LAWnchpad podcast and any materials associated therewith (the “Podcast”) is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice or tax advice with respect to any particular circumstance. The Podcast is not a complete overview or analysis of the topics presented and may contain information that varies in different jurisdictions and is subject to revision, interpretation, or nullification after the date of recording. The transmission of information to you does not create a lawyer-client relationship between you and any host, guest, or their respective employer, including but not limited to Fordham University School of Law and Lincoln Square Legal Services, Inc. None of these parties shall be liable for any loss that may arise from any reliance on the Podcast. You

Startup LAWnchpad is the podcast that educates entrepreneurs about forming, growing and protecting a startup. Startup LAWnchpad is produced by the Entrepreneurial Law Clinic at Fordham University School of Law in New York City.
 
Episode Description: Moyosola Soyemi (Fordham Law ‘20) and Eileen Gaffney (Fordham Law ‘20) interview Selin Sonmez, co-founder of Knock Knock City, Co., about the business process from startup to exit, including the various legal and business issues entrepreneurs should consider on their road to acquisition.
 
Episode Roadmap: [:30] Moyosola Soyemi and Eileen Gaffney introduce themselves and Selin Sonmez, co-founder of the recently acquired Knock Knock City, who shares the inspiration for her startup and her studies in industrial design. [8:45] Is it necessary to have an exit strategy when founding a company? The benefits of choosing a corporation over an LLC. [11:39] Selin shares the online resources she utilized to find answers to legal questions and the point at which she began consulting with a lawyer instead. [16:37] Tips for building a brand while protecting intellectual property rights, and financing without fundraising through maximizing SEO and partnerships. [20:47] Questions to ask yourself before proceeding with a buy-out, including how to determine if the buy-out company is one that you want to partner with. [27:28] Legal and logistical challenges of partnering internationally. [29:02] Negotiating deal terms, both independently and with the guidance of lawyers. [33:07] How to obtain accurate valuation of your company when selling. [37:37] A look at signing day and what life looks like for Selin after the acquisition. [41:35] The value of engaging in design thinking when looking for new business ideas. [44:44] Selin shares advice from the lessons she learned on the path from startup to exit.  
Tweetables: “An exit strategy was always only in the back of our minds. Our focus was on growing.” — Selin Sonmez  
“Ask yourself, if we sell, is this the right person? Does this deal match our vision?” — Selin Sonmez  
“It’s always good to consider lawyers as business people too, who will be helping you and pointing out details you’ll be missing because you’re optimistic and want to be fast and get the deal done.” — Selin Sonmez  
“There’s always someone who has been there, done that, and there is value in seeking advice from them.” — Selin Sonmez  
“The right brain is a muscle. The more you practice it the more it evolves. So, there’s no such thing as not being creative; you can learn to be.” — Selin Sonmez  
Mentioned in This Episode: Knock Knock City Luggage Hero Investopedia Clerky Angel: How to Invest in Technology Startups- Timeless Advice from an Angel Investor Who Turned $100,000 into $1,000,000 by Jason Calacanis Voyager HQ Design the Life You Love: A Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Meaningful Future by Ayse Birsel  
Additional Resources: Fordham’s Entrepreneurial Law Clinic Follow us on Twitter @FordhamELC  
Sponsors: Nasdaq Educational Foundation Fordham’s Entrepreneurial Law Advisory Council  
Disclaimer:
The information contained in the Startup LAWnchpad podcast and any materials associated therewith (the “Podcast”) is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice or tax advice with respect to any particular circumstance. The Podcast is not a complete overview or analysis of the topics presented, and may contain information that varies in different jurisdictions and is subject to revision, interpretation, or nullification after the date of recording. The transmission of information to you does not create a lawyer-client relationship between you and any host, guest, or their respective employer, including but not limited to Fordham University School of Law and Lincoln Square Legal Services, Inc. None of these parties shall be liab