Scaling from a promising startup into a thriving emerging growth company often requires outside capital. At Bridgewood & Co., our startup law firm has extensive experience guiding companies through the full spectrum of startup fundraising and venture financing transactions.

Our startup lawyers work closely with founders to understand their goals, risk tolerance, and long-term vision. We then design capital-raising strategies tailored to your company’s stage, market, and growth objectives. We represent startups and emerging growth companies across all phases of their fundraising lifecycle—from pre-seed to late-stage venture rounds.

SAFE Agreements (Simple Agreements for Future Equity)

SAFE agreements have become the most common seed-stage fundraising instrument for startups. Designed to simplify early-stage financings, SAFEs eliminate accrued interest, maturity dates, and complex repayment mechanics—resulting in lower legal costs and faster closings.

Our startup attorneys have deep experience advising on SAFE financings and regularly counsel founders on:

• Pre-money vs. post-money SAFEs

• Valuation caps and discount mechanics

• Most-Favored Nation (MFN) provisions

• Pro rata rights and side letters

• Investor-specific requirements and custom terms

Although SAFEs are typically company-friendly instruments, investors—such as angel investors, venture capital funds, or strategic partners—often request additional protections. Having represented both startups and investors, Bridgewood & Co. understands the priorities on each side and negotiates SAFEs that balance efficiency with long-term company health.

Convertible Notes

Convertible notes remain a viable fundraising option for certain startups, particularly when valuation is difficult to determine. As debt instruments that convert into equity upon a triggering event—usually a future equity financing—convertible notes require careful structuring.

Our startup lawyers advise on whether convertible notes are appropriate for your company and focus on mitigating risk by addressing key issues such as:

• Interest rates and maturity dates

• Automatic vs. optional conversion provisions

• Valuation caps and discounts

• Extension and amendment mechanisms

We draft, review, and negotiate convertible notes with a focus on protecting founders from unfavorable debt outcomes while maintaining investor confidence.

Series Seed Preferred Financing

Some seed investors prefer receiving priced equity rather than convertible instruments. In a Series Seed Preferred round, the startup and investor agree on a company valuation, and the investor receives a defined number of shares in exchange for capital.

Our startup attorneys have extensive experience representing companies in Series Seed Preferred financings, including transactions with leading U.S. venture capital firms. Our services include:

• Drafting and negotiating term sheets

• Conducting and managing due diligence

• Preparing amended and restated certificates of incorporation

• Drafting board and shareholder resolutions

• Reviewing indemnification provisions

• Handling federal and state securities filings

• Managing capitalization tables

• Providing strategic advice throughout the transaction

We ensure that Series Seed rounds are structured to support future financings while protecting founder control and equity.

Regulation Crowdfunding

Regulation Crowdfunding allows startups to raise capital from a broad base of investors through approved online platforms. While this method can be powerful for companies with strong communities or consumer traction, it is subject to evolving and highly technical regulations.

Our startup attorneys advise companies on:

• Whether crowdfunding is a suitable fundraising option

• Platform selection and intermediary compliance

• Required disclosures and ongoing reporting obligations

• Investor limits and securities law compliance

We guide startups through the legal and regulatory framework to ensure compliant and effective crowdfunding campaigns.

Series A Financing

Series A financing is a major milestone, typically occurring once a startup has achieved product-market fit and early revenue traction. These transactions are more complex and involve extensive negotiation of investor rights and governance terms.

Our Series A startup lawyer services include:

• Preparing companies for investor due diligence

• Negotiating key investor protections and control rights

• Drafting and finalizing all transaction documents

• Advising founders on long-term implications of deal terms

We act as trusted advisors throughout the Series A process, allowing founders to remain focused on scaling their business.

Series B, C, and Growth-Stage Financings

As companies continue to scale, later-stage fundraising rounds require increasingly sophisticated legal strategy. Bridgewood & Co. represents companies through Series B, Series C, and subsequent growth rounds.

Our approach to late-stage financing is holistic and forward-looking, taking into account not only the immediate capital needs of the business but also long-term objectives such as acquisition, IPO, or other exit strategies. This perspective allows us to guide founders through complex negotiations while preserving flexibility and value.

Strategic Fundraising Counsel at Every Stage

From seed to scale, Bridgewood & Co. provides the legal insight, negotiation experience, and strategic guidance startups need to raise capital with confidence.