Securities Lawyers

The short answer, as with all legal questions, is: it depends. You can certainly propose modify or be reased from your obligations, and depending on the company, your circumstances, your relationship, and their financial position, the company may be willing to entertain accomodations. It doesn't hurt to ask. Be prepared, however, for "penalties," which could mean the loss of your entire investment, significant reductions in the amount of your investment, etc. You may want to consider approaching other investors to see they would be willing to purchase some or all of your stake -- perhaps at a greater value than the company would offer. We highly recommend you consult with a business or securities attorney to be advise you the specifics of your agreement and explore exit or other strategies. Good luck!

Good question! Typically, a stock split will result in an appropriate adjustment to an option award so that, after the adjustment, the option holder (you, in this case) is "made whole" -- that is, you are effectively in the same place economically (as far as this option is concerned) after the split with the option as you were before. If you look at your company's Stock Plan (the plan under which your options were authorized and granted to you), you will probably find a section called "Changes in Capitalization." (Or, you can search to document for the word "split" and may be able to find the governing provision that way.) The provision might be included in your Stock Option Agreement, but typically it is covered in the Plan. Anyway, the provision (wherever it is located in your documents) would normally say something along the lines of the following: "In the event of a stock split (and other events), the following will occur: (i) the numbers and class of shares covered by your option award, (ii) the exercise price per share of each outstanding option, and (iii) any applicable repurchase price per share issued under any option award, will be automatically proportionately adjusted in the event of a stock split (or other event)." (Usually the language is even more "legalesey" but that's pretty much the jist of it.) Of course, its impossible to say for sure in your situation (or in any other specific situation) without seeing the relevant documents and knowing all other relevant details, but that would be the typical approach.

Here are the top 5 most important provisions in a Private Placement Subscription Agreement: 1. Investment Details (number of shares/units, price, total amount) 2. Investor Representations and Warranties (accredited investor status, risk understanding, etc.) 3. Company Representations and Warranties (accuracy of information, compliance, etc.) 4. Transfer Restrictions (limitations on selling or transferring securities) 5. Use of Proceeds (how the company will use the invested funds) It's important to note that there are at least up to 12 key provisions to consider in a comprehensive Private Placement Subscription Agreement. In addition, each agreement can have unique terms that require careful consideration unique to the deal or industry it's for. The specific language used in these clauses can significantly impact your rights and obligations as an investor. Given the complexity of these agreements and the potential risks involved in private placements, it would be prudent to have a thorough legal review before signing. As an experienced securities attorney, I could: 1. Analyze the specific terms of your agreement 2. Explain how each provision may affect your investment 3. Identify any unusual or potentially unfavorable terms 4. Advise on negotiating more favorable conditions, if necessary 5. Ensure the agreement complies with relevant securities laws Would you like to discuss your specific Private Placement Subscription Agreement in more detail to ensure you're making a fully informed decision about this investment opportunity?

Raising funds through an ICO is legally possible —but only if you navigate securities laws, money‐transmission rules and (often) state “blue‐sky” requirements. Below is a roadmap to the U.S. legal framework you must consider; I’ve included statute citations and SEC guidance where relevant. 1. Determine Whether Your Token Is a “Security” Key Point: If your token meets the definition of an “investment contract” under U.S. law, it’s a security. Selling a security to U.S. investors without registration (or a valid exemption) violates the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Conduct a “Howey analysis” for your token. Retain counsel to document why—factually and legally—you believe it’s not a security (if that’s your position). But be prepared that the SEC will likely view it as a security offering. 2. If It’s a Security, Register or Find an Exemption Choose the exemption that best fits (e.g., 506(c) if you have only accredited investors and want to market openly). File Form D for Reg D, or engage an SEC-registered crowdfunding portal for Reg CF, or go through Form 1-A for Reg A+. Each has different reporting burdens and limitations. 3. State (“Blue‐Sky”) Securities Laws Even if you rely on a federal exemption like Reg D Rule 506, most states impose their own registration or notice filings. For each state where you permit a sale, either file the required Form U-2 (for 506 offerings) or register/claim exemption. Most startups rely on the uniform notice procedure under 506 to simplify compliance. 4. Anti-Money Laundering (AML) / Know-Your-Customer (KYC) Rules Even if you structure your ICO as a non-security (which is rare), you must still comply with anti-money-laundering laws if your token is considered a “virtual currency” under FinCEN’s rules. If you accept USD (or other fiat) in exchange for tokens, register as an MSB with FinCEN, build out an AML compliance program, obtain state money-transmitter licenses where required (e.g., New York BitLicense), and integrate a robust KYC/AML vendor at token sale. I have been heavily involved in this space since 2017 - feel free to reach out John@BenemeritoLaw.com

Probably the primary difference is that a convertible note is debt, with interest and a maturity date. I do a lot of work with startups, and I rarely see convertible notes used anymore, and never see KISS agreements used. SAFEs are much more prevalent. That being said, there are a lot of different variables in all these instruments, and you should never just download a template and use it without customizing to your needs and discussing it with an experienced startup attorney. There are also securities law considerations. Raising financing from investors is not a good DIY project.