For emerging technology and life sciences companies, securing capital is the most critical milestone in the business lifecycle. However, fundraising is not just about the infusion of cash; it is about the long-term allocation of control and the preservation of founder value. A poorly structured round can lead to excessive dilution or restrictive covenants that hamper future growth.
We guide founders through the complexities of the venture capital ecosystem, ensuring that every dollar raised strengthens the company’s foundation. From initial seed rounds to sophisticated Series A and B financing, our goal is to align your capital strategy with your ultimate exit goals.
Our approach as capital & financing attorneys focuses on:
Crowley Law LLC advises executives on the legal mechanics of fundraising. We help you navigate the high-stakes negotiations with angel investors, VCs, and strategic partners, ensuring your financing roadmap is built for speed and scalability.
We help life sciences and other technology entrepreneurs avoid being taken advantage of as they pursue their dreams.
The terms you agree to in an early financing round will dictate your flexibility for years to come. “Standard” investor terms often contain liquidation preferences or anti-dilution triggers that can significantly impact the founders’ payout during an acquisition.
For high-growth ventures, capital raises are strategic maneuvers that require a deep understanding of both securities law and market standards.
Key Area
Why It Matters
Overvaluing or undervaluing a company early on can lead to “down rounds” later, which are devastating for founder morale and cap table health.
Board seats and protective provisions can give investors veto power over key decisions, such as selling the company or hiring executives.
Investors fund the IP. Ensuring your intellectual property portfolio is fully assigned and protected is a prerequisite for any successful raise.
Improperly documented raises (e.g., failing to file Form D) can lead to regulatory sanctions and make the company unbuyable in the future.
The rights granted to current investors often set the floor for future financing rounds. Poorly negotiated terms today create “debt” in future negotiations.
Navigating the differences between Angel investors, Venture Capital, and Strategic Corporate Investors requires different legal approaches. We provide a guide through these diverse funding sources, helping you understand the legal implications of each.
Whether you are seeking a government grant for biotech research or a Series A lead investor, we ensure that the source of your capital is compatible with your corporate culture and exit strategy.
We also help founders evaluate how each funding source impacts governance, control, and future fundraising flexibility. By mapping potential investor behaviors and rights against your long-term business goals, we ensure that every capital decision supports growth without compromising strategic independence.
The term sheet is the most critical document in the fundraising process, as it sets the “rules of engagement” for the entire deal. Our attorneys provide aggressive and informed representation during term sheet negotiations, focusing on both economic terms (valuation, dividends) and control terms (voting rights, board composition).
We ensure you understand the long-term impact of every clause, preventing the inclusion of “market-unfriendly” terms that could hinder future growth.
In addition, we provide scenario-based analysis of term sheet provisions, showing how different clauses could play out under various exit or financing events. This foresight enables founders to negotiate from a position of strength, avoiding surprises that could affect valuation or investor alignment down the road.
Once the term sheet is signed, the real work begins in the definitive equity agreements. We draft and negotiate Stock Purchase Agreements, Investors’ Rights Agreements, and Voting Agreements that formalize the relationship between the company and its backers.
We focus on ensuring that representations and warranties are accurate and that the closing process is seamless, protecting the founders from post-closing liabilities.
We also review equity agreements in the context of existing corporate structures and investor arrangements, ensuring that future financing, option pools, and founder vesting schedules are harmonized. This proactive coordination prevents conflicts, protects ownership stakes, and facilitates smooth post-closing operations.
Crowley Law LLC combines decades of corporate legal experience with personalized counsel tailored to the unique needs of startups. The firm is led by Philip P. Crowley, with over 45 years of experience, including prior service as corporate counsel at Johnson & Johnson, where he managed complex confidentiality and licensing matters.
Unlike generalist firms, Crowley Law provides bespoke financing counsel. We know that a biotech startup’s capital needs differ from a software-as-a-service (SaaS) company, and we tailor our securities advice accordingly.
With deep knowledge in cap table management and investor negotiations, the firm helps founders build companies that are not only well-funded but also legally resilient.
Before opening your data room to investors, leadership teams should take these critical legal steps:
Build your company on a foundation of legal strength.
Testimonials
As someone that both teaches, invests in, and builds startups, trust me when I say...
Real Voices, Real Results “I’ve been working with Phil for a very long time; it’s...
A Gateway to U.S. Growth Eisner Advisory Group “As a partner of the Eisner Advisory...
Words on a Reciprocal Relationship “As attorneys, our reputation is one of our primary assets,...
Phil brings decades of big company executive experience combined with an entrepreneurial ability to think...
Phil responded to me quickly, identifying a variety of risk scenarios to consider and he...
“Phil has been of tremendous legal help to the progress of our early-stage biotech start-up....
Phil Crowley has been extremely helpful in providing quick and thoughtful counsel regarding our business...
Phil has been a trusted advisor to our company as we have expanded into the...
Phil has been a great partner in my consulting business. He is responsive and practical...
Phil helped me assess and modify a complex Master Services Agreement from a client. I...
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“Calder Biosciences is exploring a new era in vaccines by developing a 3D shape-stabilizing technology...
Your loved one’s future is on the line. Call Crowley Law now at (214) 239-4702 for a free, confidential consultation. We’re available 24/7 to provide the immediate legal help you need.
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