Phil brings decades of big company executive experience combined with an entrepreneurial ability to think outside the box.
– Tom Scholl, Entrepreneur, Technology Innovator and Investor, Professional Venture Capitalist
When a startup company accepts funding that is not aligned with its strategic focus, the tension often shows up in product decisions, rushed timelines and leadership turnover.
Not every venture capital firm understands the nonlinear, failure-prone nature of drug development or diagnostics. Raising capital in this space means choosing partners who accept ambiguity and are willing to support long-term, uncertain bets, not just fast commercial wins. We help startups develop financing strategies that protect their governance, scientific integrity and options for the long term.
| Lorem Ipsum Dolor | Lorem | Lorem Ipsum |
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| Lorem Ipsum | Lorem $00000 | Up to two years |
| Lorem Ipsum Dolor | Lorem $00000 | Two to 10 years |
| Lorem Ipsum Dolor | Lorem $00000 | Two To 20 Years |
| Lorem Ipsum | Lorem $00000 | Five to 99 years |
Capital raising for startups brings real legal complexity. Here are a few reasons why legal guidance is essential:
Founders may still hold most of the ownership through early equity financing, but if voting rights, board control or protective provisions are not thoughtfully negotiated, that ownership equity may not matter. The legal structure determines who gets to make the call when strategy shifts or conflict arises. Effective legal guidance helps place early-stage startups in the best position to grow on their own terms, even after the seed round closes.
Capital timelines need to match product development timelines. It’s a mismatch we’ve seen trip up many founders under pressure. The terms in your funding agreements, especially with venture capital funding rounds or lead investors, should reflect how and when your company delivers value. Legal guidance helps you negotiate structures that won’t box you in unnecessarily.
Raising funds without thinking through future implications can create costly roadblocks. A seed round that gives one angel investor broad veto rights or overly generous liquidation preferences may satisfy early needs, but can complicate every discussion with future investors. Legal guidance helps you avoid structural decisions that undercut your ability to scale.
Milestone-linked tranches can make capital work smarter. Instead of raising funds in one lump sum and risking misalignment with investor expectations, founders can negotiate smaller tranches tied to scientific progress. This approach can also help reduce dilution of the founders’ equity stakes. If good progress is being made in development, the value of shares sold can increase. Legal structuring helps define those milestones, protect downside risk and keep all parties focused on progress, not pressure.
Crowley Law LLC advises founders on how to structure capital that supports their business. We’ve worked with life sciences and other technology companies from the first check through the exit, helping them navigate the legal side of financing without losing control or momentum.
We help founders shape financing strategies that do more than just keep the lights on. Our work focuses on aligning raise size, funding type and investor targets with your long-term business plan so you’re not boxed in by decisions made in your initial financings.
Not all capital fits every company. We help founders assess whether venture capital firms, angel investors, strategic partners or even their own financial resources support their long-term vision and stage of development. The right funding source can accelerate progress, while the wrong one can slow it down.
We help founders enter term sheet negotiations with clarity, leverage and a clear understanding of long-term risk. That includes helping them avoid terms that sound harmless but quietly erode control or complicate the cap table.
We help early-stage startups negotiate investment agreements and governance terms with future rounds and exits in mind. That includes modeling how protective provisions, board voting rights, liquidation preferences or equity financing terms affect company control.
When capital is raised without attention to governance and investor rights, the consequences are rarely immediate, but always lasting. At Crowley Law LLC, we help founders decode what’s buried in term sheets, investment agreements and protective provisions so they don’t give up control without realizing it. Call us at 908-738-9398 to get started.
Phil brings decades of big company executive experience combined with an entrepreneurial ability to think outside the box.
– Tom Scholl, Entrepreneur, Technology Innovator and Investor, Professional Venture Capitalist
Phil responded to me quickly, identifying a variety of risk scenarios to consider and he turned over his recommended red-lined contract in a matter of hours. Ever since then, I rely on him as a consummate legal resource and trusted advisor.
– Leigh Ann Soltysiak, Silverleaf Consulting, Commercialization Strategy Consultant, Consumer Tech & Health Wellness
“Phil has been of tremendous legal help to the progress of our early-stage biotech start-up. He is very experienced and conducts his work in a time and cost efficient manner. Great counsel!”
– Joanna Stanicka
Phil Crowley has been extremely helpful in providing quick and thoughtful counsel regarding our business needs. Highly recommend his services.
– Tor Alden, Principal, high technology design engineering firm
Phil has been a trusted advisor to our company as we have expanded into the US market. His extensive legal and business experience has proven invaluable to the company. A great sounding board for practical, strategic advice, Phil is always one of the first people we turn to.
– Alex Kelly, President and Co-Founder of Ireland-based software-as-a-service company
Phil has been a great partner in my consulting business. He is responsive and practical and he focuses on the key areas that need attention… I recommend him highly.
– Clinical and FDA regulatory Affairs Expert
When a company sells, liquidation preferences determine how proceeds are distributed between preferred and common stockholders. Investors often push for terms that secure their return before anyone else sees a dollar. While that may seem fair at first, the fine print, like participation rights or stacked preferences, can dramatically shift who benefits from an exit. Founders who ignore these mechanics may find their equity worth far less than expected. That’s why we help clients dig into the details before agreeing to any terms.
Board seats come with decision-making authority that can outlast early-stage capital. Handing one over too soon gives an investor leverage on issues like product roadmap, hiring or fundraising strategy. Even if the investor seems aligned today, their priorities may shift as market pressures or internal goals change. Founders risk being outvoted or sidelined in discussions that directly affect the company’s future. This is why we help our clients assess not just who gets a seat but what rights come with it.
Yes, but it’s difficult. Once terms like liquidation preferences or board rights are signed, investors are not quick to revisit them, especially if renegotiation shifts leverage away from them. Founders usually need a strong reason, like a follow-on round requiring cleanup or new investors demanding alignment. Even then, changes often require super-majority (e.g. two-thirds) or unanimous consent or additional concessions. We help founders assess whether renegotiation is worth pursuing and how to structure the ask without jeopardizing future funding rounds.
Crowley Law LLC is proud to support Hope Through Education and their mission is to help thousands of underprivileged students reach their full potential through the gift of a great education. Learn more about this organization.
