[{"id":430412,"date":"2026-03-22T00:35:13","date_gmt":"2026-03-22T00:35:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/?p=430412"},"modified":"2026-03-22T00:35:13","modified_gmt":"2026-03-22T00:35:13","slug":"safes-are-not-safe-introducing-the-safer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/us\/resources\/safes-are-not-safe-introducing-the-safer\/","title":{"rendered":"SAFEs are not safe. Introducing the SAFER"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>SAFEs Are Not Safe \u2014 And Why SAFER Fixes Them<br \/>\nFor years, the Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE) has been the default instrument for early-stage startup fundraising\u2014particularly in the US. Popularised by Y Combinator, SAFEs promised speed, simplicity, and lower legal costs.<br \/>\nBut there\u2019s a<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":430413,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[141],"tags":[],"event_tags":[],"class_list":["post-430412","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized-us"],"acf":{"related_posts":false,"post_content_width":"default","post_content":[{"acf_fc_layout":"text","text":"<h1 data-section-id=\"k34mft\" data-start=\"138\" data-end=\"185\">SAFEs Are Not Safe &#8211; And Why SAFER Fixes Them<\/h1>\n<p data-start=\"187\" data-end=\"421\">For years, the Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE) has been the default instrument for early-stage startup fundraising, particularly in the US. Popularised by Y Combinator, SAFEs promised speed, simplicity, and lower legal costs.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"423\" data-end=\"493\">But there\u2019s a growing realisation across founders and investors alike:<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"495\" data-end=\"529\"><strong data-start=\"495\" data-end=\"529\">SAFEs are not actually \u201csafe.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"531\" data-end=\"725\">At SeedLegals, we believe it\u2019s time to rethink SAFEs, and that\u2019s why we\u2019ve developed the <strong data-start=\"619\" data-end=\"628\">SAFER<\/strong>: a modern alternative that preserves the benefits of SAFEs while fixing their fundamental flaws.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SAFES are not safe. Introducing the SAFER.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Watch the video for a full explanation, including a walkthrough of the SAFER instrument.<\/p>\n<div style=\"padding: 56.25% 0 0 0; position: relative;\"><iframe style=\"position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%;\" title=\"SAFE so not safe. Introducing the SAFER\" src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/1175832195?badge=0&amp;autopause=0&amp;player_id=0&amp;app_id=58479\" frameborder=\"0\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<p><script src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/api\/player.js\"><\/script><\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"727\" data-end=\"730\" \/>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"z9lnia\" data-start=\"732\" data-end=\"774\">The Core Problem: SAFEs Delay Ownership<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"776\" data-end=\"807\">At its heart, a SAFE is an IOU:<\/p>\n<blockquote data-start=\"809\" data-end=\"883\">\n<p data-start=\"811\" data-end=\"883\">You give a company money now, and they promise to give you shares later.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p data-start=\"885\" data-end=\"1000\">That delay creates a surprising number of problems, many of which only become visible months or years down the line.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"1002\" data-end=\"1005\" \/>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"ocr9dh\" data-start=\"1007\" data-end=\"1046\">Why SAFEs Are Not Safe for Investors<\/h2>\n<h3 data-section-id=\"cv8bsn\" data-start=\"1048\" data-end=\"1075\">1. QSBS Tax Uncertainty<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1077\" data-end=\"1137\">One of the biggest hidden risks with SAFEs is tax treatment.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1139\" data-end=\"1313\">Investors in US startups often rely on <strong data-start=\"1178\" data-end=\"1219\">Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS)<\/strong> tax relief, which can provide massive tax benefits after holding shares for a certain period.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1315\" data-end=\"1336\">But here\u2019s the issue:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1338\" data-end=\"1472\">\n<li data-section-id=\"1904sy0\" data-start=\"1338\" data-end=\"1387\">With a SAFE, you don\u2019t actually own shares yet.<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"fw2o08\" data-start=\"1388\" data-end=\"1472\">The <strong data-start=\"1394\" data-end=\"1448\">QSBS holding period may not start until conversion<\/strong>, not when you invested.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1474\" data-end=\"1561\">That uncertainty could delay or even eliminate tax benefits worth millions or billions.<\/p>\n<blockquote data-start=\"1563\" data-end=\"1751\">\n<p data-start=\"1565\" data-end=\"1751\">\u201cThe jury\u2019s out as to whether the QSBS clock starts on the date the SAFE was issued or when it converts\u2026 that indecision could cost billions later.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<hr data-start=\"1753\" data-end=\"1756\" \/>\n<h3 data-section-id=\"coidgy\" data-start=\"1758\" data-end=\"1789\">2. No Upside in Early Exits<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1791\" data-end=\"1839\">If a company is acquired before a SAFE converts:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1841\" data-end=\"1927\">\n<li data-section-id=\"3oazcl\" data-start=\"1841\" data-end=\"1883\">Investors may only get their money back.<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"mf9rq2\" data-start=\"1884\" data-end=\"1927\">They <strong data-start=\"1891\" data-end=\"1926\">don\u2019t participate in the upside<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1929\" data-end=\"2018\">That\u2019s a shocking outcome for what is supposed to be a high-risk, high-reward investment.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"2020\" data-end=\"2023\" \/>\n<h3 data-section-id=\"vwwbvf\" data-start=\"2025\" data-end=\"2069\">3. No Downside Protection (Section 1244)<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"2071\" data-end=\"2092\">If the company fails:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2094\" data-end=\"2234\">\n<li data-section-id=\"c2xw68\" data-start=\"2094\" data-end=\"2158\">SAFE holders may not qualify for <strong data-start=\"2129\" data-end=\"2157\">Section 1244 loss relief<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"17gn88w\" data-start=\"2159\" data-end=\"2234\">That relief is typically available only to shareholders, not SAFE holders.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"2236\" data-end=\"2310\">So investors can miss out on valuable tax write-offs in failure scenarios.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"2312\" data-end=\"2315\" \/>\n<h3 data-section-id=\"85zhx7\" data-start=\"2317\" data-end=\"2345\">4. No Shareholder Rights<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"2347\" data-end=\"2378\">Until conversion, SAFE holders:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2380\" data-end=\"2519\">\n<li data-section-id=\"sg45fx\" data-start=\"2380\" data-end=\"2402\">Are not shareholders<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1pdza4i\" data-start=\"2403\" data-end=\"2440\">Typically have <strong data-start=\"2420\" data-end=\"2440\">no voting rights<\/strong><\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"ovlthj\" data-start=\"2441\" data-end=\"2474\">May lack <strong data-start=\"2452\" data-end=\"2474\">information rights<\/strong><\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"16izvgg\" data-start=\"2475\" data-end=\"2519\">Often rely on side letters for protections<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"2521\" data-end=\"2598\">In other words, investors fund the company, but don\u2019t actually own part of it.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"2600\" data-end=\"2603\" \/>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"1ddbv2y\" data-start=\"2605\" data-end=\"2643\">Why SAFEs Are Not Safe for Founders<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"2645\" data-end=\"2711\">SAFEs don\u2019t just hurt investors, they can backfire on founders too.<\/p>\n<h3 data-section-id=\"17ilpoz\" data-start=\"2713\" data-end=\"2748\">The \u201cStacking Dilution\u201d Problem<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"2750\" data-end=\"2801\">YC\u2019s post-money SAFEs are particularly problematic:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2803\" data-end=\"2978\">\n<li data-section-id=\"1plu93\" data-start=\"2803\" data-end=\"2851\">Each SAFE locks in a percentage of the company<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1ve4f1w\" data-start=\"2852\" data-end=\"2908\">Multiple SAFEs <strong data-start=\"2869\" data-end=\"2908\">stack dilution on top of each other<\/strong><\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"qukepd\" data-start=\"2909\" data-end=\"2978\">Founders often don\u2019t realise the full impact until the priced round<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"2980\" data-end=\"2991\">The result?<\/p>\n<blockquote data-start=\"2993\" data-end=\"3141\">\n<p data-start=\"2995\" data-end=\"3141\">Founders can end up as <strong data-start=\"3018\" data-end=\"3064\">minority shareholders in their own company<\/strong> by the time they raise a priced round.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p data-start=\"3143\" data-end=\"3219\">This is one of the most common and painful surprises in startup fundraising.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"3221\" data-end=\"3224\" \/>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"zshus9\" data-start=\"3226\" data-end=\"3256\">SAFEs Were a Temporary Hack<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"3258\" data-end=\"3286\">SAFEs made sense in context:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3288\" data-end=\"3391\">\n<li data-section-id=\"f9dplh\" data-start=\"3288\" data-end=\"3338\">Legal fees for priced rounds were extremely high<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1lvncv7\" data-start=\"3339\" data-end=\"3391\">There was no easy, productised way to issue shares<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"3393\" data-end=\"3445\">So instead of fixing the process, SAFEs deferred it:<\/p>\n<blockquote data-start=\"3447\" data-end=\"3541\">\n<p data-start=\"3449\" data-end=\"3541\">\u201cWe\u2019ll give you money now and deal with shares later.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p data-start=\"3543\" data-end=\"3602\">But that shortcut introduced long-term complexity and risk.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"3604\" data-end=\"3607\" \/>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"zccmoi\" data-start=\"3609\" data-end=\"3647\">Enter SAFER: The Better Alternative<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"3649\" data-end=\"3691\">At SeedLegals, we asked a simple question:<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3693\" data-end=\"3774\"><strong data-start=\"3693\" data-end=\"3774\">What if you could keep the simplicity of a SAFE but issue shares immediately?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3776\" data-end=\"3807\">That\u2019s exactly what SAFER does.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"3809\" data-end=\"3812\" \/>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"1qmfqg\" data-start=\"3814\" data-end=\"3833\">What Is a SAFER?<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"3835\" data-end=\"3846\">A SAFER is:<\/p>\n<blockquote data-start=\"3848\" data-end=\"3905\">\n<p data-start=\"3850\" data-end=\"3905\"><strong data-start=\"3850\" data-end=\"3905\">\u201cI give you money now, and you give me shares now.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p data-start=\"3907\" data-end=\"3974\">But crucially, it preserves the key economic protections of a SAFE.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"3976\" data-end=\"3979\" \/>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"wizilz\" data-start=\"3981\" data-end=\"4043\">How SAFER Replicates SAFE Economics (Without the Downsides)<\/h2>\n<h3 data-section-id=\"13em150\" data-start=\"4045\" data-end=\"4079\">1. Valuation Cap Still Applies<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"4081\" data-end=\"4098\">Just like a SAFE:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"4100\" data-end=\"4189\">\n<li data-section-id=\"1yr1ar\" data-start=\"4100\" data-end=\"4141\">Investors invest at a <strong data-start=\"4124\" data-end=\"4141\">valuation cap<\/strong><\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"abba58\" data-start=\"4142\" data-end=\"4189\">They\u2019re protected if the next round is higher<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"4191\" data-end=\"4209\">But unlike a SAFE:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"4211\" data-end=\"4260\">\n<li data-section-id=\"1tl3e7r\" data-start=\"4211\" data-end=\"4260\">They receive <strong data-start=\"4226\" data-end=\"4260\">shares immediately at that cap<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr data-start=\"4262\" data-end=\"4265\" \/>\n<h3 data-section-id=\"1x28s7\" data-start=\"4267\" data-end=\"4316\">2. Downside Protection via \u201cTop-Up\u201d Mechanism<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"4318\" data-end=\"4341\">Here\u2019s the clever part.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4343\" data-end=\"4402\">If the next round is at a <strong data-start=\"4369\" data-end=\"4401\">lower valuation than the cap<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"4404\" data-end=\"4565\">\n<li data-section-id=\"s0x73s\" data-start=\"4404\" data-end=\"4480\">SAFER investors receive additional shares via a <strong data-start=\"4454\" data-end=\"4480\">stock split adjustment<\/strong><\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1bpuj4p\" data-start=\"4481\" data-end=\"4565\">This \u201ctops up\u201d their ownership to match what they would have received under a SAFE<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<blockquote data-start=\"4567\" data-end=\"4714\">\n<p data-start=\"4569\" data-end=\"4714\">\u201cA zero-tax way of giving you more shares to match what you would have gotten if the SAFE converted later.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<hr data-start=\"4716\" data-end=\"4719\" \/>\n<h3 data-section-id=\"7u642p\" data-start=\"4721\" data-end=\"4768\">3. Immediate Ownership = Immediate Benefits<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"4770\" data-end=\"4806\">Because SAFER issues shares upfront:<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4808\" data-end=\"4822\">Investors get:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"4823\" data-end=\"4952\">\n<li data-section-id=\"e9wkzo\" data-start=\"4823\" data-end=\"4854\">QSBS clock starts immediately<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"xmmz28\" data-start=\"4855\" data-end=\"4888\">Shareholder rights from day one<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"rc9k5s\" data-start=\"4889\" data-end=\"4922\">Downside tax relief eligibility<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1nc6hiu\" data-start=\"4923\" data-end=\"4952\">Full participation in exits<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr data-start=\"4954\" data-end=\"4957\" \/>\n<h3 data-section-id=\"tvyh0h\" data-start=\"4959\" data-end=\"4990\">4. Preferred Stock Included<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"4992\" data-end=\"5019\">SAFER mirrors expectations:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"5021\" data-end=\"5109\">\n<li data-section-id=\"o8z93v\" data-start=\"5021\" data-end=\"5060\">Investors receive <strong data-start=\"5041\" data-end=\"5060\">preferred stock<\/strong><\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1eh4bqd\" data-start=\"5061\" data-end=\"5109\">Same as they would expect from SAFE conversion<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr data-start=\"5111\" data-end=\"5114\" \/>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"1hf24ar\" data-start=\"5116\" data-end=\"5151\">Why SAFER Is Better for Founders<\/h2>\n<h3 data-section-id=\"10ugufu\" data-start=\"5153\" data-end=\"5178\">1. No Hidden Dilution<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"5180\" data-end=\"5210\">SAFER introduces transparency:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"5212\" data-end=\"5337\">\n<li data-section-id=\"1t8eox1\" data-start=\"5212\" data-end=\"5262\">Founders declare <strong data-start=\"5231\" data-end=\"5262\">how much they plan to raise<\/strong><\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"h8cp8i\" data-start=\"5263\" data-end=\"5308\">All SAFERs are issued within that framework<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"16mp31l\" data-start=\"5309\" data-end=\"5337\">No hidden stacking effects<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr data-start=\"5339\" data-end=\"5342\" \/>\n<h3 data-section-id=\"1u04hsx\" data-start=\"5344\" data-end=\"5372\">2. Predictable Cap Table<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"5374\" data-end=\"5407\">Investors and founders can model:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"5409\" data-end=\"5469\">\n<li data-section-id=\"1gsov4\" data-start=\"5409\" data-end=\"5432\">Ownership percentages<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1iio7lp\" data-start=\"5433\" data-end=\"5453\">Dilution scenarios<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"ijnlq4\" data-start=\"5454\" data-end=\"5469\">Future rounds<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"5471\" data-end=\"5490\">No surprises later.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"5492\" data-end=\"5495\" \/>\n<h3 data-section-id=\"1jtc5rx\" data-start=\"5497\" data-end=\"5528\">3. Clean, Batched Execution<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"5530\" data-end=\"5563\">Instead of chaotic SAFE issuance:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"5565\" data-end=\"5682\">\n<li data-section-id=\"1minwxa\" data-start=\"5565\" data-end=\"5610\">SAFERs are grouped into a <strong data-start=\"5593\" data-end=\"5610\">defined round<\/strong><\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1x50uzs\" data-start=\"5611\" data-end=\"5644\">Share issuances are <strong data-start=\"5633\" data-end=\"5644\">batched<\/strong><\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"ewmewt\" data-start=\"5645\" data-end=\"5682\">Filing and compliance are automated<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr data-start=\"5684\" data-end=\"5687\" \/>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"z6wg6w\" data-start=\"5689\" data-end=\"5738\">Productised Fundraising: The Real Breakthrough<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"5740\" data-end=\"5812\">The original reason for SAFEs &#8211; avoiding legal complexity &#8211; is now obsolete.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5814\" data-end=\"5860\">SeedLegals has productised the entire process:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"5862\" data-end=\"5999\">\n<li data-section-id=\"1hws58w\" data-start=\"5862\" data-end=\"5889\">Board approvals automated<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"10mtpxw\" data-start=\"5890\" data-end=\"5921\">Documents e-signed in minutes<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"nv7m9k\" data-start=\"5922\" data-end=\"5957\">Share issuance handled seamlessly<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"110w5o4\" data-start=\"5958\" data-end=\"5999\">Delaware filings integrated and batched<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<blockquote data-start=\"6001\" data-end=\"6137\">\n<p data-start=\"6003\" data-end=\"6137\">\u201cIt\u2019s not kicking the can down the road, it\u2019s productising and automating the issuing of shares.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<hr data-start=\"6139\" data-end=\"6142\" \/>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"9d6z9t\" data-start=\"6144\" data-end=\"6177\">SAFER vs SAFE: The Big Picture<\/h2>\n<div class=\"TyagGW_tableContainer\">\n<div class=\"group TyagGW_tableWrapper flex flex-col-reverse w-fit\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n<table class=\"w-fit min-w-(--thread-content-width)\" data-start=\"6179\" data-end=\"6475\">\n<thead data-start=\"6179\" data-end=\"6205\">\n<tr data-start=\"6179\" data-end=\"6205\">\n<th class=\"\" data-start=\"6179\" data-end=\"6189\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Feature<\/th>\n<th class=\"\" data-start=\"6189\" data-end=\"6196\" data-col-size=\"sm\">SAFE<\/th>\n<th class=\"\" data-start=\"6196\" data-end=\"6205\" data-col-size=\"sm\">SAFER<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody data-start=\"6233\" data-end=\"6475\">\n<tr data-start=\"6233\" data-end=\"6272\">\n<td data-start=\"6233\" data-end=\"6249\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Shares issued<\/td>\n<td data-start=\"6249\" data-end=\"6257\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Later<\/td>\n<td data-start=\"6257\" data-end=\"6272\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Immediately<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-start=\"6273\" data-end=\"6312\">\n<td data-start=\"6273\" data-end=\"6286\" data-col-size=\"sm\">QSBS clock<\/td>\n<td data-start=\"6286\" data-end=\"6298\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Uncertain<\/td>\n<td data-start=\"6298\" data-end=\"6312\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Starts now<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-start=\"6313\" data-end=\"6354\">\n<td data-start=\"6313\" data-end=\"6331\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Investor rights<\/td>\n<td data-start=\"6331\" data-end=\"6341\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Limited<\/td>\n<td data-start=\"6341\" data-end=\"6354\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Immediate<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-start=\"6355\" data-end=\"6390\">\n<td data-start=\"6355\" data-end=\"6369\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Exit upside<\/td>\n<td data-start=\"6369\" data-end=\"6377\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Risky<\/td>\n<td data-start=\"6377\" data-end=\"6390\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Protected<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-start=\"6391\" data-end=\"6437\">\n<td data-start=\"6391\" data-end=\"6410\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Founder dilution<\/td>\n<td data-start=\"6410\" data-end=\"6422\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Can stack<\/td>\n<td data-start=\"6422\" data-end=\"6437\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Transparent<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-start=\"6438\" data-end=\"6475\">\n<td data-start=\"6438\" data-end=\"6451\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Complexity<\/td>\n<td data-start=\"6451\" data-end=\"6462\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Deferred<\/td>\n<td data-start=\"6462\" data-end=\"6475\" data-col-size=\"sm\">Automated<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<hr data-start=\"6477\" data-end=\"6480\" \/>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"ttwgqx\" data-start=\"6482\" data-end=\"6520\">The Future of Early-Stage Investing<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"6522\" data-end=\"6534\">For decades:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"6536\" data-end=\"6579\">\n<li data-section-id=\"f77vok\" data-start=\"6536\" data-end=\"6579\">Investors gave money and received shares.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"6581\" data-end=\"6605\">Then for a short period:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"6607\" data-end=\"6656\">\n<li data-section-id=\"j9jp3t\" data-start=\"6607\" data-end=\"6656\">Investors gave money and received IOUs (SAFEs).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"6658\" data-end=\"6674\">Now, with SAFER:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"6676\" data-end=\"6761\">\n<li data-section-id=\"stgbd7\" data-start=\"6676\" data-end=\"6761\">We return to <strong data-start=\"6691\" data-end=\"6717\">ownership from day one<\/strong>\u2014but with modern flexibility and automation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<blockquote data-start=\"6763\" data-end=\"6915\">\n<p data-start=\"6765\" data-end=\"6915\">\u201cFor 50 years, people invested and got shares\u2026 then for 10 years they got IOUs\u2026 and then they got shares again.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<hr data-start=\"6917\" data-end=\"6920\" \/>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"8dtpi\" data-start=\"6922\" data-end=\"6935\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"6937\" data-end=\"6989\">SAFEs solved a real problem\u2014but introduced new ones:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"6991\" data-end=\"7075\">\n<li data-section-id=\"15i4wwl\" data-start=\"6991\" data-end=\"7010\">Tax uncertainty<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1hysaxj\" data-start=\"7011\" data-end=\"7029\">Lack of rights<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"16peqwa\" data-start=\"7030\" data-end=\"7049\">Hidden dilution<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"10hdoxt\" data-start=\"7050\" data-end=\"7075\">Misaligned incentives<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"7077\" data-end=\"7108\">SAFER fixes these by combining:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"7110\" data-end=\"7193\">\n<li data-section-id=\"gqujbz\" data-start=\"7110\" data-end=\"7137\">The simplicity of SAFEs<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1yvrenq\" data-start=\"7138\" data-end=\"7165\">The certainty of equity<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1fdj8t4\" data-start=\"7166\" data-end=\"7193\">The power of automation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"7195\" data-end=\"7269\">The result is a cleaner, safer, and more transparent way to fund startups.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"7271\" data-end=\"7274\" \/>\n<p data-start=\"7276\" data-end=\"7340\">If SAFEs were version 1.0 of startup fundraising simplification,<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"7342\" data-end=\"7367\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"><strong data-start=\"7342\" data-end=\"7367\" data-is-last-node=\"\">SAFER is version 2.0.<\/strong><\/p>\n"}],"blog_layout":"v2","v2":{"hero":{"image_background_color":"#E7F1FF","image_fit":"img--contain"},"adverts":false,"related_sidebar_posts":false},"show_author_card":false,"revision_date":"","hero_image":430413,"video_category_post_fields":{"video_listing_page_featured_image":false},"has_custom_post_authors":false,"is_expert_reviewed":false,"has_sources":false},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>SAFEs are not safe. Introducing the SAFER | SeedLegals<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"YC SAFEs are a simple way to fundraise. But for investors QSBS may not start for years &amp; for founders dilution stacks up. There&#039;s a better way: the SAFER.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/us\/resources\/safes-are-not-safe-introducing-the-safer\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"SAFEs are not safe. Introducing the SAFER | SeedLegals\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"YC SAFEs are a simple way to fundraise. But for investors QSBS may not start for years &amp; for founders dilution stacks up. 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year, new raise \u2013 How to get ahead in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>SeedLegals CEO Anthony Rose shares tips on fundraising in 2026 and explains the traps that founders need to avoid. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":183,"featured_media":428761,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[141],"tags":[],"event_tags":[],"class_list":["post-430014","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized-us"],"acf":{"post_content_width":"default","post_content":[{"acf_fc_layout":"text","text":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The new year can bring a fresh runway \u2013 but it\u2019s crucial to remember that the ground rules are shifting fast in 2026.\u00a0 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">AI is making it cheaper (and faster) to build almost anything, which means investors are less impressed by \u201cwe\u2019ve built a product\u201d and more focused on whether you can prove demand, win distribution, and tell a story that sticks.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SeedLegals CEO <a href=\"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/resources\/author\/anthony\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Anthony Rose<\/a> is here to give you the lowdown on what \u2018investor-ready\u2019 really looks like now. Find out why your website matters more than you think (because it\u2019s basically your first investor meeting); why raising too much too early can slow you down for months; and why, if you\u2019re pre-traction, you\u2019ll often get further faster with angels than trying to convince VCs to take a punt.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Watch the full webinar below.<\/span><\/p>\n<div style=\"padding: 56.25% 0 0 0; position: relative;\"><iframe style=\"position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%;\" title=\"New year, new raise! How to get ahead in 2026\" src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/1146971268?badge=0&amp;autopause=0&amp;player_id=0&amp;app_id=58479\" frameborder=\"0\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<p><script src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/api\/player.js\"><\/script><\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"text","text":"<h2><b>Key takeaways<\/b><\/h2>\n<h3><b>AI is changing what investors value (and what they expect you to do before you raise)<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As AI brings down the cost of building software, the product isn\u2019t the value anymore \u2013 investors care more about distribution, customers, network effects, idea quality and team strength than the code itself. <\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The bar for early-stage founders rises: if it\u2019s cheaper and faster to build, investors increasingly expect you to get to market sooner, with more proof, before they\u2019ll pay up on valuation. <\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You need to show there\u2019s something real behind your AI tool usage \u2013 not just a generated business with little substance.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Your website is your first investor meeting<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Investors will Google you \u2013 so not having a website is an instant negative signal, especially since you can now create one quickly. <\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Adopt tools like Lovable to sharpen your positioning: spell out the problem you\u2019re solving, break down how your product works and add clear CTAs, before tweaking the output to ensure it reflects what\u2019s true.\u00a0 <\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A downside to vibe-coded sites is that, if yours resembles every other template, it can accidentally signal low IP\/low defensibility \u2013 make it visually and conceptually different from what\u2019s already out there. <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>\u2018Seed-strapping\u2019 sounds great \u2013 but don\u2019t pitch it to investors<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bootstrapping is great for control and simplicity, but it caps growth unless you\u2019re able to fund it comfortably yourself \u2013 that\u2019s usually where fundraising becomes the rational next step. <\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The idea of \u2018seed-strapping\u2019 (raise once, never again) can be a useful discipline to avoid the constant fundraising treadmill, but it might make you uninvestable if you say it outright. <\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is because investors need a path to returns and, if you show them you\u2019re a \u2018one round only\u2019 founder, you\u2019re also warning there may be no clear plan for how investors get their money back.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Rethink your fundraising strategy<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Angels are usually the right first port of call \u2013 try to avoid going to VCs too soon if you\u2019re pre-revenue\/pre-users, as the default answer is often \u201ccome back later\u201d.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Asking for too much can trap you. A big raise implies a big valuation, and then you\u2019re competing with companies that already have traction. <\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may not need the full amount in the bank from day one. With <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/resources\/seedfast-is-the-new-seed-round\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2018agile\u2019 fundraising<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, you can raise enough to start hiring and building, keep momentum, and adjust your message depending on whether investors are committing now or telling you to find a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/resources\/how-to-find-a-lead-investor\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">lead investor<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> first. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Protect founder control\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After 3 rounds, aim for roughly 15% dilution per round, so founders still hold a majority later \u2013 if you dilute 20-25% repeatedly, founders can become minority shareholders in their own company.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Governance matters as much as equity. Founders should outnumber investors on the board because misalignment shows up when things get hard or exits are on the table. <\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the US, use incentives like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/us\/start\/qsbs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">QSBS<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to your advantage (and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/start\/seis-eis\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SEIS\/EIS<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in the UK). Some US investors will push for a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/grow\/delaware-flip\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Delaware C-Corp \/ flip<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 doing it earlier can be simpler than scrambling later mid-raise.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"form","layout":"custom","heading":"Get answers fast, for free","content":"Bring all your questions. We\u2019ve got the answers!\r\nWe\u2019ll match you with the right specialist.","custom":{"image":false,"button_text":"Get Started","form":{"type":"hubspot","hubspot_form":{"layout":"default","hide_founderinvestor_toggle":false,"default_community":"founder","custom_form_id":"21723609-6f1b-45c0-9691-77d462dc3bed","gdpr_disclaimer":"By subscribing, you agree to receive information from SeedLegals. You can unsubscribe anytime. 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taxes and reporting: What founders need to know"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Starting a company is exciting \u2013 but alongside the challenge of building your business comes the task of keeping on top of taxes and annual reporting.<br \/>\nFor many founders, this is where things get overwhelming. That\u2019s because in the US, there are a few layers of rules and filings to keep on top of<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":195,"featured_media":428347,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[141],"tags":[],"event_tags":[],"class_list":["post-428342","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized-us"],"acf":{"blog_layout":"v2","v2":{"hero":{"image_background_color":"#E7F1FF","image_fit":"img--cover"},"adverts":[{"type":"selector","selected_advert":{"ID":412063,"post_author":"77","post_date":"2024-11-11 09:44:14","post_date_gmt":"2024-11-11 09:44:14","post_content":"","post_title":"US - Start free","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"us-start-free","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-13 16:18:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-13 16:18:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/?post_type=blog_advert&#038;p=412063","menu_order":0,"post_type":"blog_advert","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},"custom_advert":{"advert_tracking_id":"","layout":"default","image":{"image":false,"link":""},"text":{"heading":"","content":"","button":null,"background_color":"#EEF4FF","text_color":"#000646"},"form":{"form":{"type":"none","hubspot_form":{"layout":"newsletter","hide_founderinvestor_toggle":false,"default_community":"founder","custom_form_id":"","gdpr_disclaimer":"By subscribing, you agree to receive information from SeedLegals. You can unsubscribe anytime. View our <a href=\"\/privacy-policy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">privacy policy<\/a>"},"custom":{"embed":""},"gtm_form_type":false,"gtm_form_location":false}},"cta_and_testimonials":{"heading":"","button":null,"bullet_points":false,"testimonials":false}}}],"related_sidebar_posts":false},"show_author_card":false,"revision_date":"","hero_image":428347,"has_custom_post_authors":true,"custom_post_authors":{"authors":[{"author":{"ID":169,"user_firstname":"Idin","user_lastname":"Sabahipour","nickname":"Idin Sabahipour","user_nicename":"idin-sabahipour","display_name":"Idin Sabahipour","user_email":"idin@seedlegals.com","user_url":"","user_registered":"2024-08-29 09:55:07","user_description":"","user_avatar":"<img alt='' src='https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/45fe33a1de890806e7ec6d8ac105288d6228c292c65cf28e96818af3496fd572?s=96&#038;d=mm&#038;r=g' srcset='https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/45fe33a1de890806e7ec6d8ac105288d6228c292c65cf28e96818af3496fd572?s=192&#038;d=mm&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'\/>"},"role":"Copywriter"}]},"is_expert_reviewed":true,"expert_reviewed":{"heading":"Expert reviewed","tooltip_message":"This article has been fact-checked by a SeedLegals subject matter expert.<br><br><a href=\"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/authors-and-experts\/\" target=\"_blank\">Meet our experts<\/a> and learn more about our review process and quality assurance in our <a href=\"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/editorial-policy\/\" target=\"_blank\">editorial policy<\/a>."},"post_content_width":"default","post_content":[{"acf_fc_layout":"text","text":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Starting a company is exciting \u2013 but alongside the challenge of building your business comes the task of keeping on top of taxes and annual reporting.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For many founders, this is where things get overwhelming. That\u2019s because in the US, there are a few layers of rules and filings to keep on top of: federal, state, and sometimes even city rules. And each comes with its own forms, deadlines, and penalties for missing them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this guide, we\u2019ll take you step by step through what you need to do to stay compliant from day one without losing focus on building your company.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Step 1: Choose the right company structure<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your tax obligations depend heavily on the type of entity you set up:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>C-corporation (C-corp):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This is the most common choice for venture-backed companies. A C-corp pays tax on its own profits. If the company then distributes some of those profits to shareholders as dividends, they also pay tax on that income. This is called \u201cdouble taxation\u201d. Most VCs will expect a C-corp structure that\u2019s incorporated in Delaware.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Limited Liability Company (LLC):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> They\u2019re flexible and simple to run. Instead of the company paying income tax itself, the profits (or losses) \u201cflow through\u201d to the owners, who then report them on their personal tax returns. So you don\u2019t have the \u201cdouble taxation\u201d of a C-corp because the money is only taxed once. But when you try to raise money from VCs, most will prefer (or even require) you to convert to a C-corp, since it\u2019s easier to issue stock and manage investor rights. If you\u2019re already structured as an LLC, here\u2019s <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/us\/resources\/how-to-convert-your-llc-into-a-c-corp\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">how you can convert to a C-corp<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>S-corporation (S-corp):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The S-corp structure also avoids double taxation by passing profits (or losses) directly through to the owners, similar to an LLC. Shareholders report their share of the profit on their personal tax returns. But S-corps have strict ownership rules. For example, you can\u2019t have shareholders from outside the US, and you\u2019re limited to 100 shareholders in total. So, they usually aren\u2019t a fit for startups planning to raise venture funding.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, in most cases a Delaware C-corp will be the way to go. But whichever structure you choose, here are a few more things you\u2019ll need to do.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>File incorporation documents in your state<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To legally create your company, you need to file formation paperwork with the Secretary of State (or equivalent) in your chosen state.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, for a Delaware C-corp, you\u2019d file a Certificate of Incorporation (sometimes called Articles of Incorporation) with the Delaware Secretary of State.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is like a Social Security Number for your business \u2013 it\u2019s how the IRS tracks your company for tax purposes. You\u2019ll need an EIN to open a business bank account, hire employees, and file taxes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/businesses\/small-businesses-self-employed\/get-an-employer-identification-number\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">apply for one on the IRS website<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Keep up with annual state filings<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most states require businesses to file some kind of report every year or every second year. You\u2019ll also need to pay a fee to stay in good standing. For example, for a Delaware C-corp you\u2019ll need to file a franchise tax report (and make a payment) every year.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Missing these filings can result in late fees, penalties, or even the state revoking your company\u2019s right to do business.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Register in any other states where you\u2019re \u201cdoing business\u201d (known as foreign qualification)<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cDoing business\u201d generally means having an office, employees, or a significant physical presence in another state.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, if you incorporate a C-corp in Delaware but run your operations from California, you\u2019ll need to file a Delaware franchise tax filing and a California Statement of Information, plus pay any California state taxes due.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Each state has its own rules and fees, so it\u2019s worth checking before hiring or opening an office in a new state.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Step 2: Set up your finance systems<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Solid financial foundations will save you headaches at tax time. Plus, it will make fundraising much easier later.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are some of the essential steps you should take.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Open a separate business bank account<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Never mix personal and business money. A dedicated account makes it clear which expenses belong to the company, which is important for taxes, protecting yourself from personal liability, and credibility with investors.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most banks will ask for your incorporation documents and EIN to open the account \u2013 we covered those in Step 1 above.<\/span><\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"content_highlight","highlight_type":"tip","background_colour":"blue","show_icon":true,"content":"When you\u2019re picking a bank to open a business account, make sure it\u2019s one that will integrate easily with your accounting software.","link":null},{"acf_fc_layout":"text","text":"<h3><strong>Use accounting software to track income and expenses<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t rely on spreadsheets \u2013 you\u2019ll outgrow them fast.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Modern accounting tools (like QuickBooks, Xero, or Wave) automatically sync with your bank and credit card accounts, making it easier to categorize transactions and generate reports.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This also reduces the amount you\u2019ll spend on accountants.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Prepare regular financial statements<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At a minimum, you\u2019ll want to generate:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">an income statement (profit and loss) showing revenue and expenses over a period, and<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a balance sheet showing assets, liabilities, and equity at a point in time.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019ve got your accounting software set up, you can do this in just a few clicks.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These reports aren\u2019t just for tax filings \u2013 investors (and lenders) will want to see them too.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even if you\u2019re pre-revenue, creating these reports builds financial discipline and helps you understand your company\u2019s burn rate.<\/span><\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"content_highlight","highlight_type":"tip","background_colour":"blue","show_icon":true,"content":"<b>Why clean books matter<\/b><br \/>\r\nMessy records make tax season stressful and costly. Clean, reconciled books can save you money in accounting fees and make fundraising due diligence much smoother.<br \/>\r\nAlso, even early-stage companies can be audited. Keeping organized records from the start makes the process less painful if the IRS or your state comes knocking.","link":null},{"acf_fc_layout":"text","text":"<h2><b>Step 3: Establish <\/b><b>all<\/b> <b>your tax obligations<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As a founder, you\u2019ll have to navigate a mix of taxes.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Federal and state income tax<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">C-corps file their own corporate tax returns and pay tax directly on the profits they make. LLCs and S-corps are \u201cpass-through\u201d entities. This means the profits made through them are reported on the owners\u2019 personal tax returns.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On top of federal tax, almost every state (and some cities) levy their own income tax, with their own filing rules.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Payroll taxes (if you employ staff)<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As an employer you must withhold federal and state income tax, plus Social Security and Medicare (FICA), from employee paychecks.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Then you\u2019ll need to remit those amounts to the IRS and your state tax authority. You\u2019ll also pay the employer share of FICA and unemployment taxes.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Self-employment tax (if you\u2019re a sole proprietor or in a partnership)<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Founders who pay themselves directly (rather than through a company payroll) must pay self-employment tax, which covers both the employer and employee portions of Social Security and Medicare.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Sales tax<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you sell products or taxable services, you may need to charge sales tax to customers and send it to the state.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The rules differ by state \u2013 and in many places, you might owe sales tax even if you don\u2019t have an office there. If you exceed a certain revenue or transaction threshold in that state, that could be enough to trigger it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Just making enough sales or having enough customers in that state.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you sell goods or provide taxable services, you may need to collect sales tax from your customers and remit this to the state. The rules for this are varied \u2013 and in many states, \u201ceconomic nexus\u201d applies, meaning you can be liable even without a physical office, if you exceed a certain revenue or transaction threshold in that state.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Local taxes<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some cities and counties impose additional levies, such as gross receipts tax (on revenue) or personal property tax (on business assets like computers and furniture).<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Withholding tax on payments to non-US contractors or licensors<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you pay someone outside the US (for example, a foreign consultant or an overseas licensing agreement), you may be required to withhold US tax and remit it to the IRS.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, there could be a tax treaty which reduces or eliminates this.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Cross-border and transfer pricing issues<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your company has entities in other countries, the IRS expects you to set prices between them as if they were independent businesses \u2013 also called \u201carm\u2019s length\u201d pricing. In practice, it means you can\u2019t just shift profits or costs between your US company and a foreign subsidiary to lower your tax bill.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This usually only becomes an issue once you set up subsidiaries abroad, but it\u2019s smart to keep in mind early if you\u2019re planning to expand internationally.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Let\u2019s run through an example\u2026<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let\u2019s say your startup is incorporated as a C-corp in Delaware with employees in Texas and you make sales to customers in New York.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At the minimum, you\u2019ll probably need to:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>File a Delaware franchise tax and annual report.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This is the state\u2019s way of charging companies that are incorporated there.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>File Texas employer payroll tax returns.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Since you have employees in Texas, you\u2019re responsible for withholding and paying over payroll taxes to the state.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Collect and remit New York sales tax once you hit the state\u2019s threshold.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Even without an office in New York, crossing the revenue or customer threshold can create a tax obligation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>File a federal corporate income tax return. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Every corporation must file one each year with the IRS, regardless of state filings.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><b>Step 4: See if you can benefit from any deductions or credits<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Startups can often reduce their tax bill through deductions and credits.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But you\u2019ll first need to know about them \u2013 and sometimes you need to claim them proactively.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are the main ones to watch.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Ordinary business expenses<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most everyday costs of running your company are deductible, meaning they reduce your taxable profit.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This can include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Office rent or coworking space<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Software subscriptions (e.g. AWS, Slack, QuickBooks)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Travel costs for business trips<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Professional services (lawyers, accountants, consultants)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Marketing and advertising<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, if you spend $20,000 on software and professional services in your first year, those costs can reduce your taxable income by $20,000.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Startup cost deduction<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In your first year, you can deduct up to $5,000 of startup expenses \u2013 the costs you paid to get your business off the ground before it officially began operating.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This can include things like market research, travel to meet potential partners, legal and accounting fees, and your incorporation costs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once your business has started trading, later expenses are treated as ordinary business deductions instead.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>R&amp;D tax credit<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re developing new products, technology, or processes, you may qualify for a research and development credit.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The big benefit is that even if you\u2019re not profitable yet, you can apply the credit to offset payroll taxes, which saves cash right away.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, let\u2019s say a pre-revenue software startup spends $150,000 on engineers building its product. It may qualify for between $10,000 and $20,000 in annual payroll tax savings under the R&amp;D credit.<\/span><\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"content_highlight","highlight_type":"tip","background_colour":"blue","show_icon":true,"content":"<b>\ud83d\udcbb The R&D credit isn\u2019t just for big companies with labs.<\/b><br \/>\r\nIf your engineers or developers are building new features, experimenting with tech, or solving technical challenges, those costs might qualify.","link":null},{"acf_fc_layout":"text","text":"<h3><strong>Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This credit is available if you hire employees from certain targeted groups, such as veterans, people who\u2019ve been unemployed long-term, or people receiving government assistance.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The value of the credit depends on the group and how many hours the employee works, but it\u2019s typically up to $2,400 per eligible employee. In some cases (for example, hiring certain veterans), it can be worth significantly more.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Green energy credits<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your company invests in renewable energy (like installing solar panels at your office), you may be eligible for some federal or state green energy incentives.<\/span><\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"content_highlight","highlight_type":"tip","background_colour":"blue","show_icon":true,"content":"<b>\ud83d\udca1 Don\u2019t wait to claim credits<\/b><br \/>\r\nFor a lot of tax credits, you have to apply for them and keep records as you go. <br \/>\r\nFor example, the R&D credit requires documentation of eligible projects and expenses. And the WOTC credit requires forms to be submitted shortly after hiring.<br \/>\r\nSo, don\u2019t wait until year-end to ask your accountant \u2013 that could be too late. <br \/>\r\nMake sure you flag these opportunities from early on so you\u2019ve got a better chance of claiming them.","link":null},{"acf_fc_layout":"text","text":"<h2><b>Step 5: Track your filing deadlines<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tax deadlines arrive earlier and more often than most founders expect. Missing them can mean penalties and interest, even if you didn\u2019t owe much tax in the first place.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, keep an eye out for these.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Quarterly estimated tax payments<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you expect your business will owe tax for the year, you may need to make estimated payments instead of waiting until year-end.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For C-corps, the threshold is owing $500 or more in federal tax. For individuals (including LLCs or S-corps taxed as pass-throughs), it\u2019s $1,000 or more.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Payments are typically due four times a year: April, June, September, and January. Some states also have their own quarterly payment requirements too.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Annual tax returns<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re set up as a C-corp, you\u2019ll usually file <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/forms-pubs\/about-form-1120\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Form 1120<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with the IRS each year. LLCs and S-corps file different forms, depending on their tax election.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also, each state will have their own returns, deadlines, and extensions \u2013 these often don\u2019t line up exactly with federal dates.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Form 1099s and W-2s<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you pay independent contractors, you must issue them a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/forms-pubs\/about-form-1099-nec\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Form 1099-NEC<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> by 31 January each year.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Employees get a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/forms-pubs\/about-form-w-2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Form W-2<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, also due to them and the IRS by 31 January.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Missing these deadlines creates penalties based on each form missed, which can add up quickly if you have a big team.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Withholding reports on payments to non-US persons<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you pay a foreign contractor or licensor, US tax may need to be withheld from those payments. You\u2019re responsible for depositing that tax with the IRS and filing the required annual forms.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These are <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/forms-pubs\/about-form-1042-s\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Form 1042-S<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to report the payment to the foreign person, and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/forms-pubs\/about-form-1042\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Form 1042<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to summarise all the payments for the year.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Annual state filings<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Each state has its own requirements for you to \u201ckeep in good standing\u201d. These are often separate from tax returns.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, Delaware requires a franchise tax report and payment, typically due 1 March. And California requires an annual Statement of Information and minimum franchise tax.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Let\u2019s run through an example\u2026<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you run a Delaware-incorporated C-corp with contractors in New York, you might face:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Delaware franchise tax and report (1 March)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Federal corporate return (15 April)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">State income tax returns (dates vary)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1099s for New York contractors (31 January)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Missing any one of these filings, even if no tax is due, can result in penalties, interest, and unnecessary admin to fix your company\u2019s standing.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Step 6: Understand how equity impacts your tax position<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Equity decisions affect more than just ownership \u2013 they can also have big tax consequences for you and your team.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are some areas founders should know about.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>83(b) election (critical for founders and early employees)<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you receive restricted stock that vests over time (but not options), you must file an 83(b) election with the IRS within 30 days of the grant. This lets you pay tax on the shares\u2019 current value (often close to $0) rather than on their future, higher value as the company grows.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, if you get founder shares worth $0.001 each and file the 83(b) election straight away, you pay almost no tax today. If you don\u2019t file and those shares are later worth $1 each when they vest, you\u2019ll owe tax on the $1 per share \u2013 even though you haven\u2019t sold them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We\u2019ve written <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/us\/resources\/what-is-an-83b-election-and-when-do-i-need-one\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a full guide on 83(b) elections and when you need them<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Cap table management<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A cap table shows who owns what percentage of your company. It\u2019s your company\u2019s \u201csource of truth\u201d for share ownership, and it\u2019s vital for both compliance and fundraising. If your records are messy, you could run into problems with IRS audits, state filings, or investor reporting.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Founders often start with spreadsheets but quickly outgrow them. Dedicated platforms like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/us\/start\/cap-table\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SeedLegals\u2019 cap table tool<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> make it easy to keep everything accurate and automatically up to date.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check out <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/us\/resources\/cap-table-what-it-is-and-why-you-need-one\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">our guide to what cap tables are (and how to set one up)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>SAFE notes and convertible debt<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These are common fundraising tools, but they have tax implications.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, depending on how they\u2019re structured, there may be withholding or reporting obligations when they convert into equity.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The rules vary, so flag these early with your accountant to avoid any tax surprises down the line.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS)<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your startup is a C-corp and meets certain conditions, your shares may qualify as QSBS.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This could allow you to sell them without paying any capital gains tax (up to $10 million in gains) after holding them for five years.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But you must meet the IRS requirements from day one, so don\u2019t leave this unchecked. We\u2019ve got a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/us\/resources\/qsbs-for-founders\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">QSBS guide for founders<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, so make sure you check that out.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Step 7: Get expert help and plan ahead<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Taxes and reporting can get complicated fast. Even experienced founders set up strong foundations early and lean on expert help to get it right.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here\u2019s what that looks like in practice.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Get the basics right early<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Open your business bank account, set up accounting software, and keep your cap table up to date. These are the building blocks that make tax filings and investor reporting easier down the road.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Hire a tax advisor who understands startups<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">US tax rules are complex, and the wrong setup can be expensive to unwind. An advisor who regularly works with startups can help you stay compliant and spot opportunities like R&amp;D credits or QSBS eligibility.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re looking for support, <\/span><a href=\"mailto:shilpa.ajmera@claconnect.com\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">reach out to CLA<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 they\u2019re an accounting firm with a lot of startup experience.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Plan ahead for deadlines<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t leave filings to the last minute.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Create a compliance calendar of key dates, like tax returns, payroll filings, franchise taxes, and W-2 deadlines. Make sure you review this each quarter.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Focus on building, not paperwork<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your accountant can help with your taxes. But for legal documents, fundraising and cap table management, SeedLegals has you covered.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Book a call below, or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/app.seedlegals.com\/signup\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">start your 7-day free trial today<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"form","layout":"custom","heading":"Get answers fast, for free","content":"Bring all your questions - we\u2019ve got the answers!\r\nWe\u2019ll match you with the right specialist.","custom":{"image":false,"button_text":"Get Started","form":{"type":"none","hubspot_form":{"layout":"newsletter","hide_founderinvestor_toggle":false,"default_community":"founder","custom_form_id":"","gdpr_disclaimer":"By subscribing, you agree to receive information from SeedLegals. You can unsubscribe anytime. View our <a href=\"\/privacy-policy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">privacy policy<\/a>"},"custom":{"embed":""},"gtm_form_type":"default","gtm_form_location":"default"}},"add_shadow":false}],"has_sources":false,"related_posts":false},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>US taxes and reporting: What founders need to know | SeedLegals<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Stay compliant with your taxes. Learn about company structures, filings, credits and deadlines so you can focus on building your business, not paperwork.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/us\/resources\/us-taxes-and-report-what-founders-need-to-know\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"US taxes and reporting: What founders need to know | SeedLegals\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Stay compliant with your taxes. 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fundraising\u2026 Should you convert your LLC or create a new C corp?"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Should you convert your LLC or form a new C corp? This guide explains when conversion is a must and how to get investor-ready fast.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":163,"featured_media":428202,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[146,147],"tags":[],"event_tags":[],"class_list":["post-428197","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-funding-guides-us","category-startup-guides-us"],"acf":{"blog_layout":"v2","v2":{"hero":{"image_background_color":"#E7F1FF","image_fit":"img--cover"},"adverts":[{"type":"selector","selected_advert":{"ID":412063,"post_author":"77","post_date":"2024-11-11 09:44:14","post_date_gmt":"2024-11-11 09:44:14","post_content":"","post_title":"US - Start free","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"us-start-free","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-13 16:18:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-13 16:18:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/?post_type=blog_advert&#038;p=412063","menu_order":0,"post_type":"blog_advert","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},"custom_advert":{"advert_tracking_id":"","layout":"default","image":{"image":false,"link":""},"text":{"heading":"","content":"","button":null,"background_color":"#EEF4FF","text_color":"#000646"},"form":{"form":{"type":"none","hubspot_form":{"layout":"newsletter","hide_founderinvestor_toggle":false,"default_community":"founder","custom_form_id":"","gdpr_disclaimer":"By subscribing, you agree to receive information from SeedLegals. You can unsubscribe anytime. View our <a href=\"\/privacy-policy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">privacy policy<\/a>"},"custom":{"embed":""},"gtm_form_type":false,"gtm_form_location":false}},"cta_and_testimonials":{"heading":"","button":null,"bullet_points":false,"testimonials":false}}}],"related_sidebar_posts":false},"show_author_card":false,"revision_date":"","hero_image":428202,"has_sources":false,"has_custom_post_authors":true,"custom_post_authors":{"authors":[{"author":{"ID":163,"user_firstname":"Carys","user_lastname":"Brain","nickname":"Carys","user_nicename":"carys","display_name":"Carys Brain","user_email":"carys@seedlegals.com","user_url":"","user_registered":"2024-07-09 09:07:40","user_description":"","user_avatar":"<img alt='' src='https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/c5deb692d883782e7fe81231b641b4e0327a415e3ccddc2c1fc694ef1fbbddfd?s=96&#038;d=mm&#038;r=g' srcset='https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/c5deb692d883782e7fe81231b641b4e0327a415e3ccddc2c1fc694ef1fbbddfd?s=192&#038;d=mm&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'\/>"},"role":"Writer"}]},"is_expert_reviewed":true,"expert_reviewed":{"heading":"Expert reviewed","tooltip_message":"This article has been fact-checked by a SeedLegals subject matter expert.<br><br><a href=\"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/authors-and-experts\/\" target=\"_blank\">Meet our experts<\/a> and learn more about our review process and quality assurance in our <a href=\"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/editorial-policy\/\" target=\"_blank\">editorial policy<\/a>."},"post_content_width":"default","post_content":[{"acf_fc_layout":"text","text":"<p>Lots of founders start their business using an LLC. It\u2019s cheap, easy to set up, and has personal tax benefits that can be useful in the early days of running a business.<\/p>\n<p>But if you decide to raise equity investment, you\u2019ll immediately hear one thing: investors typically expect you to be a Delaware C corp.<\/p>\n<p>At this stage, it\u2019s not a question of if you make the switch, but how you do it.<\/p>\n<p>Depending on how much work you\u2019ve already done with your LLC, you may be able to set up a brand-new C corp and start fresh. But most founders will need to convert their existing LLC into a Delaware C corp to avoid all sorts of headaches down the line.<\/p>\n<p>This guide breaks down what you need to know before you make the switch, when forming a new C corp might be fine, and why conversion is the cleaner route for most founders gearing up for investment.<\/p>\n<h2>Why investors want you to be a C corp rather than an LLC<\/h2>\n<p>When you\u2019re fundraising, investors want a structure that offers equity, tax advantages and scales with the company. A C corp gives you all this.<\/p>\n<p>There are several reasons why:<\/p>\n<h3>Clean, standard equity structures<\/h3>\n<p>C corps make it easy to issue common and preferred stock, which is essential for investors who take equity in return for their capital. LLCs can do equivalents, but it\u2019s much more complex, clunky and VCs and other institutional investors just won\u2019t be interested.<\/p>\n<h3>Tax benefits<\/h3>\n<p>There are also investor tax breaks designed to encourage early-stage investment, that only attach to the issue of C corp stock (such as <a href=\"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/us\/resources\/qsbs-for-founders\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">QSBS<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/us\/resources\/how-section-1244-could-cut-your-tax-bill\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">1244 Loss Relief<\/a>)<\/p>\n<h3>Built for scaling<\/h3>\n<p>As you grow, you\u2019ll most likely need to issue more equity, offer employees stock options, and bring in new investors. C Ccorps are set up to make this simple.<\/p>\n<h3>Recognised by investors, accelerators and platforms<\/h3>\n<p>Most venture funds, accelerators and crowdfunding platforms work with C corps by default. Some funds are even mandated against investing in anything else. Choosing the structure they\u2019re already set up for reduces friction and delays at every stage of your fundraising.<\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"content_highlight","highlight_type":"link","background_colour":"blue","show_icon":true,"content":"<b>Where should you incorporate your C corp?<\/b><br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nYou have the option to incorporate your C corp in whichever state you choose, but the most common is Delaware for its speedy processes and well-established, founder-friendly business laws. <br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nIf you\u2019re trying to decide what\u2019s best for your business, we\u2019ve put together <a href=\"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/us\/resources\/whats-the-best-us-state-to-incorporate-in\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">a guide on the most popular states.<\/a>","link":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"text","text":"<h2>If you\u2019re already an LLC, what are your options?<\/h2>\n<p>If you originally set up your company as an LLC, you can make the switch to C corp. But you need to be careful to choose the right route based on what work you\u2019ve already done with your LLC.<\/p>\n<p>In practice, there are three options:<\/p>\n<h3>1. Convert your existing LLC into a C corp<\/h3>\n<p>This is usually the cleanest, safest option:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Your existing LLC becomes a C corp; no need to create new or close old entities<\/li>\n<li>IP, contracts, customers and history stay in the same entity<\/li>\n<li>Members\u2019 interests are cancelled in return for stock in the C corp<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If your LLC has done anything meaningful work \u2014 built a product, created IP, signed customers or brought on co-founders \u2014 this is the route to take. It avoids anyone being able to claim the LLC has rights to the IP in your new C corp. It also leaves a clean audit trail and one less thing for your investors to nitpick over.<\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"content_highlight","highlight_type":"link","background_colour":"blue","show_icon":true,"content":"<b>Convert your LLC into a Delaware C corp on SeedLegals<\/b><br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nReady to make the switch? We\u2019ve built the world\u2019s first automated LLC to C corp conversion tool.<br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nEverything\u2019s handled online, in one place, with our support throughout. It\u2019s the only solution that takes you from LLC to investor-ready C corp, and gives you the full set of fundraising tools to grow from there. <br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/us\/raise\/llc-to-delaware-c-corp-conversion\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Get started now.<\/a>","link":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"text","text":"<h3>2. Form a brand-new C corp<\/h3>\n<p>This is essentially a \u2018fresh start\u2019:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>You incorporate a new Delaware C corp<\/li>\n<li>You then move things over: IP, contracts, any team or advisors, and eventually shut down the LLC<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In practice, this only really works when the LLC has almost no activity, meaning you\u2019ve:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Formed recently<\/li>\n<li>Are a single founder<\/li>\n<li>Have no real IP, customers, contracts or team tied to the LLC<\/li>\n<li>As soon as the LLC holds anything valuable, you\u2019d do best to convert your existing entity into a C corp rather than start fresh. Otherwise, you could face legal challenges or investors questioning who has the right to the IP you\u2019re building your entire business on.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"content_highlight","highlight_type":"tip","background_colour":"blue","show_icon":true,"content":"<b>How much work constitutes \u2018activity\u2019?<\/b><br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nThere are different views on this. Some say that even creating a business plan is enough to tie IP to your existing LLC. In practice, it depends on your appetite for risk. If you want to make sure there are no doubts over IP rights, then converting your LLC into a C corp is the safest option.","link":null},{"acf_fc_layout":"text","text":"<h3>3. Workarounds in states that don\u2019t allow statutory conversion<\/h3>\n<p>Some states don\u2019t support a straightforward LLC to C corp conversion.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re in one of those states, the alternative approach is a statutory merger:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Create a Delaware C corp<\/li>\n<li>Merge the LLC into that new C corp<\/li>\n<li>Continue the business through the Delaware entity<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>It\u2019s a more complex process than a standard conversion and isn\u2019t currently supported in the SeedLegals workflow. But the principle is the same: you\u2019re bringing everything into one company, not leaving the LLC behind.<\/p>\n<h2>When you should convert your LLC rather than forming a new C corp<\/h2>\n<p>Founders often wonder whether they can skip converting and simply set up a brand-new Delaware C corp instead. If your LLC has done any real work, you\u2019ll need to convert it, not abandon it.<\/p>\n<p>Here are some of the circumstances where conversion is likely to be the right answer:<\/p>\n<h3>Your LLC has created any IP or product<\/h3>\n<p>Code, designs, branding, customer data, prototypes, even a detailed business plan, once any of these exist, investors will assume the LLC holds rights to it. A new C corp won\u2019t inherit that work, so conversion keeps IP ownership clean.<\/p>\n<h3>You have co-founders or other members<\/h3>\n<p>If more than one person is involved, leaving a dormant LLC raises questions about who owns what. Converting keeps everyone\u2019s existing rights intact and avoids disputes later.<\/p>\n<h3>You\u2019ve signed customers or contracts<\/h3>\n<p>If the LLC has billed customers, taken payments or signed agreements, starting fresh forces you to manually transfer every contract. That\u2019s high-risk and time-consuming. Conversion keeps your trading history in the same entity.<\/p>\n<h3>You\u2019ve been operating for more than a short period<\/h3>\n<p>If your LLC is older than a few weeks or months (and you\u2019ve done anything beyond registering it) then conversion is almost always the cleaner, safer route.<\/p>\n<p>In short: if your LLC is more than a dormant entity shell, converting early gives you a clean structure that investors and future team members can rely on.<\/p>\n<h2>How SeedLegals can help you convert your LLC<\/h2>\n<p>Converting your LLC used to cost $$$ in legal fees and involve weeks of delays when you need to take investment quickly.<\/p>\n<p>That\u2019s why we\u2019ve built the world\u2019s first automated LLC to C corp conversion. It takes you from LLC to investment-ready C corp, all for just $1,499.<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s what you get:<\/p>\n<h3>Step 1: Review your LLC<\/h3>\n<p>Before anything is converted, we review your existing LLC to understand how complex the conversion will be.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>We look at your ownership, structure and setup<\/li>\n<li>We flag anything that could affect the conversion<\/li>\n<li>If a tax review is needed, we\u2019ll let you know and connect you with our trusted partner<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Once that\u2019s done, we move ahead with the conversion.<\/p>\n<h3>Step 2: Convert your LLC into a Delaware C corp<\/h3>\n<p>We handle the conversion process, end to end.<\/p>\n<h4>Getting consent to convert<\/h4>\n<p>We generate all the documents needed to approve the conversion, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Plan of conversion<\/li>\n<li>Member\u2019s consent to convert<\/li>\n<li>Manager\u2019s consent to convert (if your LLC is manager-managed)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>Creating your Delaware C corp<\/h4>\n<p>We generate all the core conversion and incorporation documents, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Certificate of Incorporation<\/li>\n<li>Certificate of Conversion<\/li>\n<li>State-specific LLC conversion documents where required (for Texas, California and Florida)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>State filings taken care of<\/h4>\n<p>We file everything with the relevant authorities and cover all filing fees:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Delaware Certificate of Incorporation and Certificate of Conversion<\/li>\n<li>LLC conversion filings in Texas, California or Florida where applicable<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Once approved, we upload all final documents to the SeedLegals platform to they\u2019re easy for you to find and manage.<\/p>\n<h4>Registered agent included<\/h4>\n<p>Your Delaware registered agent is set up for you and the cost for the first year is included.<\/p>\n<h3>Step 3: Post-conversion setup<\/h3>\n<p>After conversion, we generate all the documents your new C corp needs to operate and raise investment.<\/p>\n<p>This includes:<\/p>\n<h4>General documents<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Action of sole incorporator<\/li>\n<li>Initial actions of the board<\/li>\n<li>Appointment of directors and officers<\/li>\n<li>Issuance of founder stock<\/li>\n<li>Bylaws and supporting confirmations<\/li>\n<li>Stockholder consents<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>Equity and tax setup<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Stock restriction agreements and vesting terms<\/li>\n<li>83(b) election support so founders can be taxed on the price of the stock now not as it vests<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>Protection and IP<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Confirmatory IP assignment<\/li>\n<li>Confidential Information and Invention Assignment Agreement (CIIAA)<\/li>\n<li>Director indemnification agreements<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>EIN<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>We help you obtain your new EIN so you can set up bank accounts and payroll.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Step 4: Start fundraising<\/h3>\n<p>Once you\u2019ve converted, you\u2019ll have access to the full set of SeedLegals tools: SAFEs, priced rounds, cap table management and all the core documents you need as you grow.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re ready to make the switch, you can <a href=\"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/us\/raise\/llc-to-delaware-c-corp-conversion\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">start your LLC to C corp conversion today.<\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n<h3>Do I need a new EIN?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes. When your LLC becomes a C corp, the IRS treats it as a new entity for tax purposes, so you usually need a new EIN. One key exception is where the LLC has already elected to be taxed as a C Corp. No change in tax status will occur here because the forms will be taxed in the same way both before and after conversion. Other exceptions to the need for a new EIN are uncommon.<\/p>\n<h3>Do I need a new bank account?<\/h3>\n<p>In most cases, yes. A new EIN often triggers your bank to require a new account for the C corp. It\u2019s worth checking with your bank before you start so you can plan for a smooth transition.<\/p>\n<h3>Will I need a new registered agent?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes. SeedLegals works with its own registered agent as part of the conversion workflow, so your existing one will be replaced when you switch to a Delaware C corp.<\/p>\n<h3>Do I need to tell the other members before converting?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes. Our process is based on unanimous consent from all LLC members. You\u2019ll need their agreement before you start, otherwise the conversion can\u2019t go ahead on the SeedLegals platform.<\/p>\n<p>Some states allow for majority consent, so if you can\u2019t get 100% approval from your members, we can refer you to our partner law firm to see if they can assist.<\/p>\n<h3>What happens to advisory equity or team members during conversion?<\/h3>\n<p>You can recreate vesting schedules or issue new grants once you\u2019re a C corp. The conversion itself doesn\u2019t handle advisor or team equity, but you can set everything up afterwards using SeedLegals.<\/p>\n<h3>Do I need to file two sets of accounts for the year I convert?<\/h3>\n<p>You\u2019ll generally need to close out the LLC\u2019s activity and then begin reporting as a C corp from the date of conversion. The specifics depend on your situation and how your LLC was taxed, so you\u2019ll need to confirm this with your tax adviser.<\/p>\n<h3>What documents and materials will I need to share with SeedLegals for the conversion process?<\/h3>\n<p>There are several documents and records we\u2019ll need you to provide to complete the conversion:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Articles of Organization:<\/strong> This can also be known as Certificates of Formation or Certificates of Organization, depending on what state your LLC is incorporated in. It\u2019s the document you\u2019ll have filed in order to incorporate your LLC. Typically, it will include the LLC name, address and registered agent (if one had been appointed).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Operating Agreement:<\/strong> This is an agreement between the LLC members as to how the LLC will be owned and operated. It&#8217;s not a requirement for an LLC to have one of these, but if you do then it\u2019s the primary document that sets out how your LLC is governed. Generally, the Operating Agreement will set out things like member equity split, management structure and voting provisions.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Capital Accounts:<\/strong> These are the internal bookkeeping record for each member of a multi-member LLC and tracks that member\u2019s economic interest in the company. It increases with contributions and allocated profits, and decreases with distributions and allocated losses. Capital accounts are required for LLCs taxed as partnerships because they determine each member\u2019s share of the LLC\u2019s economic value. You may not have Capital Accounts prepared yet, for example if you incorporated recently or haven\u2019t been taxed yet. If that\u2019s the case, that\u2019s fine, just let us know as part of your onboarding.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Do I need a Tax Review?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes. Your accountant will need to let us know about your tax affairs as part of the conversion. It\u2019s worth looking into this sooner rather than later to avoid delays.<\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"form","layout":"custom","heading":"Get answers fast, for free","content":"Bring all your questions. We\u2019ve got the answers!\r\nWe\u2019ll match you with the right specialist.","custom":{"image":false,"button_text":"Get Started","form":{"type":"hubspot","hubspot_form":{"layout":"default","hide_founderinvestor_toggle":false,"default_community":"founder","custom_form_id":"21723609-6f1b-45c0-9691-77d462dc3bed","gdpr_disclaimer":"By subscribing, you agree to receive information from SeedLegals. You can unsubscribe anytime. View our <a href=\"\/privacy-policy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">privacy policy<\/a>"},"custom":{"embed":""},"gtm_form_type":"default","gtm_form_location":"default"}},"add_shadow":false}],"related_posts":false},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>You\u2019re fundraising\u2026 Should you convert your LLC or create a new C corp? | SeedLegals %<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Should you convert your LLC or form a new C corp? 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to use PR to secure funding: What investors really want"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>PR can be your secret weapon to accelerate deals. Learn how PR can help early-stage startups and founders secure funding and support what investors are looking for.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":163,"featured_media":428187,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[141,146,147],"tags":[],"event_tags":[],"class_list":["post-428183","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized-us","category-funding-guides-us","category-startup-guides-us"],"acf":{"blog_layout":"v2","v2":{"hero":{"image_background_color":"#E7F1FF","image_fit":"img--cover"},"adverts":[{"type":"selector","selected_advert":{"ID":413526,"post_author":"68","post_date":"2024-11-27 15:13:44","post_date_gmt":"2024-11-27 15:13:44","post_content":"","post_title":"US - Newsletter signup (Form)","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"us-newsletter-signup-form","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 15:20:01","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 15:20:01","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/?post_type=blog_advert&#038;p=413526","menu_order":0,"post_type":"blog_advert","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},"custom_advert":{"advert_tracking_id":"","layout":"default","image":{"image":false,"link":""},"text":{"heading":"","content":"","button":null,"background_color":"#EEF4FF","text_color":"#000646"},"form":{"form":{"type":"none","hubspot_form":{"layout":"newsletter","hide_founderinvestor_toggle":false,"default_community":"founder","custom_form_id":"","gdpr_disclaimer":"By subscribing, you agree to receive information from SeedLegals. You can unsubscribe anytime. View our <a href=\"\/privacy-policy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">privacy policy<\/a>"},"custom":{"embed":""},"gtm_form_type":false,"gtm_form_location":false}},"cta_and_testimonials":{"heading":"","button":null,"bullet_points":false,"testimonials":false}}}],"related_sidebar_posts":false},"show_author_card":false,"revision_date":"","hero_image":428187,"has_sources":false,"has_custom_post_authors":true,"custom_post_authors":{"authors":[{"author":{"ID":201,"user_firstname":"Steve","user_lastname":"Seidel","nickname":"Steve Seidel","user_nicename":"steve-seidel","display_name":"Steve Seidel","user_email":"Steveseidel@seedlegalsfakeemail.com","user_url":"https:\/\/theseidelagency.com\/","user_registered":"2025-10-23 09:14:24","user_description":"","user_avatar":"<img alt='' src='https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/4834ae5b7449f7fb5d700a4aa8db61c8dfa56f02341b7fddec26a2f28288869c?s=96&#038;d=mm&#038;r=g' srcset='https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/4834ae5b7449f7fb5d700a4aa8db61c8dfa56f02341b7fddec26a2f28288869c?s=192&#038;d=mm&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'\/>"},"role":"Contributor"},{"author":{"ID":163,"user_firstname":"Carys","user_lastname":"Brain","nickname":"Carys","user_nicename":"carys","display_name":"Carys Brain","user_email":"carys@seedlegals.com","user_url":"","user_registered":"2024-07-09 09:07:40","user_description":"","user_avatar":"<img alt='' src='https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/c5deb692d883782e7fe81231b641b4e0327a415e3ccddc2c1fc694ef1fbbddfd?s=96&#038;d=mm&#038;r=g' srcset='https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/c5deb692d883782e7fe81231b641b4e0327a415e3ccddc2c1fc694ef1fbbddfd?s=192&#038;d=mm&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'\/>"},"role":"Writer"}]},"is_expert_reviewed":true,"expert_reviewed":{"heading":"Expert reviewed","tooltip_message":"This article has been fact-checked by a SeedLegals subject matter expert.<br><br><a href=\"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/authors-and-experts\/\" target=\"_blank\">Meet our experts<\/a> and learn more about our review process and quality assurance in our <a href=\"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/editorial-policy\/\" target=\"_blank\">editorial policy<\/a>."},"post_content_width":"default","post_content":[{"acf_fc_layout":"text","text":"<p>If you&#8217;re a founder raising capital, you already know the pitch deck is just the beginning. Metrics start the conversation, while stories close deals. When investors compare dozens of startups solving similar problems, what makes one stand out? It\u2019s not just the product, but the story behind the idea and the team\u2019s credibility.<\/p>\n<p>That\u2019s where Public Relations (PR) steps in as the secret weapon to capture investor interest, prove traction and accelerate deals.<\/p>\n<p>Let\u2019s unpack how PR can help early-stage startups and founders secure funding, while supporting what investors are looking for.<\/p>\n<h2>Why investors fund stories (not just numbers)<\/h2>\n<p>Early-stage startups rarely have years of data or predictable growth curves. That\u2019s why investors often bet on the founder, the vision and the surrounding support for both.<\/p>\n<p>This is where PR comes in. It builds credibility, momentum and trust through third-party validation. When respected outlets or influencers tell your story, you\u2019re no longer the only one saying you\u2019re worth backing.<\/p>\n<p>From <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/naveenjainintelius\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Naveen Jain<\/a> (Intelius) to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/melanieperkins\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Melanie Perkins<\/a> (Canva), compelling stories with powerful PR help turn ideas into empires. Here\u2019s how to use it to attract the investors you want.<\/p>\n<h3>1. Earn Credibility Through Third-Party Validation<\/h3>\n<p>Investors Google you. What shows up should validate your vision.<\/p>\n<p>When your startup is featured in reputable publications, it gives you instant credibility. PR turns that awareness into quantifiable trust.<\/p>\n<p>How to do it:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Target outlets investors read for third-party validation<\/li>\n<li>Share your story, not just the product in respected publications like TechCrunch and Forbes<\/li>\n<li>Highlight your \u2018why now\u2019 to generate respected social proof<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Startups with strong PR are perceived as established and trustworthy, often becoming the tipping point for a funding round.<\/p>\n<h3>2. Demonstrate market demand with analytics<\/h3>\n<p>Investors want verifiable proof that your product solves a real-world problem and that there is demand.<\/p>\n<p>Use PR to spotlight client stories, adoption metrics and success data.<\/p>\n<p>Examples:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Customer success stories with testimonials, milestones, retention rates<\/li>\n<li>Founders as guest contributors in press releases or bylines<\/li>\n<li>Social campaigns showcasing user growth<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>A compelling press story backed by real results beats a hypothetical deck.<\/p>\n<h3>3. Establish authority in your space<\/h3>\n<p>Solidify your expertise and position yourself as a thought leader. Investors fund leaders, not just builders.<\/p>\n<p>Tactics:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Publish founder opinion pieces and predictions<\/li>\n<li>Speak at events or expert panels<\/li>\n<li>Demonstrate subject mastery in media coverage<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Show investors they\u2019re backing a credible leader with long-term potential for future growth.<\/p>\n<h3>4. Craft a compelling and cohesive brand story<\/h3>\n<p>PR helps you control the narrative around your brand. And great narratives raise capital.<\/p>\n<p>Your founder or brand story should:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Explain the pain point and why it matters now<\/li>\n<li>Show who you are as a founder and why you care<\/li>\n<li>Paint a picture of the world your startup is helping to create<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>TOMS founder <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/blakemycoskie\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Blake Mycoskie<\/a>, for example, built a movement through a clear and emotional story, which created a new business model. Investors buy into vision, so make yours tangible.<\/p>\n<h3>5. Frame your startup within a growing market<\/h3>\n<p>Venture capitalists bet on big, growing markets. Prove the space is real and gaining traction.<\/p>\n<p>How to do it:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Reference industry reports and analyst projections<\/li>\n<li>Highlight coverage showing your market\u2019s momentum<\/li>\n<li>Use macro trends as signals of opportunity<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Associate yourself with a rising tide.<\/p>\n<h3>6. Show proven traction<\/h3>\n<p>Even when you\u2019re early-stage, investors expect proof of progress. Numbers build confidence.<\/p>\n<p>Share statistics like:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>10K app downloads or site visits in 60-90 days<\/li>\n<li>A pilot program with a known partner<\/li>\n<li>3-10K MRR growth over 6 months<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Delivering results, not just ideas, helps build an undeniable track record.<\/p>\n<h3>7. Look like you belong<\/h3>\n<p>The most investable startups look the part, before they get the check.<\/p>\n<p>PR helps you appear credible in rooms you haven\u2019t even entered yet.<\/p>\n<p>Tips:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Maintain a sharp website, founder bio and brand presence<\/li>\n<li>Attract press, talent and investor attention<\/li>\n<li>Show you understand your market and how to innovate as a leader<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>When you show up like you belong, investors lean in.<\/p>\n<h3>8. Make investors believe<\/h3>\n<p>Even great ideas can fall flat without PR in your go-to-market strategy.<\/p>\n<p>Avoid these mistakes:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Don\u2019t wait: Start PR before you fundraise<\/li>\n<li>Don\u2019t pitch specs: Lead with stories, not features<\/li>\n<li>Don\u2019t chase quantity: One relevant piece beats five irrelevant ones<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>PR doesn\u2019t replace a strong business model, it amplifies it.<\/p>\n<h2>Ready to turn your vision into headlines?<\/h2>\n<p>The Seidel Agency helps startups like yours land major stories, stages, and screens with influential media strategies across tech, wellness, health, and entertainment.<\/p>\n<p>Get your free PR diagnostic at <a href=\"http:\/\/www.theseidelagency.com\/PRAudit\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Seidel Agency<\/a> to start turning PR into investor interest today.<\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"form","layout":"custom","heading":"Get answers fast, for free","content":"Bring all your questions. We\u2019ve got the answers!\r\nWe\u2019ll match you with the right specialist.","custom":{"image":false,"button_text":"Get Started","form":{"type":"hubspot","hubspot_form":{"layout":"default","hide_founderinvestor_toggle":false,"default_community":"founder","custom_form_id":"21723609-6f1b-45c0-9691-77d462dc3bed","gdpr_disclaimer":"By subscribing, you agree to receive information from SeedLegals. You can unsubscribe anytime. View our <a href=\"\/privacy-policy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">privacy policy<\/a>"},"custom":{"embed":""},"gtm_form_type":"default","gtm_form_location":"default"}},"add_shadow":false}],"related_posts":false},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How to use PR to secure funding: What investors really want | SeedLegals<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"PR can be your secret weapon to accelerate deals. Learn how PR can help early-stage startups and founders secure funding and support what investors are looking for.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/us\/resources\/how-to-use-pr-to-secure-funding-what-investors-really-want\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to use PR to secure funding: What investors really want | SeedLegals\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"PR can be your secret weapon to accelerate deals. 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startup PR mistakes that could be costing you media coverage"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Learn how the right public relations strategy can open doors, boost recognition and even secure funding, along with common mistakes to avoid.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":163,"featured_media":428174,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[141,146,147],"tags":[],"event_tags":[],"class_list":["post-428169","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized-us","category-funding-guides-us","category-startup-guides-us"],"acf":{"blog_layout":"v2","v2":{"hero":{"image_background_color":"#E7F1FF","image_fit":"img--cover"},"adverts":[{"type":"selector","selected_advert":{"ID":412056,"post_author":"77","post_date":"2024-11-11 09:42:57","post_date_gmt":"2024-11-11 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You can unsubscribe anytime. View our <a href=\"\/privacy-policy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">privacy policy<\/a>"},"custom":{"embed":""},"gtm_form_type":false,"gtm_form_location":false}},"cta_and_testimonials":{"heading":"","button":null,"bullet_points":false,"testimonials":false}}}],"related_sidebar_posts":false},"show_author_card":false,"revision_date":"","hero_image":428174,"has_sources":false,"has_custom_post_authors":true,"custom_post_authors":{"authors":[{"author":{"ID":201,"user_firstname":"Steve","user_lastname":"Seidel","nickname":"Steve Seidel","user_nicename":"steve-seidel","display_name":"Steve Seidel","user_email":"Steveseidel@seedlegalsfakeemail.com","user_url":"https:\/\/theseidelagency.com\/","user_registered":"2025-10-23 09:14:24","user_description":"","user_avatar":"<img alt='' src='https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/4834ae5b7449f7fb5d700a4aa8db61c8dfa56f02341b7fddec26a2f28288869c?s=96&#038;d=mm&#038;r=g' srcset='https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/4834ae5b7449f7fb5d700a4aa8db61c8dfa56f02341b7fddec26a2f28288869c?s=192&#038;d=mm&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'\/>"},"role":"Contributor"},{"author":{"ID":163,"user_firstname":"Carys","user_lastname":"Brain","nickname":"Carys","user_nicename":"carys","display_name":"Carys Brain","user_email":"carys@seedlegals.com","user_url":"","user_registered":"2024-07-09 09:07:40","user_description":"","user_avatar":"<img alt='' src='https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/c5deb692d883782e7fe81231b641b4e0327a415e3ccddc2c1fc694ef1fbbddfd?s=96&#038;d=mm&#038;r=g' srcset='https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/c5deb692d883782e7fe81231b641b4e0327a415e3ccddc2c1fc694ef1fbbddfd?s=192&#038;d=mm&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'\/>"},"role":"Writer"}]},"is_expert_reviewed":true,"post_content_width":"default","post_content":[{"acf_fc_layout":"text","text":"<p>Struggling to get the media attention your startup deserves?<\/p>\n<p>Media coverage can attract customers and investors, while helping you scale, but many early-stage startups sabotage their own PR efforts. Whether you&#8217;re bootstrapping or backed by VCs, the right public relations strategy can open doors, skyrocket recognition and even secure funding.<\/p>\n<p>The truth is: the way you communicate your story matters. In fact, it can make or break the way investors, customers and journalists perceive your startup.<\/p>\n<p>Let\u2019s break down ten of the most common PR mistakes startups make and how to adjust them before they cost you more than just valuable coverage.<\/p>\n<h2>PR mistakes to address immediately<\/h2>\n<h3>1. Inconsistent messaging<\/h3>\n<p>If your messaging is unclear, you\u2019re making your audience do the heavy lifting and most won\u2019t even bother.<\/p>\n<p>What to fix:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Refine your one-sentence value proposition<\/li>\n<li>Align your team around key talking points<\/li>\n<li>Be crystal clear about your problem, solution, and market fit<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"expert_highlight","expert_highlight":{"":null,"image":{"ID":426081,"id":426081,"title":"T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512 (1) (1)","filename":"T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1.png","filesize":254480,"url":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1.png","link":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1.png","alt":"Steve Seidel","author":"163","description":"Steve Seidel","caption":"Steve Seidel","name":"t087282dc2k-u0885j67xsl-7ef508faa477-512-1-1-2","status":"inherit","uploaded_to":428169,"date":"2025-10-30 11:18:16","modified":"2025-12-17 05:42:26","menu_order":0,"mime_type":"image\/png","type":"image","subtype":"png","icon":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-includes\/images\/media\/default.png","width":512,"height":512,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1-150x150.png","thumbnail-width":150,"thumbnail-height":150,"medium":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1-300x300.png","medium-width":300,"medium-height":300,"medium_large":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1.png","medium_large-width":512,"medium_large-height":512,"large":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1.png","large-width":512,"large-height":512,"_themosis_media":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1-100x100.png","_themosis_media-width":100,"_themosis_media-height":100,"1536x1536":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1.png","1536x1536-width":512,"1536x1536-height":512,"2048x2048":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1.png","2048x2048-width":512,"2048x2048-height":512,"themosis":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1-200x150.png","themosis-width":200,"themosis-height":150,"tog-small":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1-300x300.png","tog-small-width":300,"tog-small-height":300,"tog-medium":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1.png","tog-medium-width":512,"tog-medium-height":512,"tog-large":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1.png","tog-large-width":512,"tog-large-height":512,"tog-huge":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1.png","tog-huge-width":512,"tog-huge-height":512}},"quote":"<p>Run your pitch by someone outside your industry. If they don\u2019t get it in under 10 seconds, it needs work.<\/p>\n<p>Messaging inconsistencies across your pitch deck, social channels, website and press materials erode trust and confuse potential supporters. Build a brand voice doc that includes tone, taglines, dos and don\u2019ts, and sample messaging for common scenarios.<\/p>\n","name":{"title":"Steve Seidel","url":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/us\/resources\/author\/steve-seidel\/","target":"_blank"},"role":"Founder & Executive Coach","company":{"title":"The Seidel Agency","url":"https:\/\/stephenseidel.com\/","target":"_blank"},"linkedin":"","facebook":"","instagram":"","twitter":"","hide_image":false}},{"acf_fc_layout":"text","text":"<h3>2. Targeting the wrong media<\/h3>\n<p>You wouldn\u2019t pitch a fintech story to a fashion editor, right? Yet startups do this all the time.<\/p>\n<p>What to fix:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Build a media list segmented by beat and audience<\/li>\n<li>Research what each journalist covers (read their last 3 stories)<\/li>\n<li>Craft personalized pitches that speak their language<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>For example, if you\u2019re a female-founded climate tech startup, look for journalists who write about sustainability, ecological advancements or women in business.<\/p>\n<p>Getting coverage is about relevance, not reach. Focus on micro-targeting from trade outlets, regional media or podcasts with niche influence, before chasing national headlines.<\/p>\n<h3>3. Weak media relationships<\/h3>\n<p>You can\u2019t just pitch when you need something. Relationships are built in the off-season.<\/p>\n<p>What to fix:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Follow journalists on social, comment on their work and share it<\/li>\n<li>Send a kind note about a story they wrote without a pitch attached<\/li>\n<li>Offer value before asking for anything<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The best pitches come from familiarity and trust, not an unknown name in an inbox.<\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"expert_highlight","expert_highlight":{"":null,"image":{"ID":426081,"id":426081,"title":"T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512 (1) (1)","filename":"T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1.png","filesize":254480,"url":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1.png","link":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1.png","alt":"Steve Seidel","author":"163","description":"Steve Seidel","caption":"Steve Seidel","name":"t087282dc2k-u0885j67xsl-7ef508faa477-512-1-1-2","status":"inherit","uploaded_to":428169,"date":"2025-10-30 11:18:16","modified":"2025-12-17 05:42:26","menu_order":0,"mime_type":"image\/png","type":"image","subtype":"png","icon":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-includes\/images\/media\/default.png","width":512,"height":512,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1-150x150.png","thumbnail-width":150,"thumbnail-height":150,"medium":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1-300x300.png","medium-width":300,"medium-height":300,"medium_large":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1.png","medium_large-width":512,"medium_large-height":512,"large":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1.png","large-width":512,"large-height":512,"_themosis_media":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1-100x100.png","_themosis_media-width":100,"_themosis_media-height":100,"1536x1536":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1.png","1536x1536-width":512,"1536x1536-height":512,"2048x2048":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1.png","2048x2048-width":512,"2048x2048-height":512,"themosis":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1-200x150.png","themosis-width":200,"themosis-height":150,"tog-small":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1-300x300.png","tog-small-width":300,"tog-small-height":300,"tog-medium":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1.png","tog-medium-width":512,"tog-medium-height":512,"tog-large":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1.png","tog-large-width":512,"tog-large-height":512,"tog-huge":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1.png","tog-huge-width":512,"tog-huge-height":512}},"quote":"<p>Start a \u2018media CRM\u2019 in a Google Sheet. Include names, outlets, topics of interest, links to past coverage and personal notes.<\/p>\n","name":{"title":"Steve Seidel","url":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/us\/resources\/author\/steve-seidel\/","target":"_blank"},"role":"Founder & Executive Coach","company":{"title":"The Seidel Agency","url":"http:\/\/stephenseidel.com\/","target":"_blank"},"linkedin":"","facebook":"","instagram":"","twitter":"","hide_image":false}},{"acf_fc_layout":"text","text":"<h3>4. Boring or generic press releases<\/h3>\n<p>Newsrooms get hundreds of press releases daily. Yours needs to stand out, immediately.<\/p>\n<p>What to fix:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Focus on the \u2018Why now?\u2019 Is your announcement tied to a trend, report, or moment?<\/li>\n<li>Write like a journalist: Strong headline, compelling lead, quote from a founder or user<\/li>\n<li>Ditch fluff. Lead with impact, not adjectives<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Also, don\u2019t rely solely on press releases. A well-placed exclusive or a contributed op-ed can often produce more meaningful results.<\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"expert_highlight","expert_highlight":{"":null,"image":{"ID":426081,"id":426081,"title":"T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512 (1) (1)","filename":"T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1.png","filesize":254480,"url":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1.png","link":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1.png","alt":"Steve Seidel","author":"163","description":"Steve Seidel","caption":"Steve Seidel","name":"t087282dc2k-u0885j67xsl-7ef508faa477-512-1-1-2","status":"inherit","uploaded_to":428169,"date":"2025-10-30 11:18:16","modified":"2025-12-17 05:42:26","menu_order":0,"mime_type":"image\/png","type":"image","subtype":"png","icon":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-includes\/images\/media\/default.png","width":512,"height":512,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1-150x150.png","thumbnail-width":150,"thumbnail-height":150,"medium":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1-300x300.png","medium-width":300,"medium-height":300,"medium_large":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1.png","medium_large-width":512,"medium_large-height":512,"large":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1.png","large-width":512,"large-height":512,"_themosis_media":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1-100x100.png","_themosis_media-width":100,"_themosis_media-height":100,"1536x1536":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1.png","1536x1536-width":512,"1536x1536-height":512,"2048x2048":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1.png","2048x2048-width":512,"2048x2048-height":512,"themosis":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1-200x150.png","themosis-width":200,"themosis-height":150,"tog-small":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1-300x300.png","tog-small-width":300,"tog-small-height":300,"tog-medium":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1.png","tog-medium-width":512,"tog-medium-height":512,"tog-large":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1.png","tog-large-width":512,"tog-large-height":512,"tog-huge":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1.png","tog-huge-width":512,"tog-huge-height":512}},"quote":"<p>Create two versions of your release, one for general media and one for trade press using slightly different angles of focal points.<\/p>\n","name":{"title":"Steve Seidel","url":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/us\/resources\/author\/steve-seidel\/","target":"_blank"},"role":"Founder & Executive Coach","company":{"title":"The Seidel Agency","url":"http:\/\/stephenseidel.com\/","target":"_blank"},"linkedin":"","facebook":"","instagram":"","twitter":"","hide_image":false}},{"acf_fc_layout":"text","text":"<h3>5. Underutilizing social media<\/h3>\n<p>Your X, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok profiles aren\u2019t just marketing tools, they\u2019re media amplifiers.<\/p>\n<p>What to fix:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Turn media wins into snackable posts (quote graphics, behind-the-scenes reels, key takeaways)<\/li>\n<li>Engage with journalists on their platforms<\/li>\n<li>Use relevant hashtags and tag outlets when appropriate<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Social proof can be a journalist\u2019s first impression of your brand. Make it count.<\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"expert_highlight","expert_highlight":{"":null,"image":{"ID":426081,"id":426081,"title":"T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512 (1) (1)","filename":"T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1.png","filesize":254480,"url":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1.png","link":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1.png","alt":"Steve Seidel","author":"163","description":"Steve Seidel","caption":"Steve Seidel","name":"t087282dc2k-u0885j67xsl-7ef508faa477-512-1-1-2","status":"inherit","uploaded_to":428169,"date":"2025-10-30 11:18:16","modified":"2025-12-17 05:42:26","menu_order":0,"mime_type":"image\/png","type":"image","subtype":"png","icon":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-includes\/images\/media\/default.png","width":512,"height":512,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1-150x150.png","thumbnail-width":150,"thumbnail-height":150,"medium":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1-300x300.png","medium-width":300,"medium-height":300,"medium_large":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1.png","medium_large-width":512,"medium_large-height":512,"large":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1.png","large-width":512,"large-height":512,"_themosis_media":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1-100x100.png","_themosis_media-width":100,"_themosis_media-height":100,"1536x1536":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1.png","1536x1536-width":512,"1536x1536-height":512,"2048x2048":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1.png","2048x2048-width":512,"2048x2048-height":512,"themosis":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1-200x150.png","themosis-width":200,"themosis-height":150,"tog-small":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1-300x300.png","tog-small-width":300,"tog-small-height":300,"tog-medium":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1.png","tog-medium-width":512,"tog-medium-height":512,"tog-large":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1.png","tog-large-width":512,"tog-large-height":512,"tog-huge":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1.png","tog-huge-width":512,"tog-huge-height":512}},"quote":"<p>Create a \u2018PR content bucket\u2019 in your monthly calendar with one post per week that highlights something newsworthy, topical or community-oriented.<\/p>\n","name":{"title":"Steve Seidel","url":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/us\/resources\/author\/steve-seidel\/","target":"_blank"},"role":"Founder & Executive Coach","company":{"title":"The Seidel Agency","url":"http:\/\/stephenseidel.com\/","target":"_blank"},"linkedin":"","facebook":"","instagram":"","twitter":"","hide_image":false}},{"acf_fc_layout":"text","text":"<h3>6. Not tracking media coverage<\/h3>\n<p>If you\u2019re not tracking your coverage and performance, you\u2019re flying blind.<\/p>\n<p>What to fix:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Set up alerts (Google, Talkwalker) for your brand, founders and competitors<\/li>\n<li>Use tools like Critical Mention, Cision or Muck Rack, or even free analytics to monitor sentiment and reach<\/li>\n<li>Create a monthly PR report to see what\u2019s working<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>PR without measurement is like sales without a CRM, you won\u2019t know where to double down or where to slash funding.<\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"expert_highlight","expert_highlight":{"":null,"image":{"ID":426081,"id":426081,"title":"T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512 (1) (1)","filename":"T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1.png","filesize":254480,"url":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1.png","link":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1.png","alt":"Steve Seidel","author":"163","description":"Steve Seidel","caption":"Steve Seidel","name":"t087282dc2k-u0885j67xsl-7ef508faa477-512-1-1-2","status":"inherit","uploaded_to":428169,"date":"2025-10-30 11:18:16","modified":"2025-12-17 05:42:26","menu_order":0,"mime_type":"image\/png","type":"image","subtype":"png","icon":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-includes\/images\/media\/default.png","width":512,"height":512,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1-150x150.png","thumbnail-width":150,"thumbnail-height":150,"medium":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1-300x300.png","medium-width":300,"medium-height":300,"medium_large":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1.png","medium_large-width":512,"medium_large-height":512,"large":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1.png","large-width":512,"large-height":512,"_themosis_media":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1-100x100.png","_themosis_media-width":100,"_themosis_media-height":100,"1536x1536":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1.png","1536x1536-width":512,"1536x1536-height":512,"2048x2048":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1.png","2048x2048-width":512,"2048x2048-height":512,"themosis":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1-200x150.png","themosis-width":200,"themosis-height":150,"tog-small":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1-300x300.png","tog-small-width":300,"tog-small-height":300,"tog-medium":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1.png","tog-medium-width":512,"tog-medium-height":512,"tog-large":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1.png","tog-large-width":512,"tog-large-height":512,"tog-huge":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1.png","tog-huge-width":512,"tog-huge-height":512}},"quote":"<p>Include referral traffic data, top-performing platforms, earned backlinks and engagement insights in your monthly investor updates.<\/p>\n","name":{"title":"Steve Seidel","url":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/us\/resources\/author\/steve-seidel\/","target":"_blank"},"role":"Founder & Executive Coach","company":{"title":"The Seidel Agency","url":"http:\/\/stephenseidel.com\/","target":"_blank"},"linkedin":"","facebook":"","instagram":"","twitter":"","hide_image":false}},{"acf_fc_layout":"text","text":"<h3>7. Skipping the press kit<\/h3>\n<p>If a journalist must hunt for your headshot or logo, you\u2019re making it harder than it needs to be.<\/p>\n<p>What to fix:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Create a digital press kit that includes bios, product descriptions, high-res images, past press coverage and contact info<\/li>\n<li>Host it in a shared folder (Dropbox, Google Drive) with easy permissions<\/li>\n<li>Keep it updated quarterly<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Make your press kit so good, a journalist could write a full story without even interviewing you.<\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"content_highlight","highlight_type":"tip","background_colour":"blue","show_icon":true,"content":"Include a short 60-second brand video or demo reel. Video humanizes your brand and boosts interest.","link":null},{"acf_fc_layout":"text","text":"<h3>8. Overpromising, underdelivering<\/h3>\n<p>Hype may get clicks but substance keeps credibility.<\/p>\n<p>What to fix:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Don\u2019t exaggerate user numbers, funding or traction<\/li>\n<li>Be realistic in what you offer, including access to execs, demos or timelines<\/li>\n<li>When possible, overdeliver to showcase your professionalism<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Your startup\u2019s reputation is your currency. Spend it wisely.<\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"content_highlight","highlight_type":"tip","background_colour":"blue","show_icon":true,"content":"Promised an interview? Also send a founder quota, data point or a Loom video too. Little gifts go a long way.","link":null},{"acf_fc_layout":"text","text":"<h3>9. Ignoring negative feedback<\/h3>\n<p>Your critics might just be your best teachers, if you listen to them.<\/p>\n<p>What to fix:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Track online reviews and social mentions, even those you\u2019d like to ignore<\/li>\n<li>Address issues, apologize if needed and share how you\u2019re correcting them<\/li>\n<li>Use feedback loops to improve both your product and your messaging<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Transparency is more than doing what\u2019s right, it\u2019s also a winning PR strategy.<\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"expert_highlight","expert_highlight":{"":null,"image":{"ID":426081,"id":426081,"title":"T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512 (1) (1)","filename":"T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1.png","filesize":254480,"url":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1.png","link":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1.png","alt":"Steve Seidel","author":"163","description":"Steve Seidel","caption":"Steve Seidel","name":"t087282dc2k-u0885j67xsl-7ef508faa477-512-1-1-2","status":"inherit","uploaded_to":428169,"date":"2025-10-30 11:18:16","modified":"2025-12-17 05:42:26","menu_order":0,"mime_type":"image\/png","type":"image","subtype":"png","icon":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-includes\/images\/media\/default.png","width":512,"height":512,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1-150x150.png","thumbnail-width":150,"thumbnail-height":150,"medium":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1-300x300.png","medium-width":300,"medium-height":300,"medium_large":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1.png","medium_large-width":512,"medium_large-height":512,"large":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1.png","large-width":512,"large-height":512,"_themosis_media":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1-100x100.png","_themosis_media-width":100,"_themosis_media-height":100,"1536x1536":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1.png","1536x1536-width":512,"1536x1536-height":512,"2048x2048":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1.png","2048x2048-width":512,"2048x2048-height":512,"themosis":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1-200x150.png","themosis-width":200,"themosis-height":150,"tog-small":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1-300x300.png","tog-small-width":300,"tog-small-height":300,"tog-medium":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1.png","tog-medium-width":512,"tog-medium-height":512,"tog-large":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1.png","tog-large-width":512,"tog-large-height":512,"tog-huge":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/T087282DC2K-U0885J67XSL-7ef508faa477-512-1-1.png","tog-huge-width":512,"tog-huge-height":512}},"quote":"<p>Create a \u2018PR Reply Library\u2019 with email draft templates for common scenarios like delayed launch, shipping errors, bad press, etc.<\/p>\n","name":{"title":"Steve Seidel","url":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/us\/resources\/author\/steve-seidel\/","target":"_blank"},"role":"Founder & Executive Coach","company":{"title":"The Seidel Agency","url":"http:\/\/stephenseidel.com\/","target":"_blank"},"linkedin":"","facebook":"","instagram":"","twitter":"","hide_image":false}},{"acf_fc_layout":"text","text":"<h3>10. Inconsistent branding<\/h3>\n<p>Confused customers don\u2019t convert. Neither do confused journalists.<\/p>\n<p>What to fix:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Lock in your visual identity (logo, colors, typefaces) and voice across all platforms<\/li>\n<li>Ensure your site, social, and sales materials align<\/li>\n<li>Train your team on brand basics as consistency is everyone\u2019s job<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Brand consistency builds trust, while making it easier to understand and share your story.<\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"content_highlight","highlight_type":"tip","background_colour":"blue","show_icon":true,"content":"If you are a \u2018premium tech\u2019 company, but your Instagram is overflowing with memes, you\u2019re sending mixed messages.","link":null},{"acf_fc_layout":"text","text":"<h2>Turn mistakes into momentum<\/h2>\n<p>The best startups don\u2019t just build great products, they tell inspiring stories. And that starts with getting your PR foundation right.<\/p>\n<p>By avoiding these ten mistakes and taking intentional steps to fix them, you\u2019ll position your startup for better press, stronger relationships and bigger impact.<\/p>\n<h2>Need help building a story worth sharing?<\/h2>\n<p>Connect with The Seidel Agency, an award-winning public relations firm known for crafting influential and meaningful media strategies for tech, health, wellness, and entertainment startups.<\/p>\n<p>We help founders like you land on the biggest stories, screens, and stages.<\/p>\n<p>Visit <a href=\"https:\/\/TheSeidelAgency.com\/Audit\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Seidel Agency<\/a> to get your free PR diagnostic audit and see where your strategy stands.<\/p>\n<p>Let\u2019s tell your story in a way the world won\u2019t forget.<\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"form","layout":"custom","heading":"Get answers fast, for free","content":"Bring all your questions. We\u2019ve got the answers!\r\nWe\u2019ll match you with the right specialist.","custom":{"image":false,"button_text":"Get Started","form":{"type":"hubspot","hubspot_form":{"layout":"default","hide_founderinvestor_toggle":false,"default_community":"founder","custom_form_id":"21723609-6f1b-45c0-9691-77d462dc3bed","gdpr_disclaimer":"By subscribing, you agree to receive information from SeedLegals. You can unsubscribe anytime. View our <a href=\"\/privacy-policy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">privacy policy<\/a>"},"custom":{"embed":""},"gtm_form_type":"default","gtm_form_location":"default"}},"add_shadow":false}],"related_posts":false,"expert_reviewed":{"heading":"Expert reviewed","tooltip_message":"This article has been fact-checked by a SeedLegals subject matter expert.<br><br><a href=\"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/authors-and-experts\/\" target=\"_blank\">Meet our experts<\/a> and learn more about our review process and quality assurance in our <a href=\"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/editorial-policy\/\" target=\"_blank\">editorial policy<\/a>."}},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>10 startup PR mistakes that could be costing you media coverage | SeedLegals<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn how the right public relations strategy can open doors, boost recognition and even 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But so does how you deliver it.<\/p>\n<p>SeedLegals Pitch gives you a simple way to create, share, and manage your investor pitch in one place. You can build a professional Pitch page, share it with investors, see who\u2019s engaging, and move interested investors straight into your funding round.<\/p>\n<p>Fundraising just became clearer, more organized and easier to manage.<\/p>\n<h2>Check out Pitch in action<\/h2>\n<div style=\"padding: 56.25% 0 0 0; position: relative;\"><iframe style=\"position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%;\" title=\"SeedLegals Pitch\" src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/1147198295?badge=0&amp;autopause=0&amp;player_id=0&amp;app_id=58479\" frameborder=\"0\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<p><script src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/api\/player.js\"><\/script><\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"text","text":"<h2>Build a professional Pitch page in minutes<\/h2>\n<p>With Pitch, you create a clean, investor-ready page in minutes.<\/p>\n<p>Log into SeedLegals, select Pitch from your dashboard, and fill in the guided sections including your company overview, pitch deck and video, team bios, and investment details.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s structured to highlight the key details investors want to see, helping you stand out and get conversations started.<\/p>\n<h2>Share one link with everything investors need<\/h2>\n<p>Investors see a lot of pitch decks. Managing multiple files, versions, and follow-ups can quickly become messy for both sides.<\/p>\n<p>With Pitch, you share one live link that contains all your investor materials. Everything lives in one place, making it easier for investors to review and easier for you to manage.<\/p>\n<p>You can update your Pitch page at any time, so investors always see the most up-to-date version. No more outdated attachments or lost files.<\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"image","image":{"ID":428146,"id":428146,"title":"Pitch Link Image","filename":"Pitch-link-image-scaled.png","filesize":206493,"url":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Pitch-link-image-scaled.png","link":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Pitch-link-image-scaled.png","alt":"Pitch Link Image","author":"163","description":"Pitch Link Image","caption":"Pitch Link Image","name":"pitch-link-image","status":"inherit","uploaded_to":428144,"date":"2025-12-17 04:35:22","modified":"2025-12-17 04:35:23","menu_order":0,"mime_type":"image\/png","type":"image","subtype":"png","icon":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-includes\/images\/media\/default.png","width":2560,"height":397,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Pitch-link-image-150x150.png","thumbnail-width":150,"thumbnail-height":150,"medium":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Pitch-link-image-300x47.png","medium-width":300,"medium-height":47,"medium_large":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Pitch-link-image-scaled.png","medium_large-width":768,"medium_large-height":119,"large":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Pitch-link-image-1024x159.png","large-width":1024,"large-height":159,"_themosis_media":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Pitch-link-image-100x100.png","_themosis_media-width":100,"_themosis_media-height":100,"1536x1536":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Pitch-link-image-1536x238.png","1536x1536-width":1536,"1536x1536-height":238,"2048x2048":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Pitch-link-image-2048x318.png","2048x2048-width":2048,"2048x2048-height":318,"themosis":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Pitch-link-image-200x150.png","themosis-width":200,"themosis-height":150,"tog-small":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Pitch-link-image-300x47.png","tog-small-width":300,"tog-small-height":47,"tog-medium":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Pitch-link-image-600x93.png","tog-medium-width":600,"tog-medium-height":93,"tog-large":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Pitch-link-image-1000x155.png","tog-large-width":1000,"tog-large-height":155,"tog-huge":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Pitch-link-image-1400x217.png","tog-huge-width":1400,"tog-huge-height":217}},"caption":"Publish your Pitch page and share it with one link","width":"100","alignment":"left"},{"acf_fc_layout":"text","text":"<h2>See who\u2019s interested and follow up fast<\/h2>\n<p>The moment someone views your Pitch, you\u2019ll know.<\/p>\n<p>Each visit is logged with an email address, so you can see who\u2019s engaging with your pitch. When an investor clicks \u2018I\u2019m interested\u2019, you\u2019ll get notified straight away, so you can follow up while you\u2019re still fresh in an investor\u2019s mind.<\/p>\n<p>Your Investor Tracker also helps you keep track of conversations, notes, and next steps, so you can see at a glance who\u2019s moving forward and who needs a follow-up.<\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"image","image":{"ID":428152,"id":428152,"title":"Pitch blog track investors","filename":"Screenshot-2025-12-17-at-12.30.31-scaled.png","filesize":112501,"url":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-17-at-12.30.31-scaled.png","link":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-17-at-12.30.31-scaled.png","alt":"Pitch blog track investors","author":"163","description":"Pitch blog track investors","caption":"Pitch blog track investors","name":"screenshot-2025-12-17-at-12-30-31","status":"inherit","uploaded_to":428144,"date":"2025-12-17 04:37:19","modified":"2025-12-17 04:37:39","menu_order":0,"mime_type":"image\/png","type":"image","subtype":"png","icon":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-includes\/images\/media\/default.png","width":2560,"height":1144,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-17-at-12.30.31-150x150.png","thumbnail-width":150,"thumbnail-height":150,"medium":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-17-at-12.30.31-300x134.png","medium-width":300,"medium-height":134,"medium_large":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-17-at-12.30.31-scaled.png","medium_large-width":768,"medium_large-height":343,"large":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-17-at-12.30.31-1024x458.png","large-width":1024,"large-height":458,"_themosis_media":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-17-at-12.30.31-100x100.png","_themosis_media-width":100,"_themosis_media-height":100,"1536x1536":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-17-at-12.30.31-1536x687.png","1536x1536-width":1536,"1536x1536-height":687,"2048x2048":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-17-at-12.30.31-2048x915.png","2048x2048-width":2048,"2048x2048-height":915,"themosis":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-17-at-12.30.31-200x150.png","themosis-width":200,"themosis-height":150,"tog-small":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-17-at-12.30.31-300x134.png","tog-small-width":300,"tog-small-height":134,"tog-medium":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-17-at-12.30.31-600x268.png","tog-medium-width":600,"tog-medium-height":268,"tog-large":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-17-at-12.30.31-1000x447.png","tog-large-width":1000,"tog-large-height":447,"tog-huge":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-17-at-12.30.31-1400x626.png","tog-huge-width":1400,"tog-huge-height":626}},"caption":"Track investor interest and follow up at the right moment","width":"100","alignment":"left"},{"acf_fc_layout":"text","text":"<h2>Control access to sensitive documents with your built-in Data Room<\/h2>\n<p>You want to make a strong first impression. But you don\u2019t want to share sensitive documents with everyone.<\/p>\n<p>With the built-in Data Room, you can upload confidential files such as projections or business plans, and choose exactly who can access them. Access can be granted or revoked at any time as conversations progress.<\/p>\n<p>This lets you keep your Pitch page easy to share, while staying in control of sensitive information.<\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"image","image":{"ID":428158,"id":428158,"title":"Data Room Pitch","filename":"Data-Room-Pitch-1-scaled.png","filesize":376709,"url":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Data-Room-Pitch-1-scaled.png","link":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Data-Room-Pitch-1-scaled.png","alt":"Data Room Pitch","author":"163","description":"Data Room Pitch","caption":"Data Room Pitch","name":"data-room-pitch-1","status":"inherit","uploaded_to":428144,"date":"2025-12-17 04:44:24","modified":"2025-12-17 04:46:09","menu_order":0,"mime_type":"image\/png","type":"image","subtype":"png","icon":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-includes\/images\/media\/default.png","width":2560,"height":1125,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Data-Room-Pitch-1-150x150.png","thumbnail-width":150,"thumbnail-height":150,"medium":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Data-Room-Pitch-1-300x132.png","medium-width":300,"medium-height":132,"medium_large":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Data-Room-Pitch-1-scaled.png","medium_large-width":768,"medium_large-height":338,"large":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Data-Room-Pitch-1-1024x450.png","large-width":1024,"large-height":450,"_themosis_media":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Data-Room-Pitch-1-100x100.png","_themosis_media-width":100,"_themosis_media-height":100,"1536x1536":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Data-Room-Pitch-1-1536x675.png","1536x1536-width":1536,"1536x1536-height":675,"2048x2048":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Data-Room-Pitch-1-2048x900.png","2048x2048-width":2048,"2048x2048-height":900,"themosis":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Data-Room-Pitch-1-200x150.png","themosis-width":200,"themosis-height":150,"tog-small":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Data-Room-Pitch-1-300x132.png","tog-small-width":300,"tog-small-height":132,"tog-medium":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Data-Room-Pitch-1-600x264.png","tog-medium-width":600,"tog-medium-height":264,"tog-large":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Data-Room-Pitch-1-1000x439.png","tog-large-width":1000,"tog-large-height":439,"tog-huge":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Data-Room-Pitch-1-1400x615.png","tog-huge-width":1400,"tog-huge-height":615}},"caption":"Easily grant and revoke access to your sensitive documents","width":"100","alignment":"left"},{"acf_fc_layout":"text","text":"<h2>Move from interest to investment, all in one place<\/h2>\n<p>When an investor is ready to commit, Pitch connects seamlessly with SeedLegals funding tools.<\/p>\n<p>You can move investors into a SAFE or priced round from the same platform, without switching tools or re-entering information. Everything stays connected as your raise moves forward.<\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"expert_highlight","expert_highlight":{"":null,"image":{"ID":424347,"id":424347,"title":"Matias","filename":"matias.jpeg","filesize":6777,"url":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/matias.jpeg","link":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/matias.jpeg","alt":"Matias","author":"163","description":"Matias","caption":"Matias","name":"matias","status":"inherit","uploaded_to":424345,"date":"2025-08-22 16:08:24","modified":"2025-08-22 16:08:24","menu_order":0,"mime_type":"image\/jpeg","type":"image","subtype":"jpeg","icon":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-includes\/images\/media\/default.png","width":200,"height":200,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/matias-150x150.jpeg","thumbnail-width":150,"thumbnail-height":150,"medium":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/matias.jpeg","medium-width":200,"medium-height":200,"medium_large":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/matias.jpeg","medium_large-width":200,"medium_large-height":200,"large":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/matias.jpeg","large-width":200,"large-height":200,"_themosis_media":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/matias-100x100.jpeg","_themosis_media-width":100,"_themosis_media-height":100,"1536x1536":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/matias.jpeg","1536x1536-width":200,"1536x1536-height":200,"2048x2048":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/matias.jpeg","2048x2048-width":200,"2048x2048-height":200,"themosis":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/matias-200x150.jpeg","themosis-width":200,"themosis-height":150,"tog-small":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/matias.jpeg","tog-small-width":200,"tog-small-height":200,"tog-medium":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/matias.jpeg","tog-medium-width":200,"tog-medium-height":200,"tog-large":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/matias.jpeg","tog-large-width":200,"tog-large-height":200,"tog-huge":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/matias.jpeg","tog-huge-width":200,"tog-huge-height":200}},"quote":"<p><strong>We love feedback<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>We&#8217;re building more tools to help you fundraise faster. We want to know what works for you and what else you need!<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"mailto:matias@seedlegals.com\">Drop me an email to share your thoughts.<\/a><\/p>\n","name":{"title":"Matias Morgan","url":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/us\/resources\/author\/matias-morgan\/","target":"_blank"},"role":"Senior Product Manager","company":{"title":"SeedLegals","url":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/us\/?nr=1","target":"_blank"},"linkedin":"","facebook":"","instagram":"","twitter":"","hide_image":false}},{"acf_fc_layout":"text","text":"<h2>Ready to raise smarter?<\/h2>\n<p>Join thousands of founders already using Pitch to connect with investors and close faster. <a href=\"https:\/\/app.seedlegals.com\/signup\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">You can create and share your Pitch page for free<\/a>, then unlock additional features like investor tracking and the Data Room when you need them.<\/p>\n<p>If you have any questions or want support on your fundraising journey, book a call with our team!<\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"form","layout":"custom","heading":"Get answers fast, for free","content":"Bring all your questions. We\u2019ve got the answers!\r\nWe\u2019ll match you with the right specialist.","custom":{"image":false,"button_text":"Get Started","form":{"type":"hubspot","hubspot_form":{"layout":"default","hide_founderinvestor_toggle":false,"default_community":"founder","custom_form_id":"21723609-6f1b-45c0-9691-77d462dc3bed","gdpr_disclaimer":"By subscribing, you agree to receive information from SeedLegals. You can unsubscribe anytime. View our <a href=\"\/privacy-policy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">privacy policy<\/a>"},"custom":{"embed":""},"gtm_form_type":"default","gtm_form_location":"default"}},"add_shadow":false}],"related_posts":false},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Pitch: The simple way to win over investors | SeedLegals<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Create, share, and manage your investor pitch in one place. 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Turning prototypes into products"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Xogito Founder Gus Spathis and SeedLegals CEO Anthony Rose dive into the shift in AI agency and how vibe coding misconceptions can affect software products.  <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":183,"featured_media":428702,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[147,157],"tags":[],"event_tags":[],"class_list":["post-428105","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-startup-guides-us","category-videos"],"acf":{"post_content_width":"default","post_content":[{"acf_fc_layout":"text","text":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Building software has never been easier for innovators who lack coding expertise. With vibe coding, you can now simply describe your idea and it will be transformed into a real, secure, intelligent mockup&#8230; right? Not quite.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In a world of instant prototypes and AI-generated content, there are so many possibilities but also plenty of uncertainty about <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">what comes next.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Watch this session with SeedLegals CEO <a href=\"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/us\/resources\/author\/anthony\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Anthony Rose<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.xogito.com\/about\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Xogito<\/a> Founder, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/cspathis\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Gus Spathis<\/a>, as they explore how founders can transition from vibe-coded demos to investor-ready products (without wasting time or money) and draw the line between solo experimentation and deciding when to bring in engineers. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"From vibe-coding to the real deal: Turning prototypes into products\" src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/1144828914?title=0&amp;byline=0&amp;portrait=0&amp;badge=0&amp;autopause=0&amp;player_id=0&amp;app_id=58479\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" frameborder=\"0\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"text","text":"<h2><b>Key takeaways<\/b><\/h2>\n<h3><b>Vibe coding changes the game&#8230; but it doesn\u2019t finish the job<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vibe coding allows founders to go from idea to working prototype incredibly fast, without raising money or hiring developers upfront.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These AI-generated prototypes are designed to be cheap, fast and disposable. Perfect for testing ideas, not shipping final products.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The problem hasn\u2019t disappeared; it\u2019s just moved later in the journey, from &#8216;can I build this?&#8217; to &#8216;how do I make this real?&#8217;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For most startups, vibe coding is a powerful starting point, not the destination.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Security risks can harm promising startups<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vibe-coded apps often overlook basic security, especially when built by non-technical founders.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Customer data, payment details, API keys and internal systems can all be exposed without proper safeguards.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A single security breach can destroy user trust, derail fundraising and scare off investors overnight.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Founders should cross-check AI-generated code with multiple models and bring in experts before scaling.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Why prototypes break when real users show up<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most vibe-coded products only support the &#8216;happy path&#8217; aka the ideal way founders imagine users behaving.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Real users click randomly, skip instructions, enter unexpected data and forget how they signed up.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This gap between demo behaviour and real-world usage is where many early products fall apart.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Turning a prototype into a production app means handling edge cases, failures and messy human behaviour.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"cta","cta":{"type":"default","subheading":"","heading":"Perfect your pitch","content":"Use our free ultimate pitch deck template: includes step-by-step guidance & tips from investors","bullet_points":false,"form":{"type":"none","hubspot_form":{"layout":"newsletter","hide_founderinvestor_toggle":false,"default_community":"founder","custom_form_id":"","gdpr_disclaimer":"By subscribing, you agree to receive information from SeedLegals. You can unsubscribe anytime. View our <a href=\"\/privacy-policy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">privacy policy<\/a>"},"custom":{"embed":""},"gtm_form_type":"default","gtm_form_location":"default"},"button":{"title":"Get the free template","url":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/us\/resources\/pitch-deck-template-us-startups\/","target":"_blank"},"image":417581}},{"acf_fc_layout":"text","text":"<h3><b>The real value has shifted from code to specs<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As AI makes code cheaper and faster to generate, investors care less about how much code you\u2019ve written.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The true value now sits in the idea, the traction and the clarity of how the product should work.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Spec-driven development (clearly defining users, flows, goals and integrations) is becoming a core founder skill.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Strong specs allow both humans and AI to build better products, faster and with less wasted effort.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>When to stop experimenting and bring in humans<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Founders should use vibe coding to test ideas, gather feedback and validate demand as early as possible.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once users want to rely on the product (or sensitive data is involved) it\u2019s time to involve experienced engineers.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Today\u2019s production-ready apps can cost a fraction of what they did five years ago if built with modern AI tools.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The best results come when founders arrive with a clear spec, a validated idea, and realistic expectations about scale.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Agents are the next leap beyond apps<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The future of software isn\u2019t more dashboards and buttons. It\u2019s autonomous agents that act on users\u2019 behalf.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Agentic AI can connect to email, payments, CRMs and other systems to complete tasks end-to-end.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This shift forces founders to rethink what their product actually does, not just how it looks.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Startups that design with agents in mind now will be better positioned for the next wave of AI-driven businesses.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"form","layout":"custom","heading":"Get answers fast, for free","content":"Bring all your questions. We\u2019ve got the answers!\r\nWe\u2019ll match you with the right specialist.","custom":{"image":false,"button_text":"Get Started","form":{"type":"hubspot","hubspot_form":{"layout":"default","hide_founderinvestor_toggle":false,"default_community":"founder","custom_form_id":"21723609-6f1b-45c0-9691-77d462dc3bed","gdpr_disclaimer":"By subscribing, you agree to receive information from SeedLegals. You can unsubscribe anytime. 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srcset='https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/eec24f24334b9a815c127811f69deccd9cf669083b239a62f3a4c38997362003?s=192&#038;d=mm&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'\/>"},"role":"Co-Founder and CEO"}]},"is_expert_reviewed":true,"expert_reviewed":{"heading":"Expert reviewed","tooltip_message":"This article has been fact-checked by a SeedLegals subject matter expert.<br><br><a href=\"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/authors-and-experts\/\" target=\"_blank\">Meet our experts<\/a> and learn more about our review process and quality assurance in our <a href=\"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/editorial-policy\/\" target=\"_blank\">editorial policy<\/a>."},"has_sources":false,"related_posts":false},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Vibe-coding: Turning prototypes into products | SeedLegals<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Including 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sales 101: Pipeline and meeting mastery in under 90 minutes"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>SeedLegals Tristan Astley-Jones chats with Founder2Closer\u2019s Alex Stanley-Bell about how to sell as a founder and why it\u2019s important. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":183,"featured_media":427251,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[141,157],"tags":[],"event_tags":[],"class_list":["post-427429","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized-us","category-videos"],"acf":{"post_content_width":"default","post_content":[{"acf_fc_layout":"text","text":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Founders don\u2019t need to become salespeople, but they do need to learn how to sell like them.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When a seasoned SaaS seller realised founders didn\u2019t need scripts, funnels or jargon, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.founder2closer.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Founder2Closer<\/a> was born. CEO <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/alex-stanley-bell\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Alex Stanley-Bell<\/a> wanted to turn hesitant founders into confident closers and, with over a decade of experience in tech sales, he\u2019ll also now be <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/thepitch.uk\/our-mentors\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">sharing his secrets with The Pitch 2026 cohort as a mentor<\/a> on the art of sales.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So join him in this conversation with SeedLegals\u2019 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/tristan-astley-jones-171920178\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Tristan Astley-Jones<\/a> where they unpack the mindset of founder-led sales and learn how to get crafting messages that speak louder than the AI-generated noise.<\/span><\/p>\n<div style=\"padding: 56.25% 0 0 0; position: relative;\"><iframe style=\"position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%;\" title=\"Founder-led sales 101: How to book meetings &amp; build a pipeline in under 90 minutes a day\" src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/1130202908?title=0&amp;byline=0&amp;portrait=0&amp;badge=0&amp;autopause=0&amp;player_id=0&amp;app_id=58479\" frameborder=\"0\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<p><script src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/api\/player.js\"><\/script><\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"text","text":"<h2><b>Key takeaways<\/b><\/h2>\n<h3><b>Why founder-led sales matter<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s common for early-stage founders to avoid sales because they \u2018don\u2019t feel like salespeople\u2019, but learning how to sell authentically is essential for traction and investor confidence. <\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alex Stanley-Bell founded Founder2Closer to teach B2B founders how to find, engage and close customers in under 90 minutes a day. Try to do so without losing control of their vision or values.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Founder-led sales isn\u2019t just about revenue; it helps shape messaging, validate product-market fit and make future sales hires more effective.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Crafting messages that cut through the noise<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With AI-generated outreach flooding inboxes, relevance and curiosity (and brevity) now matter more than hyper-personalization.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A great message is short, acknowledges a pain point, disrupts the reader\u2019s pattern and creates intrigue, like Alex\u2019s &#8216;popcorn message&#8217; template inspired by a cinema client.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoid overused openers like &#8216;Hope you\u2019re well&#8217;; instead, lead with a pattern interrupt and a clear trigger tied to the recipient\u2019s world.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"cta","cta":{"type":"default","subheading":"","heading":"Perfect your pitch","content":"Use our free ultimate pitch deck template: includes step-by-step guidance & tips from investors<br \/>\r\n","bullet_points":false,"form":{"type":"none","hubspot_form":{"layout":"newsletter","hide_founderinvestor_toggle":false,"default_community":"founder","custom_form_id":"","gdpr_disclaimer":"By subscribing, you agree to receive information from SeedLegals. You can unsubscribe anytime. View our <a href=\"\/privacy-policy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">privacy policy<\/a>"},"custom":{"embed":""},"gtm_form_type":"default","gtm_form_location":"default"},"button":{"title":"Get the free template","url":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/us\/resources\/pitch-deck-template-us-startups\/?nr=1","target":"_blank"},"image":417581}},{"acf_fc_layout":"text","text":"<h3><b>Understanding pain and using it effectively<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8216;Pain&#8217; drives decisions more than &#8216;gain&#8217;, and it\u2019s any threat to a person or business\u2019s success that\u2019s felt both professionally and personally.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alex breaks it into three layers: professional (eg. revenue or risk), political (eg. job security, reputation) and visceral (eg. stress, anxiety, sleepless nights).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Founders should identify which level of pain their product addresses and use it to create messaging that compels action, not just attention.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>The power of \u2018give to get\u2019<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most cold outreach fails because founders <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ask<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for time instead of <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">offering<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> value. Replace \u2018Can I get 15 minutes?\u2019 with something useful like an insight, audit or data point.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This mindset builds trust and reciprocity. Examples include \u2018gifting\u2019 them with a free diagnostic, some personalized advice, a short gap analysis, sharing industry insights, or inviting feedback on a feature.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A demo doesn\u2019t count unless it clearly solves a problem; the value must be immediately felt and genuinely helpful<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>The three atoms of the sales universe<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Every successful sale relies on the right message, the right person and the right time. Miss one of these, and you risk losing momentum. <\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Founders should focus on 15-20 high-quality prospects daily instead of chasing volume; quality conversations create meaningful results. <\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even with perfect messaging, not everyone will respond, but aligning these three \u2018atoms\u2019 dramatically increases conversion and builds lasting relationships.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"cta","cta":{"type":"default","subheading":"SeedLegals newsletter","heading":"Connect with fascinating founders","content":"Sign up to our newsletter and get exclusive updates and invites delivered directly to your inbox.","bullet_points":false,"form":{"type":"hubspot","hubspot_form":{"layout":"default","hide_founderinvestor_toggle":false,"default_community":"founder","custom_form_id":"01a88eae-6b01-4e08-9946-0262f0658872","gdpr_disclaimer":"By subscribing, you agree to receive information from SeedLegals. 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View our <a href=\"\/privacy-policy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">privacy policy<\/a>"},"custom":{"embed":""},"gtm_form_type":false,"gtm_form_location":false}},"cta_and_testimonials":{"heading":"","button":null,"bullet_points":false,"testimonials":false}}}],"related_sidebar_posts":false},"show_author_card":false,"revision_date":"","hero_image":427246,"video_category_post_fields":{"video_listing_page_featured_image":427310},"has_custom_post_authors":true,"is_expert_reviewed":true,"expert_reviewed":{"heading":"Expert reviewed","tooltip_message":"This article has been fact-checked by a SeedLegals subject matter expert.<br><br><a href=\"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/authors-and-experts\/\" target=\"_blank\">Meet our experts<\/a> and learn more about our review process and quality assurance in our <a href=\"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/editorial-policy\/\" target=\"_blank\">editorial policy<\/a>."},"has_sources":false,"related_posts":false,"custom_post_authors":{"authors":[{"author":{"ID":183,"user_firstname":"Erin","user_lastname":"Deasy","nickname":"Erin Deasy","user_nicename":"erin-deasy","display_name":"Erin Deasy","user_email":"erindeasy@seedlegals.com","user_url":"","user_registered":"2025-02-13 11:45:53","user_description":"","user_avatar":"<img alt='' src='https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/c23db6013426cb089441a06ee35ae3d3b4787089a579feb3d46a9b3d57ca0b63?s=96&#038;d=mm&#038;r=g' srcset='https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/c23db6013426cb089441a06ee35ae3d3b4787089a579feb3d46a9b3d57ca0b63?s=192&#038;d=mm&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'\/>"},"role":"Writer"}]}},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Founder-led sales 101: Pipeline and meeting mastery in under 90 minutes | SeedLegals<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Confused about selling as a founder? Curious about how you can add value to your outreach? Founder2Closer\u2019s Alex Stanley-Bell shares his recipe for success.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/us\/resources\/founder-sales-101\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Founder-led sales 101: Pipeline and meeting mastery in under 90 minutes | SeedLegals\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Confused about selling as a founder? Curious about how you can add value to your outreach? 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in sugar, high in flavour: Muush\u2019s secret ingredient is a fun-gus"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Matt Martin, co-founder of Muush, makes waves with a fungus-fuelled beverage, loaded with nutrients and healthy for kids and adults.      <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":183,"featured_media":426117,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[141,157,158],"tags":[],"event_tags":[],"class_list":["post-427425","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized-us","category-videos","category-founder-interviews-us"],"acf":{"post_content_width":"default","post_content":[{"acf_fc_layout":"text","text":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What if your decision to cut sugar and choose sweeteners was harming you more than helping you? And what if we told you there was a mushroom that could change that? <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mainstream beverages often fall into two camps: sugary drinks loaded with additives or plain waters that do little more than hydrate.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/matthew-martin-38671243\/?originalSubdomain=uk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Matt Martin<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/dan-d-souza\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Dan D\u2019Souza<\/a> are mixing it up with a lion\u2019s mane-based functional soda, helping energize buyers by fueling their focus, boosting gut health and providing a pour of natural vitamins. Developed with the help of their cider-making friends (the founders of Cranes), <a href=\"https:\/\/muush.co\/?srsltid=AfmBOoq6WpdYsafQ9OPbiXP7ZuseEAfhKbMrdDO_Qj5WNrai3EsxE8_D\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Muush<\/a> introduces mushrooms, without compromising on flavor, fun or nutrition.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Join SeedLegals CEO<a href=\"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/us\/resources\/author\/anthony\/?nr=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> Anthony Rose<\/a> in this Founder Interview where he chats with Matt about creating a new category of drinks, built for adults and children and kept cold in a 120-liter fridge from the trunk of a blue vintage Rolls-Royce.<\/span><\/p>\n<div style=\"padding: 56.25% 0 0 0; position: relative;\"><iframe style=\"position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%;\" title=\"Muush - Matt Martin (Founder Interview)\" src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/1131668711?title=0&amp;byline=0&amp;portrait=0&amp;badge=0&amp;autopause=0&amp;player_id=0&amp;app_id=58479\" frameborder=\"0\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<p><script src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/api\/player.js\"><\/script><\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"text","text":"<h2><b>Key takeaways<\/b><\/h2>\n<h3><b>The problem with mainstream drinks<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most soft drinks fall into extremes. They&#8217;re either packed with refined sugar and additives or plain hydration with little nutritional benefit.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Artificial sweeteners, though marketed as \u2018healthy\u2019, can trick the body into craving more sugar, contributing to overeating and obesity.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The market lacked a balanced, genuinely functional drink that tasted good <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> delivered real health benefits.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Muush\u2019s solution<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Muush introduces a lion\u2019s mane mushroom-based functional soda, blending flavour and well-being in one bottle.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Each can is low in sugar, high in fiber, and enriched with vitamins A, D3, and C, so they&#8217;re designed to support brain function, gut health, and sustained energy.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By producing in-house with help from cider-making friends at Cranes, the team saved months of development time and thousands in production costs while keeping full creative control.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Traction and growth<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Muush is already stocked in around 70 locations across London, with growing presence in independent stores and marketplaces like <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Our Deli<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Village Whole Foods<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The team\u2019s signature bright blue Rolls-Royce fridge car has become a playful part of their brand story, driving both awareness and retailer support.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With a live online store and Amazon presence, Muush is now scaling up and securing new partnerships to bring its &#8216;good-for-you&#8217; soda to a wider audience. <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"cta","cta":{"type":"default","subheading":"SeedLegals newsletter","heading":"Connect with fascinating founders","content":"Sign up to our newsletter and get the best of SeedLegals events delivered directly to your inbox","bullet_points":false,"form":{"type":"hubspot","hubspot_form":{"layout":"default","hide_founderinvestor_toggle":false,"default_community":"founder","custom_form_id":"01a88eae-6b01-4e08-9946-0262f0658872","gdpr_disclaimer":"By subscribing, you agree to receive information from SeedLegals. 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