This workshop will present a practical case of a startup with intellectual property assets and trade secrets, breaking down step by step how to structure early-stage financing rounds with strong legal and corporate criteria. Starting from the core technology and its value chain, the panel will analyze the robustness of the IP portfolio (patents, trademarks, copyrights, know-how) and the confidentiality and trade secret protection framework, as well as their direct impact on valuation and technical due diligence (tech/legal due diligence).
The discussion will cover founders’ agreements, the assignment and consolidation of IP rights, compatibility with prior and open-source licenses, and mechanisms to align team incentives with the company’s vision and growth plan.
On the financial structuring side, the panel will explore typical instruments used in seed and pre-Series A rounds (SAFE/CLA, convertible notes, preferred equity) and how to calibrate them according to traction metrics, technology readiness level (TRL), regulatory strategy, and IP enforcement risks. The panel will highlight key clauses and warranties that investors usually require to protect their investment — including representations and warranties on IP ownership, non-infringement, full assignments, vesting, and non-compete and non-solicitation provisions — as well as economic and control protections (liquidation preferences, anti-dilution, information rights, and board/observer rights).
Participants will leave with a practical framework to align IP strategy, corporate governance, and investment terms, maximizing valuation in early financing rounds.
The discussion will cover founders’ agreements, the assignment and consolidation of IP rights, compatibility with prior and open-source licenses, and mechanisms to align team incentives with the company’s vision and growth plan.
On the financial structuring side, the panel will explore typical instruments used in seed and pre-Series A rounds (SAFE/CLA, convertible notes, preferred equity) and how to calibrate them according to traction metrics, technology readiness level (TRL), regulatory strategy, and IP enforcement risks. The panel will highlight key clauses and warranties that investors usually require to protect their investment — including representations and warranties on IP ownership, non-infringement, full assignments, vesting, and non-compete and non-solicitation provisions — as well as economic and control protections (liquidation preferences, anti-dilution, information rights, and board/observer rights).
Participants will leave with a practical framework to align IP strategy, corporate governance, and investment terms, maximizing valuation in early financing rounds.
