STARTUPS

Transforming an idea into a successful business is an exciting and ultimately fulfilling undertaking. The success of any young business hinges on the answers to many important and, sometimes, complex questions. What corporate structure should the business adopt? What are the tax consequences of adopting one structure over another? What type of financing is available, and how does the structure impact those options? What intellectual property does the entity own, and how can it protect those assets? Often, the answers to these questions make the difference between a company that struggles and one that ultimately succeeds.

Husch Blackwell attorneys know how to help businesses navigate through these and many other considerations that are critical to establishing a firm foundation from which to build a successful enterprise. We have a long history of helping clients launch fledgling companies that become multimillion- and billion-dollar corporations. Our attorneys partner with entrepreneurs, startups and existing companies to understand the purpose and vision behind the business in order to help guide decisions and protect ideas that are critical to its success.

Solutions for Your Startup

Focused on Client Success Our team draws on the experience and knowledge of some 700 attorneys firmwide to advise emerging businesses and help them avoid common pitfalls as they develop and grow. Key areas for any innovation business include:

¡ Business structure and exit strategies ¡ Employment ¡ Financing ¡ Government regulation ¡ Intellectual property ¡ Mediation, dispute resolution and

litigation ¡ Real estate ¡ Tax

Advising Entrepreneurs at Every Step

Our attorneys anticipate needs and create efficient, cost-effective solutions at all stages of development.

Plan ¡ Draft and review business plan ¡ Advise on business formation and

structuring ¡ Identify and negotiate with potential

investors ¡ Protect intellectual property with patents,

trademarks and copyrights

Manage ¡ Counsel on labor and employment issues ¡ Draft and negotiate contracts and

agreements ¡ Buy, lease or sell property ¡ Advocate on regulatory affairs ¡ Advise on tax and estate planning ¡ File or respond to lawsuits

Evolve ¡ Grow and expand the business through

merger, acquisition or financing ¡ Protect assets ¡ Minimize risk

Hands-on Experience

Our team works with entrepreneurship initiatives nationwide to help grow the next generation of products and brands. The organizations we are involved with include:

¡ Cortex Innovation District – St. Louis, MO ¡ eFactory – Springfield, MO ¡ Midwest Energy Research Consortium (M-WERC) –

Milwaukee, WI ¡ Missouri Innovation Center – Columbia, MO ¡ MU Entrepreneurship Legal Clinic – Columbia, MO ¡ Silicon Prairie – Lincoln, NE ¡ Sprint Accelerator – Kansas City, MO ¡ Startup Collaborative – Omaha, NE ¡ SXSW – Austin, TX ¡ Hyper-Innovation Project – Madison, WI ¡ StartingBlock Madison – Madison, WI

huschblackwell.com

Husch Blackwell LLP | Arizona | Colorado | Illinois | Missouri Nebraska | Tennessee | Texas | Washington, D.C. | Wisconsin

About Our FirmHusch Blackwell is an industry-focused litigation and business law firm with offices in 17 cities across the United States. We represent clients around the world in major industries including energy and natural resources; financial services and capital markets; food and agribusiness; healthcare, life sciences and education; real estate, development and construction; and technology, manufacturing and transportation.