Description:

Fundamentals for Financing Your Startup
Build the financial foundation your startup needs to grow.

Raising capital is one of the most exciting and complex milestones in a startup’s journey. Understanding how ownership, valuation, and investment structures work is key to making smart decisions that set your company up for long-term success.

In this session, you’ll learn:
- Ownership 101: Get clear on the difference between common and preferred stock, how ownership shifts during funding rounds, and how to balance the competing goals of founders and investors. We’ll also demystify valuation—what it means, how it’s determined, and why it matters.
- SAFEs and Debt: Explore the pros and cons of Simple Agreements for Future Equity (SAFEs) and other early financing tools, including debt instruments.
- Selling Stock: Understand what happens when you issue or sell stock, the unique features of preferred stock, and how these terms impact control and returns.
- Positioning for a Successful Fundraise: Learn how to structure your company and tell your story to attract the right investors and close your next round with confidence.

Whether you’re preparing for your first raise or refining your financing strategy, this session will equip you with the essential knowledge to navigate the fundraising landscape with clarity and confidence.

About the Speakers

Jay Reilly
Partner, Foley Hoag LLP

Jay Reilly is a seasoned transactional and corporate advisor with deep experience serving clients across the life sciences and high-tech industries. He represents biotechnology, pharmaceutical, medical device, diagnostic, and digital health companies—as well as universities and nonprofits—in complex strategic transactions, licensing and collaboration agreements, venture financing and mergers and acquisitions. His work spans both domestic and international markets.

Jay regularly advises C-suite executives, boards of directors, and general counsels on governance, fiduciary duties, risk mitigation, and enterprise-wide legal strategy. He frequently serves as a trusted senior advisor to leadership teams and as outside general counsel to companies with lean in-house legal departments.

Sarah Nyaeme
Associate, Foley Hoag LLP

Sarah Nyaeme focuses on advising public and private companies on a wide range of corporate matters. Sarah has a broad range of experience within the corporate department which includes facilitating formation and financing of early-stage companies, sale and buy-side mergers and acquisitions of public and private companies, reviewing agreements for clients pursing licensing and strategic alliances, and assisting with general corporate governance matters.